1.1 Who is econstroi for?

econstroi is an electronic marketplace of the Vortal platform over the Internet, directed at companies from the construction sector to do business in a more secure, confidential, fast, simple and effective manner. It is open to all companies and professionals in the sector, along with others that, although not transacting specific products in the sector, may furnish goods and services (e.g. insurance, transportation, fuel, finance, public services, etc.)..
In the broadest sense, one can say that it is directed at all companies in the construction market. This includes contractors and subcontractors, all those purchasing construction services (project owners) and all those providing services, equipment and materials needed for construction.
The following groups are noteworthy in the construction sector:

• Contractors and subcontractors;
• Suppliers and manufacturers of materials, equipment and services for construction;
• Sector professionals such as project designers, architects, surveyors, draughtsmen, etc.;
• “Construction product” customers (institutional and private project owners);
• Scientific community tied to the sector (academic institutions and students).

Institutions and private individuals needing to access information about the sector can also find solutions to their needs on the Vortal platform.

1.2 Are econstroi users suppliers or buyers?
To build a market, there must be companies that buy and sell products and services at the same time. For instance, a subcontractor can find the goods and services it needs, as well as opportunities to sell its products (including special offers and promotions), at econstroi.
The Vortal platform is directed at companies of all sizes interested in more effective ways of doing business and communicating with partners. As regards SMEs, econstroi allows business to be done with current partners under more competitive conditions in terms of cost, rigour and speed, together with the possibility of doing business with new partners.
Subscribing to econstroi services is easy, and requires no technology investment. Costs are tailored to each company's size and are competitive, particularly when compared to the inherent benefits of expanding customer and supplier portfolios.

1.3 Is it only for companies that are already on the Internet?
Companies without an Internet presence also have an excellent opportunity with the Vortal platform. In fact, without any technology investment (except for a regular computer and broadband Internet connection), companies can be linked to all others in the electronic marketplace, promoting their products and services.
If your company is already on the Internet with an informative or transaction website, you certainly know that attracting customers and visitors is essential.
By using econstroi, you will leverage the growth of your desired reputation, since econstroi visitors will be intuitively routed to visit your company website.

1.4 What sub-sectors of construction are part of econstroi?
econstroi covers all sub-sectors of construction, from machinery leasing to inert materials such as sand, crushed rock, steel and formwork, together with floor coverings, ceilings, roofs and waterproofing, paint, aluminium and glass, etc.
In many construction sectors, the market share of econstroi subscribers is nearly 100%, meaning that the vast majority of companies in this sector are operating at econstroi.

1.5 Why is the construction sector among those with the highest B2B and e-procurement potential? The construction industry has highly positive characteristics in terms of developing e-commerce between companies (B2B). It is large in size and highly fragmented (the 25 largest Portuguese contractors account for only 24% of all production), while inefficient procurement and project management processes point to above-average potential in terms of cost reduction.
As a result, leading analysts predict that the construction sector’s adoption rate will equal or exceed the long-term average of all sectors.

1.6 How is econstroi different from other websites? What is the advantage of electronic marketplaces vis-à-vis other e-commerce models?
Unlike other attempts to create a construction portal, econstroi is a wide-ranging actuality with the ability to mobilise on a large scale, since:

• It provides a venue to market goods and services truly tailored to the sector (for instance, by supporting the entire proposal request and assessment process);
• Fornece um conjunto de serviços e conteúdos, em alguns casos exclusivos, e de grande valor para o sector (exemplos: obras em curso, etc.);
• It furnishes a collection of services and content, in some cases exclusive, of great value to the sector (such as works in progress, etc.);

It is supported by 20 of the largest Portuguese contractors and a group of financial and technology partners providing key liquidity.
In addition, econstroi is associated with PT Prime Tradecom, a market leader and pioneer, and Espírito Santo Tech Ventures, both companies of unquestionable integrity in the market.
Most analysts predict, in B2B e-commerce, that more than two-thirds of transactions will be done through electronic marketplaces.
This is due to the great potential and liquidity of these vertical markets, supported by vast communities and prioritising “many with many” relationships, as opposed to the "one with many" relationships typically found with buyer and seller-driven e-Procurement solutions. The electronic marketplace encourages transparency, empowers business growth and favours company management integrating customer and supplier needs.

