Archive for January, 2016

Snow, what you might not know. Part 3 of 3

Wednesday, January 27th, 2016

 

Today’s post is by Ronald D. Southard, CEO at SafeSourcing Inc.

If NYC is offering $13.50 per hour for laborers for Snow Removal, what’s that mean to companies that are trying to get their snow removed?

Over the last two days Gayl Southard, Administrative Consultant at SafeSourcing has offered some interesting information regarding Snow and Snow Removal in a 3 part post titled Snow, what you might not know Part 1 of 3 and Snow, what you might not know Part 2 of 3.

In part 3 of this series I’d like to take a look at the data in parts 1 and 2 mean or implies. It’s the data about the data or the Meta Data that’s important.

I think the underlying question here, is what does this mean for companies or even individuals about when they consider sourcing Snow Removal Services. When should you do it and how reliable will the service be even if you have a contract in place.

As I was watching the television broadcast of Super Storm Jonas as it buried the Eastern Seaboard in snow, one of the comments I head is that many cities could only plow the main roads and that surface streets and other places would have to wait. New York City as we noted above is offering $13.50 per hour for snow removal laborers. Might those same laborers be the 3rd party’s that you contract with for your businesses snow removal? Maybe you might want to check the language in your contract.  If your price is lower, the service provider most likely won’t be coming, at least in a timely manner so you better get out your shovel.

So, what does this all mean? It means you need to be aware of what services you have sourced, what language is in the contract and any actions that you might take in order to preempt service needs when unusually large storms approach.

Snow Removal is normally sourced during the spring or early summer months and is quite often sourced from the same companies that provide your landscape services. You determine what language goes into a contract. Examples might be.

  1. Hourly Rates
  2. Price escalators based on fuel consumption
  3. Ice Melt or Salt Applications
  4. Time of day for services
  5. Amount of snow required to kick off service
  6. Rebates for missed services.

While there are many mom and pop operators that provide these services, there are only a few national providers. There are also a good number of regionals. Most of the nationals and regionals also outsource their work to the many mom and pop operators and the nationals outsource to the regionals. As such, it’s important to ask who will actually be providing your service and to make sure that they have the required liability insurance coverage in place. This is particularly important if your business may have consumers on your premises while the services are being performed.

The important point here is that while there are multiple types of snow and ice as well as the storms that deliver them, there are also multiple types of service and service providers. If you are not comfortable that you know enough about all of the information provided in this three part series, please contact a SafeSourcing Customer Services Project Manager. We have sourced this category dozens of times across all of North America. We can make sure you get the services you need at a price that is acceptable.

We hope you have enjoyed this Three Part Post.

We look forward to and appreciate your comments.

 

 

 

Snow, what you might not know. Part 2 of 3

Tuesday, January 26th, 2016

 

Today’s post is by Gayl Southard, Administrative Consultant for SafeSourcing.

After a three-week holiday in, Ohio we prepared for three-day journey back to Arizona. We had not encountered any significant weather on the way to Ohio, but learned that our final day would entail heavy snow from Albuquerque to Sedona.  By the time we reached Flagstaff, it was white-out conditions.   As we hadn’t seen any snow removal on the highways until we reached Flagstaff, I was curious how that process was handled.  I  learned the following:

Snow Removal Status – Key Phases:

Phase 1: Alert

What the county does –

-A winter storm has been forecast for the region. Snow crews are on alert and treat roads and designated trail where necessary

What you do –

-Move parked cars off the street, or coordinate with neighbors and/or civic organizations to move cars to one side of the street only. Snow removal vehicles need at least 15’ to pass down a street.

-Be prepared. A three-day supply of food and water is recommended.  Stay informed.

-Neighbors may need your help. Register through you civic association as a volunteer.

Phase 2: Primary Routes

What the county does-

-A winter storm is in effect. Snow crews are treating and plowing primary (red) and secondary routes (blue) only while the snow is falling.

