A NEW electronic invoicing system set up by North Yorkshire County Council for payments to suppliers has gone live with the first electronic invoice being received from Wallis Business Services of York.

It was a smooth transition from sign up of the system to its first transaction.

Now, reports the county council, its major suppliers are responding to a campaign pointing out the benefits and are enrolling fast.

Councillor Carl Les, the county council's executive member for corporate services, said: "Receiving e-invoices will allow us to meet our aims of improving the percentage of invoices paid within 30 days to our suppliers and of making our administrative functions more efficient." The new process has already attracted interest from other councils. John Moore, director of the county council's financial services, said: "Harnessing our existing intranet technology to Open Business Exchange's OB10 system means our staff will be able to approve payments online. These new ways of working complement the county council's drive for improved procurement practices."

Peter Wallis, of Wallis Business Services, said: "Supplying office supplies online, plus the advantage of supplying computers and having a full computer service and training department helps keep Wallis at the cutting edge of technology.

Pictured:

John Moore, head of North Yorkshire County Council's financial services, Coun Carl Les the county council's executive member for corporate services and Peter Wallis, managing director of Wallis Business Services, discover the benefits of the new payments system

Updated: 11:23 Monday, June 21, 2004