2.1 What is econstroi?
econstroi is an electronic marketplace of the Vortal platform over the Internet, directed at companies from the construction sector to do business in a more secure, confidential, fast and effective manner.
econstroi integrates business processes between companies in the sector. These include processes for requesting proposals, product and service acquisition and awarding contracts. It also offers access to critical business information for professionals working in this sector.

2.2 What is econstroi for?
The Vortal platform allows companies subscribing to the econstroi service to be connected to an online community in the construction and public works sector through a simple Internet connection.
It allows subscribers to divulge and consult offers, as well as purchase and sell products and services. All these processes are executed in a completely secure and confidential manner.
Please read our Security Certificate.
The following table lists the services provided by econstroi:

Integrated Market Solution (SIM)

Respond to all requests for proposals available for your pre-defined classifications;

Provide your Company Portfolio;

Access to works in progress;

Create and divulge special offers and promotions;

Receive advertising and sector news;

Business Cockpit;

Business Information Report (electronic delivery);

Link to your company website, via the Company Directory;

Centralised training (1 session per user/year);

Personalised customer service representative;

Access to Customer Management (business days, from 9:00-19:00 GMT).
SIM +

Logo
Other Services

Create and maintain company web pages;

Consult company catalogues and portfolios;

Receive information on events: seminars, conferences, congresses, training and fairs/exhibitions;

Receive weather information;

Receive econstroi newsletters;

Consult press releases.

3.1 What is econstroi for?
As an electronic marketplace of the Vortal platform, econstroi is used to promote, consult, negotiate, buy and sell products and services. It is also used to share and manage documentation (e.g. drawings and works programmes for a project) with any other company that subscribes to the service. All these processes are executed in a completely secure and confidential manner. The Vortal platform allows companies subscribing to the econstroi service to be connected to an online community in the construction and public works sector through a simple Internet connection.
When purchasing, econstroi allows you to request, analyse and award contracts for product and service proposals from companies in the Vortal platform Company Directory. Your company can create proposal requests for construction products and services. In such a request you may specify the services or products that you want, the conditions of the offer and deadlines, as well as include documents (e.g. necessary drawings, works plan, etc.), submitting the request to the sellers of your choice. You will, therefore, be able to conveniently receive, analyse, compare and renegotiate proposals, and award contracts.
If you wish to request a proposal from a company that is not yet listed in the Vortal platform directory, simply fill in the respective form online with the data of the company you would like to invite.
When selling, econstroi allows you to receive requests and submit proposals for your products and services. Your company is notified by e-mail of a proposal request sent by a potential purchaser related to services or products belonging to categories your company is associated with in the Vortal platform Company Directory. With the information listed in the proposal request, your company may submit a proposal, which is automatically received by the potential purchaser.
In addition to the Submit Proposals service, this electronic marketplace provides you with a vast array of other tools necessary for all the business phases, from customer prospecting to management information, allowing you to better plan your business.
econstroi does not hinder relationships between participants. In fact, the contrary is true. The relationship with your customers will improve, with increased control. In fact, by sharing exclusive information with your customers and suppliers, your company will strengthen ties with them and ward off competition. Moreover, it is very easy to request and submit proposals via econstroi, which will save a lot of time previously taken up with photocopies and correspondence. Time that can be better used to strengthen relations with customers and suppliers.

3.2 What services are already available?
Integrated Market Solution (SIM)

• Submit proposals, for all proposal requests available for consultation for your pre-defined categories;
• Provide your Company Portfolio;
• Access to works in progress;
• Create and divulge special offers and promotions;
• Receive advertising and sector news;
• Business Cockpit;
• Business Information Report (electronic delivery);
• Link to your company website, via the Company Directory;
• Centralised training (1 session per user/year);
• Personalised customer service representative;
• Access to Customer Management (business days, from 9:00-19:00 GMT);

SIM +

• Logo

Other Services:

• Create and maintain company web pages;
• Consult company catalogues and portfolios;
• Receive information on events: seminars, conferences, congresses, training and fairs/exhibitions;
• Receive weather information;
• Receive econstroi newsletters;
• Consult press releases.