-Roads may only be passable with one lane in each direction. Roads may be icy and have snow accumulations of 2-4” or greater.   Designated high-volume routes are treated and plowed.

What you do-

                -Do not drive unless necessary – roads are for emergency use and snow removal vehicles.

-Help neighbors clean sidewalks on the same side of the street where cars are parked.

-Keep snow cleared from hydrants, storm drains, and downspouts on your home.

Phase 3: Residential Streets-

What the county does-

-Snow crews are treating and plowing residential streets.

-Residential areas may only be passable with one lane. Red and blue routes are being widened to the shoulder.   Additional county trails are cleared.

What you do-                                                   

-Help neighbors clean sidewalks. Snow Removal Ordinance enforcement begins 24 hours after snow stops falling.  Clear driveways and entrances.  Shovel snow into yard instead of the street.

Phase 4: Clean Up

What the county does-

-Snow crews are working on cleanup operations. After treatment and the sun have done its work, crews are removing ice and slush off roads and designated trails.

-Staff is removing snow from schools and county property.

SafeSourcing can research your snow removal needs, whether its services, equipment or supplies. Want to try us out risk free?  Please contact a SafeSourcing Customer Service Representative.  We have an entire customer services team waiting to assist you today.

We look forward to your comments.

 

 

 

 

 

Snow, what you might not know. Part 1 of 3.

Monday, January 25th, 2016

 

Today’s post is by Gayl Southard, Administrative Consultant for SafeSourcing.

After a three-week holiday in, Ohio we prepared for three-day journey back to Arizona. We had not encountered any significant weather on the way to Ohio, but learned that our final day would entail heavy snow from Albuquerque, NM to Sedona, AZ.  By the time we reached Flagstaff, it was white-out conditions.  We had left snowy conditions behind us some thirteen years ago when we moved to Arizona and I was not ready to drive through wintery conditions.

I had grown up in New Hampshire and I was used to significant snow. I can remember shoveling our long driveway, walkway, as well as my mother’s clothesline area (yes, the olden days).  We had shovels, sand, and salt at the ready.  Growing up in a large family, there were many helping hands to get the job done.

Times have changed now. Many people own their own snow blowers; some have trucks with plows attached, some hire the work out, and some people still do it the old-fashioned way by shoveling.

I researched the snow removal process and phases during a major snow storm. I learned the following:

During the Snowfall

  1. Snow crews focus on keeping main arteries open for emergency vehicles and public transportation (red primary routes). This includes snow emergency routes, arterial streets, high volume routes, bus routes, and roads to hospitals, fire stations, police stations, and metro stations.
  2. Plowing begins when snow reaches 2-4 inches deep.
  3. When accumulation is less than 2 inches, the roadways are only treated (sand or salt).

After the Snowfall

  1. Snow crews clean snow from all streets and county trails as soon as possible.
  2. Neighborhood streets are cleared last.
  3. After a severe storm (greater than 10 inches), it may take 36-48 hours after the snow stops   falling for snow crews to start clearing residential areas.

SafeSourcing can research your snow removal needs, whether its services, equipment or supplies.  Want to try us out risk free?  Please contact a SafeSourcing Customer Service Representative.  We have an entire customer services team waiting to assist you today.

We look forward to your comments.

 

Need help improving your Wi-Fi connection?

Wednesday, January 20th, 2016

 

Today’s post is by Troy Lowe; Vice President of Development at SafeSourcing.

Installing a wireless router can be a very simple thing to do to allow internet access throughout your home or business. Depending on the location of your router, the signal may be too weak for your devices to connect reliably.  One solution to this problem would be to move the wireless router to a central location to improve the signal.  In some cases, moving the router is not an option.  If this is the case, there are several devices that can be used to improve the signal within the weak areas.  Below are some devices that can be used to extend and improve the Wi-Fi signal.

