OpenProcurement is a free, open source toolkit for running procurement workflows for public authorities or private entities. Its components include a Business Process Management engine, a central database, an API and an auction module. Frontend services such as eMalls and marketplaces connect to the engine through the API, so platforms built with different programming languages or technologies can work with the central database. The toolkit supports four auction types for procurement workflows. Its data structure follows Open Contracting Data Standards and publishes information that can be disclosed under applicable law. The toolkit is built with Python, Pyramid, AngularJS, Bootstrap, Flask, CouchDB and PouchDB. The central database and auction module can run on AWS, with SS3-compatible object storage such as OpenStack Swift required. The database does not store registered users’ authorization data, so the web platform or its operator must protect account information. OpenProcurement is designed without restrictions on database size or procurement volume. Its components can be combined or used separately, including in custom commercial solutions.
Who it is for
OpenProcurement suits public authorities and private entities that need a procurement toolkit, including organizations building their own frontend platforms. Its API and separate components can also suit teams that need to connect existing web platforms or create commercial procurement solutions.
What is good
- Free software can be used to build and sell custom commercial solutions.
- API connects frontend platforms built with different technologies.
- Supports four auction types for procurement workflows.
- Designed without limits on database size or procurement volume.
- Components can be used together or separately.
What to know first
- No free trial is offered.
- The operator or web platform must protect registered users’ account data.
- AWS hosting requires SS3-compatible object storage.
Verdict
Choose OpenProcurement if you need a free toolkit for procurement workflows, an API for connecting platforms, or components to use in a custom solution. The main operational consideration is that the web platform or operator handles account-data protection, and AWS hosting requires compatible object storage.
Get started with OpenProcurement
- Visit the OpenProcurement website.
- Review the API and procedure documentation.
- Choose the toolkit components to use together or separately.
- Connect a frontend platform to the engine through the API.
- For AWS hosting, provide SS3-compatible object storage such as OpenStack Swift.
- Use the contact form to reach the OpenProcurement team.
Questions about OpenProcurement
Is OpenProcurement free?
Yes. It has a free plan, and the maker says the software can be used to build and sell custom commercial solutions.
Is there a free trial?
No. The listed pricing information says there is no free trial.
What platforms does it support?
The listed platforms are API, self-hosted and web.
Is OpenProcurement open source?
Yes. It is an open source procurement toolkit.
Can it connect to platforms built with different technologies?
Yes. Web platforms can interoperate with the central database through the API regardless of their programming language or technology.
Who is responsible for protecting account data?
The central database does not store registered users’ authorization data. The web platform or operator is responsible for protecting account data from unauthorized access and accidental destruction or distortion.
Compared on procurement software
- Free plan
- Yes
