What does "e-procurement" refer to?

The term "e-procurement" specifically refers to the use of electronic methods to procure goods and services. This process typically involves utilizing online platforms and software systems to facilitate various procurement activities such as sourcing, ordering, and managing inventory. E-procurement streamlines purchasing processes, enhances efficiency, and can improve transparency in procurement operations.

In contrast, other options do not accurately capture the essence of e-procurement. The manual process of purchasing via paper forms represents traditional procurement methods, which e-procurement seeks to modernize and improve upon. While reducing costs and enhancing supplier relationships are potential benefits of e-procurement, they do not define what e-procurement itself is. Thus, the core concept of e-procurement centers around the electronic means of facilitating procurement activities.