Wi-Fi Extender

A Wi-Fi extender is a device that can be plugged into a standard power outlet. It receives your current signal, amplifies it and then transmits the amplified signal.  This allows the existing signal to travel further to allow access to other rooms or floors.  There are also weatherproof extenders so that you can extend your current signal to your outdoor property as well.  More than one extender can be used to amplify your current Wi-Fi signal.  The extenders are easy to setu;, they just need to be connected to a computer and authenticated on your network.  Once on the network, disconnect from the computer and plug into an outlet where the signal strength is weak.

Powerline Ethernet Adapter

Powerline adapters allow you to use your current electrical circuits as Ethernet cables. Using this method is faster than the extender because the extenders can experience some speed loss due to the communication between it and the router.  Installing the adapters is quick and easy as well.  To install, plug the first adapter into a wall outlet by the router and connect the adapter to the router with an Ethernet cable. Next, plug the second adapter into a wall outlet next to the device to connect and then connect the device to the adapter using an Ethernet cable.  The device is now connected to your internet connection and ready to use.  Multiple adapters can be used by simply plugging them into additional outlets and attaching the other devices.

If you are having connectivity issues and would like some help finding the right solution, we can gather all the necessary information for you and help you decide which option meets your needs. If you would like more information on how SafeSourcing can help you, please contact a SafeSourcing Customer Service representative.

We have an entire team ready to assist you today.

What is Crystalized Polylactic Acid?

Tuesday, January 19th, 2016

 

 

Today’s post has been written by Ryan Melowic Vice President of Customer Services at SafeSourcing.

Crystalized Poly Acid sounds scary, however, according to Wikipedia “Polylactic acid or polylactide (PLA, Poly) is a biodegradable thermoplastic aliphatic polyester derived from renewable resources, such as corn starch (in the United States and Canada), tapioca roots, chips or starch (mostly in Asia), or sugarcane (in the rest of the world). In 2010, PLA had the second highest consumption volume of any bioplastic of the world.”

Uses

Crystalized Polylactic Acid is used to manufacture the following types of products.

  • T-shirts
  • Coffee cups
  • Packaging
  • Bottles
  • Other everyday items

Advantages

  • Compostable in commercial facilities, meaning that it will break down under certain conditions into harmless natural compounds.
  • Heat-Resistant to 185°F
  • Sturdy feel, stronger than starch plant based products
  • Product is 97% USDA certified bio based product

Unfortunately, the current PLA production process is costly and creates waste. In July of 2015, researchers in Belgium developed a new production technique that is less expensive, greener and makes PLA a more attractive alternative to petroleum-based plastics.

For more information on how we can help you with your procurement needs or on our “Risk Free” trial program, please contact a SafeSourcing Customer Service representative We have an entire customer services team waiting to assist you today.

We look forward to your comments.

 

Can You See Your Desk?

Friday, January 15th, 2016

 

Today’s blog is by Margaret Stewart, Executive Assistant at SafeSourcing.

Whether it is business or personal, it is important to keep essential files. As the tax season approaches, we are reminded that we must keep tax returns for several years. Just like taxes, there are other important documents each of us must keep, such as many financial statements, contracts, warranty paperwork, or even photographs. The problem is that many of us keep adding to the list of documents to keep, while the amount of items we can shred or recycle doesn’t go down as much. So, what options are available?

Traditionally, everything has been in paper form. Stacks of paperwork can be hard to sift through and even harder to organize. If a document is needed, it can take a grueling amount of time to obtain. Even if we can efficiently organize all the paperwork we need, it still takes up larger and larger amounts of space, likely creeping in to our work areas. Not only does all the extra paperwork hinder our efficiency and is aesthetically unwanted, but it can also be a fire hazard.

Luckily today, we are able to store most items electronically. Storing these on your own computer, however, can really slow down your computer. SafeSourcing can help your business or organization with this problem. The cloud-based storage programs, SafeDocument™ and SafeContract™, allow you to free up space on your device and securely store your important papers and contracts electronically. With these programs, you can access your items anytime anywhere and is exceptionally easy to use and easy to find what you need.

