News

Help is at Hand to Use PCS Search Notices and Alert Emails

The team that works on Public Contracts Scotland (Scotland’s national public sector tendering portal) has now analysed the results of its 2023 feedback survey and has taken action to address the top two issues, the effectiveness of its Search Notices and its Alert Profile functions.

Search Notices Further Feedback 

The PCS team has decided to launch a follow up Search Notices survey after the annual PCS questionnaire showed a common response was that PCS Search Notices didn’t return expected results, even with a valid contract reference number.

PCS Search Notices Survey

To get more information on how Search Notices can be improved, the PCS team is asking users like you to complete a follow-up survey. With only six quick questions, the survey is best taken right after you have unsuccessfully attempted a PCS search, as it requires specific details of the instance that caused the frustration.

Take the PCS Search Notices survey here.

Search Notices Tips

While the PCS team further investigates the Search Notices function, it has also issued some top tips on how to best use Search Notices in a PCS user guide and a recent blog post.

PCS Alert Profile 

Another topic frequently mentioned in the 2023 PCS feedback survey responses was the PCS Alert Profile. Some users said that PCS Alert emails were too difficult read and others said they either received too many or too few email alerts. 

Alert Email Readability

Following the feedback, the PCS Team are investigating the readability of the alert emails, to establish what can be done to improve them. 

Meanwhile, if you would like an alternative view of PCS alerts, you can read list of your recent alerts by accessing the PCS Supplier Area, navigating to My Notice then Notice Alerts.

Once in this page, you can click on each Notice title to view more details. From this page, you can also remove irrelevant notices or those already viewed, by clicking the check box, then hitting the delete button at the bottom of the page. 

Customising Alert Emails

In response to the feedback that some users received too many or too few email alerts, the PCS team have issued a reminder on how to customise Alert Emails in its March newsletter.

You can find further tips on refining the categories and locations of your email alerts in this PCS  Alert Profile video Guide from 2 minutes 7 seconds of the recording.

Check Alert Email Subscription

It’s also worth remembering that you must be subscribed to PCS emails to receive Alert Emails. If you have stopped receiving these emails you may need to renew your free subscription.  To check your subscriptions on PCS, navigate to the Supplier Area, then under My Account click Subscriptions, and check the Notice Alert Service subscription is active, if not then ‘renew’ it and click save.

SDP Training on using PCS

For live training on using PCS, you can also join the free Supplier Development Programme Using Public Contracts Scotland (PCS) – How to Find and Bid for Opportunities webinar on 16 May 2024, from 1.30pm.

Book the SDP webinar here