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An investigation has been begun into why an electronic tendering system that was launched 15 months ago to make procurement more efficient has been shunned by the industry.

The system was set up by the RICS in October 2007. Stephen Timms, the construction minister at the time, said it pointed the way to a 鈥渓eaner and more efficient鈥� industry. However, it has so far handled 50 projects out of a possible 25,000.

Joe Martin, executive director of the RICS鈥� 好色先生TV Cost Information Service, which manages the system, said the figures were 鈥渂affling鈥�.

The RICS says the program, which allows the bidding process to be managed online, could help companies cut tendering costs by more than 30%. 鈥淓-tendering used to cost tens of thousands of pounds, so we set one up that could be used for a project fee,鈥� said Martin. 鈥淗ardly anyone has used it 鈥� never underestimate the power of inertia.鈥�

God bless the RICS, but it does go off on these flights of fancy

Mike Cuthbert, Drivers Jonas

Mike Cuthbert, a partner in property consultant Drivers Jonas, poured scorn on the idea of the RICS becoming a tender provider. He said: 鈥淭here are lots of well used e-tendering services. Why would anyone go to the RICS? I can鈥檛 believe that鈥檚 the main purpose of a professional institution. God bless the RICS, but it does go off on these flights of fancy.鈥�

The institution is surveying members on their tendering methods and expects to report its findings next month.

Martin said he was confident the system could succeed and called on consultants to appreciate its benefits. He said: 鈥淢ost of the projects that could benefit are QS-organised. If QSs want it to stay that way, they better get on board.鈥