3.3 How do I advertise products/services?
PYou can publish your catalogues with all your products, technical characteristics, images, and prices if you wish. This way you will save significantly on printing, distribution and updating of paper catalogues.
You will also serve a much greater number of potential customers than you would with your paper publication.
You can also create a website at the Vortal platform (Company Page) with the basic institutional information of your company, such as its history and portfolio in the sector, contact information, etc. You can also link your website to econstroi.

3.4 Who can use econstroi within my company?
In order to use the Vortal platform, specifically the econstroi electronic marketplace, users must be duly authorised by your company. econstroi supplies its customers with an authorisations management tool that allows the process to be adapted to the specific needs of each company.

3.5 Are companies that participate in the Electronic Marketplace identified, or are they anonymous?
All market participants, whether purchasers or suppliers, are duly identified and authenticated.
Users of econstroi will always know whom they are dealing with and will always be sure of the authenticity of their business partner. This authenticity is guaranteed at the time of subscription via an accreditation process that is specifically designed to guarantee the company’s legitimacy. During use of econstroi, authenticity is guaranteed in various ways:
Whenever you are involved in a business deal, information will only be made available to the parties who participate in said deal, as they are defined by your company. This information is supplied via the names of the participating companies.

3.6 What guarantees do I have that my data will remain strictly confidential?
All communication of data made on the Electronic Marketplace will be encrypted, i.e. illegible without the appropriate key. econstroi thus offers you maximum security in executing your transactions.
Consult our accreditation from the ACEP (Portuguese E-commerce Association) as an accredited website.
We implement SSL 3.0 (Secure Sockets Layer) with 128 bit encryption keys, the latest in information encryption technology, and Verisign, a renowned certification entity, which guarantees unequivocal identification by issuing a Digital Certificate.
The installed security architecture of the Vortal platform, with a high level of complexity, is guaranteed by our hosting/operation/administration services provider. The architecture is essentially protected by two firewalls. The first one ensures protection of the software that supports our services on the Internet.
If the user fails to logout of his or her session on the Vortal platform, he or she will be automatically logged out after a few minutes have elapsed.

3.7 What is the legal validity of the proposals and awards registered at econstroi?
Electronic contracting, as is conducted on econstroi, is valid under Portuguese law, subject to the respective rights and obligations contractually agreed to by the parties, and may be invoked in courts having the appropriate jurisdiction.
The encryption technology used, employing a pair of asymmetric keys, in accordance with the rules for issuing keys and certificates, is currently legally recognised.
Once the applicable usage norms and procedures are complied with, this technology guarantees functions of authenticity, integrity and confidentiality of documents with a degree of legal certainty equal to or even greater than that of paper.

3.8 How are the products delivered?
The delivery of ordered products will be executed as agreed between the sellers and purchasers, as is the case with transactions performed outside of electronic business platforms. The necessary information to manage deliveries and receptions will be registered at econstroi.

3.9 Will the way of doing business change?
The Vortal platform (specifically econstroi) is an efficiency instrument for the real day-to-day economy. It offers services and solutions for companies to do what they know how to do, faster and easier. In short, the idea is not to revolutionise, but to innovate and evolve.

3.10 What guarantee do I have that I will receive payment?
Payment for business conducted via econstroi will be made through traditional payment methods. econstroi does not intervene in the transactions, but it does provide important information concerning companies, so that suppliers can assess the risk of collection and adopt the respective management policies. In the near future, the participants in this marketplace will have access to electronic payment on econstroi, along with the possibility of insuring the transactions via credit insurance or other specific products that are currently being designed in conjunction with our financial partners.

3.11 Will I be able to purchase directly from manufacturers without dealing with distributors?
econstroi does not interfere in the market structure. It offers manufacturers and distributors a more effective way of doing business with each other and of serving final customers. The decision to sell directly or through distributors will continue to be made by the manufacturers, as always, although econstroi provides them with a more effective way of promoting their products.

