Electronic Booking Information Service
If you cannot find the information you need, please contact our Customer Service Desk on 0345 410 2222, or e-mail: info@buyingsolutions.gsi.gov.uk
- What is EBIS?
The Electronic Booking Interface Service (EBIS) in its simplest form is an online self-booking tool that will allow users to book their business travel requirements directly from their desktop PC's. Additionally, EBIS is capable of interfacing with existing and future IS/IT systems being hosted on public sector infrastructure.
- Will EBIS support fulfilment of the booking?
Fulfilment of your travel booking will still be provided through your Travel Service Provider (TSP). We are currently sourcing an on-line booking service
- What are the benefits of using EBIS?
- Ability to leverage all travel spend
- Process efficiency gains through technology standardisation and integration
- Improved transaction costs and lower cost fares
- Greater control over vendor deals
- Compliance monitoring in line with departmental travel policies
- Standardised booking and billing process
- Crisis management facilitation
- What added value does EBIS provide to departments and users?
- Comprehensive schedule and fare information for available flights and trains, with an integrated display that shows airlines low cost carriers and rail on the same screen
- Reports that highlight price comparisons with the best negotiated fare, the lowest refundable fare and low cost carriers and rail options
- A fully automated approval system
- Customised branding of the user interface
- Customised functionality to meet specific business objectives governed by in-house policies
- Will Buying Solutions be charging commission for EBIS?
At this stage it is not envisaged that Buying Solutions will charge commission to departments for using EBIS.
- As this is a contract and not a framework how do customers utilise the service?
As there is no provision for customers to enter into a Call-Off contract, customers will be required to sign a Customer Agreement with the contractor in order to become a party to the contract. There will therefore be a contractual relationship between the customer and the contractor.
- How long will the implementation of EBIS take?
This will depend on your requirements, however the minimum timescale provided is 12 weeks.
- What is the contract period?
The contract has been set up for 5 years with an option to extend for 3 years.
- What is the minimum and maximum time I can stipulate for my contract?
There is no minimum term, however as this is a contract and not a framework, all customer arrangements will be required to expire in line with the over-arching contract i.e. they are not able to carry on beyond the contract expiry date.
- I am able to book my travel requirements via external websites such as Expedia without having to pay a booking fee, therefore what are the advantages for my department of booking through EBIS?
If your department uses EBIS, the increase in the volume of transactions leads to an increase of the aggregated demand which creates a strong position for future negotiations and market leverage across the industry. Vital management information will be captured which is not available if booking through external websites and this will allow the identification of concentrated spend across both suppliers and departments resulting in cost reductions through better negotiated deals.
Also there is a corporate responsibility and duty of care obligation to ensure the safety and well being of employees whilst undertaking business travel as part of their role. By booking via external websites it could make tracing individuals in the event of an emergency situation very difficult for employers.
- Will Buying Solutions support me through the establishment of my contract and the implementation stage?
We will work together alongside the contractor and support you throughout the contract process.