For more information on SafeSourcing’s cloud-based storage, or on our Risk Free trial program, please contact a SafeSourcing Customer Service representative. We have an entire team ready to assist you today.

 

What can a security system do for me?

Thursday, January 14th, 2016

 

 

Today’s post is by Troy Lowe; Vice President of Development at SafeSourcing.

Home security options have come a long way over the past few years. It used to be that your security system would be setup with sensors located on doors and windows and would alert you of a possible intruder.  They would be connected to a land line that would notify your provider and they would notify the police.  One problem with this scenario is that the land lines can be disconnected or cut from outside the home and the notification would not be sent.  Newer systems now come with cellular connections so this is no longer an issue.  Houses no longer have to be pre wired because of the cost effective wireless options that are now available.  With some of the providers today you can not only be protected from intruders, but also from fire and carbon monoxide.  The systems also come with cameras so that you can monitor your home remotely, giving you peace of mind when you are not home.  Below are some other benefits of owning a home security system.

  • Deters Crime
  • Access and Control lighting and Thermostats
  • Monitor Kids Activities
  • Instills Peace of Mind
  • Increases the Value of Your Home
  • Discounts on Home Owners Insurance

If you would like some help finding the right solutions, we can gather all the necessary information for you and help you decide which system meets your needs. If you would like more information on how SafeSourcing can help you, please contact a SafeSourcing Customer Service representative.  We have an entire team ready to assist you today.

We look forward to your comments.

 

 

 

Where is that Contract?!?

Monday, January 11th, 2016

 

Today’s post is written by Heather Powell, Director of the Customer Focus Team & Project Manager at SafeSourcing Inc.

Recently, I was working with a client on creating a Request for Information for a project and was requested to include a particular supplier. When I inquired why they were to be included, the answer was because we have always done business with them. Ok.  When I asked for the latest copy of their contract, I was met with silence and then an unsure answer of IF there was a contract and WHERE the contact is.

pileoffolders

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Within a few days I was sent a correspondence with an attachment.  The e-mail apologized for the delay in responding to my request and that the contract took days to find as it was in the computer of a past employee. Once it was found, the contract had expired in 2002!

All because they have “always done business with them” mentality:

  •  The contract became outdated.
  •  It was stored in one computer that no one had access – the employee no longer worked for the company and IT had to retrieve it from the hard drive.
  •  The supplier was charging them prices that had doubled and tripled over time.

Ask yourself and ask those you hold responsible:

  •  Where are my contracts?
  •  Are they current?
  •  How do I know when the contract is set to expire?
  •  Who has access to them?
  •  Are they electronic copies or paper copies?
  •  How do I avoid all of the issues above?

SafeSourcing has the solution for you!

SafeContract™ is a tool that companies can use to automate and improve their contract flow by electronically capturing their company’s contracts and contract details.

By implementing SafeContract™, companies can improve their contract cycles, standardize processes, reduce administrative costs, improve contract compliance, and increase the effectiveness of negotiations.

SafeContract™ provides financial, role, and organization security, as well as supporting regulatory compliance. It makes contract creation, contract activation, and contract compliance safe and easy to access and use.

SafeSourcing can assist you in exploring your contract management procedures for your business or on our “Risk Free” trial program, please contact a SafeSourcing Customer Service Representative.  We have an entire customer services team waiting to assist you today.

We look forward to your comments.

Everything is about the Internet Of Things, even Garage Door Openers and Security!

Friday, January 8th, 2016

 

Today’s post is by Troy Lowe; Vice President of Development at SafeSourcing.