3.12 Can I sell and purchase to and from foreign companies?
The Vortal platform (specifically econstroi) is available to all companies, all over the world. Initially, it will be the representatives of foreign companies in Portugal who will join. econstroi is also connected to Tradecom, which is part of the Global Trading Web (GTW) in which 50 electronic commerce markets for businesses currently participate (e-marketplaces), along with thousands of subscribing companies all over the world.
Accordingly, all these e-marketplaces, including econstroi, can operate together.
A purchaser connected to econstroi can purchase from a supplier connected to Opciona in Spain, for instance. The value proposition is clear: econstroi purchasers gain access to a significantly higher amount of goods and services, and suppliers are in turn able to access many more purchasers.
Partnerships with other similar initiatives will be established in order to support the companies’ internationalisation strategy. In fact, we currently have Spanish contractors operating on our Electronic Marketplace.

3.13 Do I need to make a formal subscription to do business at econstroi?
Yes, in order to do business at econstroi you need to make a formal subscription, in writing.

4.1 What are the benefits of subscribing to econstroi services?

For suppliers:

• Ensure total confidentiality in every proposal;
  
• Simplify proposal submission for your clients;
  
• Accelerate the sales processes in a more convenient environment;
  
• Gain greater control over the proposals submitted;
  
• Increase business opportunities;
  
• Eliminate paper circulating among sub-contractors, contractors and owners of works;
  
• Submit all proposal information electronically, including all documentation, thus avoiding mailing costs and making the process much faster, easier and more transparent;
  
• Access an integrated service solution that provides the tools for all needs in the business process;
  
• Reduce prospecting, promotion, advertising and sales costs;
  
• Gain complete control over the commercial activity (success rates, market share, etc.).

For buyers:

• Increase supply of offers, and have more time to negotiate and analyse alternative product and material solutions;
  
• Simplify the entire process: reduce mailing costs, timeframes, communication time, transport and physical resources;
  
• Register the entire purchasing workflow: offer consultation, analysis and approval process (simplify control of the process);
  
• Only the buyer has access to the information in proposals: automatic supplier notification;
  
• Increase transparency.

4.2 Will prices be higher or lower?
Buyers will be able to purchase through econstroi at lower costs, because they have access to more suppliers that are more competitive than those that do not use econstroi. Sellers will experience increased sales with lower commercial costs and can, in turn, offer more competitive prices and/or conditions.
The use of econstroi allows for greater efficiency and leads to significant cost reduction, making companies more competitive in the medium term.

4.3 Why should I subscribe now?
By subscribing now, you will be joining the largest Iberian e-marketplace for construction companies operating in Portugal. Therefore, you will gain competitive advantages and make the most of all benefits offered by this new way of doing business.

4.4 Will timeframes be shorter?
The increased simplicity of this system tends to reduce timeframes, especially in the circulation of information in processes such as requests for proposal, proposal submissions, records of awarding contracts, contracts and orders. The direct result is lower costs.
Timeframes for developing projects, completing work and delivering products also tend to decrease significantly as a result of the real-time project and working-plan updating provided by econstroi.

4.5 Will administrative costs be reduced?
Absolutely! This system simplifies many administrative tasks involved in copying and sending documents (e.g. photocopies, faxes, mail, etc.), and reduces telephone and external service costs. In addition, econstroi facilitates the integration of internal processes, thereby reducing errors and re-processing.

4.6 Will I increase my customer base?
Yes! Your company, products and services will increase their exposure to many more customers. Further, you will receive more requests for proposals with less commercial effort.
By subscribing to the Vortal platform, your company will automatically be invited to all requests for proposals in your respective classification.
The Vortal platform enables your company to communicate in real time with business partners, customers and suppliers. Information flows more easily and more accurately, allowing you to provide better customer service and support and, consequently, to increase customer satisfaction.

