1. What Is Connected Procurement?

Connected Procurement refers to a digital-first, integrated ecosystem that brings together builders, trades, and suppliers—streamlining how work is scoped, scheduled, quoted, and executed. Unlike traditional fragmented methods, this approach builds unified workflows, clarity, and accountability across the supply chain.
A platform like BuiltGrid exemplifies this: “automating the everyday procurement tasks that eat up your time, and connecting everyone involved — builders, trades, and suppliers — into efficiently aligned workflows”. It embraces tendering, quoting, scheduling, performance tracking, and communication—all in one place.

2. How It Works

At its core, Connected Procurement operates via a cloud-based platform that:

• Centralises workflows—moving procurement from email chains and spreadsheets to structured, accessible dashboards.
• Automates routine tasks—such as quote requests, schedule notifications, compliance checks, and approvals.
• Enhances visibility—providing real-time insights into timelines, scope, spend, and supplier performance.
• Promotes competitive markets—allowing suppliers and trades to bid transparently and efficiently ProcureProIndustrial Build News.
• Scales with AI—leveraging predictive analytics, supplier ranking, and data-driven recommendations to optimise bidding and sourcing decisions Industrial Build NewsDeloitte.

3. Benefits to Every Audience

For Custom Builders, Volume Builders, and Developers

• Greater productivity and cost savings: Digital transformation in construction can yield ~15% productivity gain and ~6% cost reduction.
• Faster project delivery and early risk detection through streamlined procurement and streamlined approvals.
• Better supplier control through visibility, compliance tracking, and enterprise oversight.

For Trades and Subcontractors

• More consistent work pipelines—projects are sourced and shared via platforms that cut admin time and improve cash flow predictability
• Easier quoting and onboarding—less emailing, more structured responses, and fair competition.
• Stronger supplier relationships—your credentials, responses, and performance all visible to future projects.

For Suppliers and Manufacturers

• Expanded reach—access to builder networks and projects previously out of conventional paths.
• Reduced inefficiencies—automated purchase orders, compliance documentation, and invoicing.
• Data-driven performance evaluation—demonstrate capability and value transparently and continuously to builders.

4. Why It’s Good for the Industry

Reduces waste and fragmentation: A 2023 Australian study highlights e‑procurement’s role in reducing waste and cost escalation, especially amidst inflationary pressures.

Real-time visibility: Digital platforms offer proactive decision-making and better inventory management.

Labour and supply chain resilience: Tools like BIM, digital twins, and cloud-based tracking help mitigate workforce gaps and supply chain disruptions such as those seen during COVID‑19.

Smarter procurement strategy: Embracing models like Early Contractor Involvement (ECI) can deliver ~10% time and ~7% cost savings by involving contractors early in design and planning phases.

Better value—not just cost: Procurement now considers quality, expertise, sustainability, and risk—not only price—translating to best-value outcomes for complex builds.

5. Shaping the Future of Home Building & Ownership in Australia

For Builders:

• Custom builders deliver high-quality projects faster and more reliably.
• Volume builders scale efficiently, maintaining control through digital processes.

For Trades & Suppliers:

• More reliable pipelines and long-term client relationships.
• Constant improvements in quoting accuracy, performance transparency, and logistics.

For Home Buyers:

• Faster build times, fewer delays, and cost efficiencies make home ownership more accessible.
• Better quality control and accountability across the supply chain.

For the Industry at Large:

• A digitally unified procurement system positions Australia as more competitive, resilient, and adaptive in a complex global construction environment.
• The adoption of AI, sustainability tracking, and automation ensures long-term sector innovation and preparedness

6. Founder Insights

From Toby Loft, Co-Founder, BuiltGrid:

“Connected Procurement isn’t just a tool—it’s the backbone of how the construction industry should flow. When builders, trades, and suppliers are aligned in real time, projects deliver on time, on quality, and with clarity.”

From John Murphy, Co-Founder:

“We designed Connected Procurement to give visibility, reduce administrative friction, and foster trust. The biggest transformation is in collaboration—once every party can see the same project data in real time, the whole build ecosystem becomes sharper.”