If you currently need a new garage door opener or are looking to improve the opener that you have, you may want to take a look at making your opener Wi-Fi enabled. There a few different ways to accomplish this.  If you need to replace your current opener, most of the major brands now have Wi-Fi capabilities built in and our ready to use out of the box.  If you have a newer garage door opener, it may be Wi-Fi compatible but you need to purchase additional equipment to get it up and running.  There are also devices available that will allow you to make your current opener Wi-Fi enabled if it currently has safety photo eyes installed.  The photo eyes are usually located on the bottom of the tracks about 3 or 4 inches from the ground.  They are safety devices used to stop a door from closing if something is in the way.  Once you have your opener Wi-Fi enabled, you can download applications from your smartphone or other devices and monitor and control the garage door opener.  You can also setup schedules so that the door will check and automatically close at desired times.  This will ensure that you do not accidentally leave the door open overnight.  Below are some other features that are available for the opener.

  • Monitor status of the door
  • Receive alerts when you forget to close the door
  • Open or Close the door from anywhere with your smartphone
  • Receive alerts about door activity

If you would like some help finding a Wi-Fi solution, we can gather all the necessary information for you and help you decide which product meets your needs. If you would like more information on how SafeSourcing can help you, please contact a SafeSourcing Customer Service representative. We have an entire team ready to assist you today.

We look forward to your comments.

 

 

 

Keeping your feet on the path of your procurement journey

Tuesday, January 5th, 2016

 

Today?s post is?from our?SafeSourcing archives

As the final film installment of The Hobbit, by J.R.R. Tolkien, is released, an interesting quote from the previous movie series, The Lord of the Rings, comes to mind.? ?It’s a dangerous business, Frodo, going out your door. You step onto the road, and if you don’t keep your feet, there’s no knowing where you might be swept off to.?? The question becomes, how do you keep your feet?? How do you avoid getting swept off??? In today?s blog we are going to look at a few of the ways companies ?lose their feet.?

Don?t focus on the path behind ? Taking a journey, like life, is all about moving forward.? The path may not always be straight and clear but the process is about moving forward and this is almost impossible to do when you are focused on where you just came from.? Focusing on the mistakes or the past successes for too long will get you off track to where you are going next.?? In every day terms this translates into running the next project as successfully as possible without bringing too much of the past into the picture.? Be careful not to assume that a successful strategy on the last project will work on this one, or that a strategy that didn?t work as else well on a project 3 months ago won?t work better for the one you have coming up next month.? As with any journey, there will be plenty of time to stop and reflect on your progress and the things learned, and there should be for projects as well.? Semi-annual reviews and project post-mortem review sessions are helpful activities; they just shouldn?t be th
e focus as the next project begins.

Don?t look down, look ahead?. ? When I walk I tend to look down a lot near my feet.? This had led me to find some really cool things (like money) that other people miss, but more often than not, it prevents me from seeing things up ahead of me that would allow me to deal with them before they occur.? Approaching the sourcing process is very similar.? If you focus only on what is going on now you will make decisions based on facts that can and will change and lock those decisions into contracts you must be accountable for.? Looking ahead may uncover an upcoming environmental change that would speak to a shorter deal with a supplier now, with the intention of renegotiating in 9 months when that change comes and puts the company in a better position to negotiate.?? Keeping a view of what?s ahead can save you from making costly mistakes that will last the life of an agreement.

?but not too far ahead ? What can sometimes happen when you start looking ahead, however, is that it goes too far.? When companies spend so much time worrying about what?s down the road, they can ignore the current climate of their organization.? In these cases they frequently find that they never even get to that spot up ahead they are worrying about because the current situation demanded them to leave the current path and go someplace else.? Sometimes this ?someplace else? is out of business.? Balancing the view of what?s coming without losing touch with what is going on today is critical and the companies that do it well can achieve great results that bring extra value to their organization.

For more information on how SafeSourcing can help you with your projects and these sourcing strategy discussions, or on our ?Risk Free? trial program, please contact a SafeSourcing Customer Service Representative.? We have an entire customer services team waiting to assist you today.

We look forward to your comments.