4.7 Is this a threat or an opportunity for my business?
econstroi is an opportunity for companies looking to do business more efficiently and innovatively, and for those that want to take advantage of the simplicity, speed and transparency that econstroi has to offer.
Leading analysts predict that companies that are not involved in electronic commerce will gradually lose income and profits

4.8 What is the difference between subscribing as “Assinante” or as “Aderente”?
These are two different ways of subscribing to econstroi that have different benefits:
"Aderente" subscribers can only view and respond to the requests for proposals to which they are directly invited.
"Assinante" subscribers can view and respond to all requests for proposals available for their respective market classification(s).
Subscribers to SIM (Integrated Market Solution) have access to a group of services corresponding to all business process needs, including customised information on their market performance and on that of their competitors (turnover, success rate, market share, etc.).

5.1 How much does it cost to subscribe to econstroi?
Much of the content at econstroi is free (e.g. weather, sector events, press releases, etc.).
Please consult our price list for more information on current prices and terms of subscription. There are various types of subscriptions depending on the number of services you are interested in.

5.2 How much does the equipment needed to access econstroi cost?
No special equipment is needed beyond a normal computer with Internet connection and a Microsoft Internet Explorer browser (6.0 or higher).

5.3 Do I have to pay for all services, or can I subscribe to just some of them?
There are various types of subscriptions depending on the number of services you are interested in. Please consult our price list for more information on current prices and terms of subscription.

5.4 Can I cancel if I am dissatisfied?
Subscription contracts have a fixed duration (normally one year). At the end of this period, companies can choose not to renew. <

5.5 Can I subscribe to econstroi and other construction portals at the same time?
Yes! Subscriptions to econstroi are non-exclusive.

5.6 Do Vortal shareholders have different commercial conditions?
No. The Vortal platform offers its shareholders the same conditions as other customers as a fundamental guiding principle of its independence.

6.1 How can I become a customer?
In order to participate in this electronic marketplace, an accreditation process is required that includes pre-qualification, registration and authentication, so as to guarantee a high level of credibility for all companies that participate in the business.
The accreditation process is very simple. All you have to do is select the subscription type as a purchaser, supplier, or both, sign the subscription contract, and in less than 24 hours you will be able to conduct commercial transactions at econstroi.

6.2 What technical requirements (hardware and software) do I need to connect to econstroi?
In order to connect to econstroi, all you need is a computer and Internet access software, namely a browser (Internet Explorer). You do not need to install any econstroi software.
Workstations (computers) should have the following minimum requirements:
Hardware – minimum: Pentium I, 200 Mhz, 32 Mb RAM; recommended: Pentium II, 300 Mhz, 64 Mb RAM.
Software - MS Windows 98, NT, 2000, Millennium, XP or 2003; Internet Explorer 6.0
We recommend that you use a broadband Internet connection. We also recommend that you have an Internet account with an ISP (Internet Service Provider); either a free account or one with a monthly fee for companies who need better Internet access.
Companies who wish to connect many users to the Internet should implement more complex solutions that involve servers, routers, switching, etc.
If you need to connect more than one user/workstation to the Internet, consider other options:
ISDN connection at 64 Kbps (Kilobits per second) or 128 Kbps;
Dedicated line connected to an ISP with a bandwidth ranging from 64 Kbps to 2 Mbps (the bandwidth depends on the number of users, or on the currently occupied bandwidth if your company already has an Internet connection via your internal computer network).
econstroi also offers its customers the possibility of acquiring Internet access packages at reduced costs, specifically created in partnership with PT Comunicações.

6.3 Will I need to have CAD software to access drawings?
Viewing of Autocad drawings does not require the user to have Autocad software, except when the user wishes to alter the drawings. Viewers are available for download at econstroi (e.g. Voloview or Whip by Autodesk/Autocad), which do not require having Autocad installed.

6.4 What type of training is needed to use econstroi?
econstroi was specifically designed for the reality of the construction sector in Portugal, for easy use by large and small companies and by independent professionals.
Even though econstroi is very easy to use, econstroi professionals are ready to help customers, providing the necessary training for using available tools, including transactions in the electronic marketplace. Consultation and training instruments, such as online manuals, are also available at econstroi.
Centralised training sessions are available on a weekly basis in Lisbon, Porto and Funchal. Please consult availability for upcoming sessions.

