OpenProcurement vs ProcurementExpress.com

OpenProcurement is a free, open-source toolkit for procuring goods and services by public authorities or private entities. It combines a Business Process Management engine, central database, API and auction module. Frontend platforms such as eMalls and marketplaces connect through the API, allowing systems built with different programming languages or technologies to interoperate with the central database. The e-Auction module supports English, reverse, multivariable and insider auctions based on a Dutch auction. Data follows Open Contracting Data Standards and uses an open-data approach, publishing information that applicable law allows to be disclosed. The toolkit is built with Python, Pyramid, AngularJS, Bootstrap, Flask, CouchDB and PouchDB. Its central database and auction module can be hosted on AWS, with SS3-compatible object storage such as OpenStack Swift required. The database does not store registered users’ authorization data, leaving account protection to the web platform or operator. OpenProcurement is designed without limits on database size or procurement count, and components can be combined or used separately in commercial solutions.

ProcurementExpress.com supports purchase requests, approvals, budget visibility, and purchasing records for finance teams. Budgets can be grouped by project or department, with committed and remaining funds visible to approvers. Approval workflows can route by amount, department, or project, with automatic or manual routing, approval limits, and self-approval rules. Purchase history and supporting documents, including attachments, stay with orders for audit preparation. The service runs on the web and has iOS and Android apps for creating and approving requests. Listed accounting integrations include QuickBooks, Xero, Sage, NetSuite, and Dynamics, with availability dependent on plan and setup. Plans vary in purchasing limits, organization counts, integrations, and reporting. Best includes Scan & Match for capturing invoices and matching them to purchase orders. A 14-day trial provides full feature access without requiring a credit card. All plans include onboarding, documentation, and support; Professional and Enterprise plans include priority support.