Today’s post is by Mark Davis; Vice President of Operations and CTO at SafeSourcing.

Last week there was an article in Progressive Grocer about how Haggen, a 28 store independent grocer in the state of Washington, was leading a rebranding effort in their stores to focus on the concepts of homemade products and community.  Decisions like these are always major changes for a company and ones that are not made lightly, and there are many things to consider in the planning of these moves.

Over the next two days we will be taking a look at the sourcing points to consider while rebranding is being planned and the types of categories that need immediate focus after the process is set in motion.

Marketing-Procurement Planning – With re-branding changes being driven primarily by marketing departments it is important that a collaborative meeting with procurement happen early so that the scope of the re-branding can be discussed and timelines shared for the different stages in the process.  Armed with the scope of what the re-branding will change and the timeline within which it is to happen, proactive steps can begin so that the procurement team is ready to source the products needed to handle the change.

Categories Affected – One major piece that the procurement team will determine early in the scope discussion will be to detail all of the categories that will be affected by the re-branding.  This will be a topic covered in more detail in tomorrow’s blog and at a high level will include major categories such as uniform related items, external marketing items, construction related items and transportation related to name just a few.

Matching Categories with Contracts – As mentioned above, the scope and timeline are critical pieces of information for the procurement team to know because with that information and the category research above contracts can begin to be examined to determine which categories have contracts that can be leveraged against the re-branding.  There is significant spend associated with re-branding efforts and it should be used when examining contracts for items that will be affected and that expire within the timeline milestones.

Communication – Understanding how the re-branding effort will be communicated within the timeline is a final piece of information that will be needed by the procurement team so that they know what and much of the re-branding can be communicated when doing their job.  Often the re-branding effort comes with other organizational changes that need to be kept confidential so understanding how the organization plans to communicate the re-branding is important.

In tomorrow’s blog we will discuss more about the categories affected by a re-branding effort.  For more information on preparing your sourcing projects related to a re-branding effort, please contact a SafeSourcing Customer Service Representative.  

We look forward to your comments.

As the end of the year is approaching, future budgets are discussed and analysis of current budgets are dissected. 

One of the most important questions for consideration is how you can reduce your costs? One sometimes overlooked area of the business that should be highlighted is company and employee printing; how much volume does an entire business print in a year, and how much does an individual print? 

Looking more closely, you may find yourself asking, “Have we currently implemented a managed print service program? “  If your answer is “no” and you want to decrease costs, such a program should be considered.

Numerous companies specialize in managed print services, of which any could assist in adopting an initiative for your company.   Such programs have proven to save companies millions of dollars within five years following implementation.  Think of the many ways you could use that saved money!

What are the steps for implementation?

Assessment is the most important step in this process.  The service provider looks into your current infrastructure.  The next steps require a design plan that identifies the opportunities to reduce costs, improve performance and create efficient operations.  Next, implementation begins with support provided during the entire transition process.  After implementation is achieved, the service provider will manage and monitor your program remotely, assisting in repairs, achieving supply levels, etc.

After implementation how do we achieve cost savings?
  • Reduction in operational costs
  • Standardization through device models and a networked platform
  • Optimization of all print assets
  • Reduced administrative tasks
  • Increase employee productivity

Managed print services not only leaves room in your budget, but it increases efficiency and provides the ability to regain control.  

If you would like to know more about managed print services providers, or how to involve companies who can help you reap the benefits of a larger budget through cost savings, please contact a Customer Service Representative at SafeSourcing.

We look forward to and appreciate your comments.