6.5 How do I register?
Your company must undergo accreditation and registration in order to use our services. Registration is performed online via the “User Registration” option.
Two distinct services have been created: a registration service for individual users and another for companies, sole proprietors, entrepreneurs and independent professionals. A “data administrator” is registered for each company to manage the company’s users.

6.6 Can I invite suppliers and customers of my company to join?
Yes, information regarding the suppliers and customers you would like to see at econstroi can be collected so that our sales services can initiate the invitation and subscription process. Later, whenever convenient, you may fill in the appropriate form online.

6.7 Will I have to dismiss personnel or hire new employees with a different profile?
No. econstroi is a simple tool and our implementation services are prepared to provide any necessary support to your employees.
In fact, your staff’s increase in productivity will allow it to concentrate on other tasks.

7.1 Can I subscribe right now?
Yes, you can subscribe immediately. Simply e-mail Customer Management at info@vortal.pt or contact us by telephone at 707 20 27 12.

You should subscribe now to:

• Reduce costs and timeframes;
  
• Receive more proposals;
  
• Recruit new customers and suppliers;
  
• Be closer to customers;
  
• Reduce costs and timeframes;
  
• Gain significant competitive advantages;
  
• And because the future starts here.

8.1 Will econstroi help me to start using it at my company?
Sim!
Yes!
Using econstroi is very simple. It requires no IT knowledge, although users should have some prior experience with the Internet. You will receive all the necessary support to use econstroi at your company. The Customer Management team is available Monday to Friday from 9:00-19:00 GMT at 707 20 27 12. If needed, Vortal’s consulting team will organise a trip to your company to supervise the entire set-up process and provide assistance to your staff.
Centralised training sessions are available on a weekly basis in Lisbon, Porto and Funchal. Please consult availability for upcoming sessions.

8.2 Can my computer system be integrated with econstroi?
Yes! We are equipped to provide the necessary integration services if your company requests integration of its systems with econstroi. To do so, we have partnerships with certified entities, who will work with econstroi technicians throughout the entire integration process. These entities have extensive knowledge of econstroi technology to do excellent work.

10. How will my company be categorised at econstroi?
Categorisation of a company is performed when the company is activated at econstroi.
This categorisation is temporarily accepted, but subject to revision by the Categorisation Committee, which is responsible for the rigour of the information available at econstroi.
This entity analyses the defined categorisation on the basis of the documents and information requested from the company. The analysis conclusions will be sent to the customer within a maximum of 10 business days, after which the categorisation will become final.
The following information may be requested for basing the decision:

• Documents related to standardisation and certification of products for the categories that the company wishes to adopt;
  
• Company sales catalogues or price lists indicating the products/services;
  
• Copy of the Company Incorporation Deed detailing information regarding the company’s business purpose, Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) code and complete description;
  
• Reference to works and customers to whom a particular service was supplied or rendered, including the date and contact information of persons and customers who can confirm the information;
  
• Other Documents.

11. How can my company change its categorisation at econstroi?
The category alteration request may be made by letter or e-mail.
Requested alterations or inclusions will be submitted for approval to the Categorisation Committee, which is responsible for the rigour of the information available at econstroi. They will study each case in which an alteration or inclusion is requested, on the basis of the documents and information requested from customers.
Customers will not be charged for this request for assessment, except in the case of rejected categories, in which case the customer will be debited €10 per category in order to pay the Categorisation Committee fees.
The conclusions will be communicated to the customer within a maximum of 10 business days.
The following information may be requested for basing the decision:

• Documents related to standardisation and certification of products for the categories that the company wishes to adopt;
  
• Company sales catalogues or price lists indicating the products/services;
  
• Copy of the Company Incorporation Deed detailing information regarding the company’s business purpose, Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) code and complete description;
  
• Reference to works and customers to whom a particular service was supplied or rendered, including the date and contact information of persons and customers who can confirm the information;
  Other Documents.