Archive for January, 2014

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It’s Story Time!

Friday, January 24th, 2014

Today’s post is by Sarah Kouse; Project Manager at SafeSourcing

Everything in life always has a story behind it. There’s always a beginning, middle, and end to all experiences and situations. If you don’t have all the pieces to the story line, it leaves the story very choppy and senseless.

Here at SafeSourcing, we are always telling the full story, beginning, middle, and ending. The following are what’s involved in the beginning, middle, and end:

Beginning:  When the story begins, SafeSourcing starts with research to obtain more information on the product or service to gather a list of vendors/suppliers that can offer the product or service. Once the research has been completed, we then reach out to qualify the vendors to identify that they are fit for what the client is looking for. When the list has been created and qualified, we then obtain approval of the list and any other event documents from the client.

Middle:  Once the client has approved the list of vendors and the event documents, we then send out the invitation to participate in the RFI, RFP, or RFQ process. After, the invites have been sent to the vendors, we then follow up to confirm their receipt and determine if it is something they are interested in participating in. If someone has push back on the process, whether it’s questions on items, scope, or just the process, we work through to get their concerns taken care of. After the vendors have accepted or declined to participate, we continue to follow up with the vendors to keep them engaged in the process and make sure the process is still running smoothly.

Ending:  The ending can be compared to the grand finale. This is the most exciting part, the results. Whether it is an RFI, RFP, or RFQ, we compile the results into a report package to present to the client. Involved in this report package is an Executive Summary, this truly tells the story of how everything started and finished. The ending results of the RFx and recommendations of what we recommend is based on the story that developed from experiences during the process with the vendors to physical results and information the vendors provided during this process.

Here at SafeSourcing, we ensure that the story is always complete and thorough. 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.

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It?s Story Time!

Friday, January 24th, 2014

Today?s post is by Sarah Kouse; Project Manager at SafeSourcing

Everything in life always has a story behind it. There?s always a beginning, middle, and end to all experiences and situations. If you don?t have all the pieces to the story line, it leaves the story very choppy and senseless.

Here at SafeSourcing, we are always telling the full story, beginning, middle, and ending. The following are what?s involved in the beginning, middle, and end:

Beginning😕 When the story begins, SafeSourcing starts with research to obtain more information on the product or service to gather a list of vendors/suppliers that can offer the product or service. Once the research has been completed, we then reach out to qualify the vendors to identify that they are fit for what the client is looking for. When the list has been created and qualified, we then obtain approval of the list and any other event documents from the client.

Middle😕 Once the client has approved the list of vendors and the event documents, we then send out the invitation to participate in the RFI, RFP, or RFQ process. After, the invites have been sent to the vendors, we then follow up to confirm their receipt and determine if it is something they are interested in participating in. If someone has push back on the process, whether it?s questions on items, scope, or just the process, we work through to get their concerns taken care of. After the vendors have accepted or declined to participate, we continue to follow up with the vendors to keep them engaged in the process and make sure the process is still running smoothly.

Ending😕 The ending can be compared to the grand finale. This is the most exciting part, the results. Whether it is an RFI, RFP, or RFQ, we compile the results into a report package to present to the client. Involved in this report package is an Executive Summary, this truly tells the story of how everything started and finished. The ending results of the RFx and recommendations of what we recommend is based on the story that developed from experiences during the process with the vendors to physical results and information the vendors provided during this process.

Here at SafeSourcing, we ensure that the story is always complete and thorough. 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.

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What positions SafeSourcing as an innovator in the eProcurement industry?

Thursday, January 23rd, 2014

Today’s post is by Ryan Melowic; Vice President of Customer Services at SafeSourcing

SafeSourcing was founded on core values that separate us from our competition.  These core values drive the SafeSourcing team and is a key element as to why we are more economical and achieves far better results with our eProcurement projects then does our competition.  The simple core values are:

1.  The highest quality results possible

2.  Keen attention to details

3.  Constant improvement

4.  Veracity and honesty in all the we do

To deliver high quality results SafeSourcing’s team of trained procurement specialists’ research and analyze indentified project categories.   Careful consideration is given to market conditions.  Any other key price drivers are researched and analyzed.   Understanding the category in depth is key to delivering high quality results.

In the eProcurement industry, Keen attention must be given to details.  The details are what allow vendors to compete for your business accurately.  If there is any  lack of clarity in the specification it could mean disaster for a project.

By being willing to constantly improve our process, positions SafeSourcing as an innovator in the eProcurement industry.  We listen to our customers and vendors feedback so we can improve our tools.  SafeSourcing’s procurement specialists participate in programs to further their procurement education.   We want to be the source for experience for all of your company’s procurement needs.

Customers and suppliers have to know they can trust our process.  By never wavering on veracity and honesty, SafeSourcing has proven we are a company to be trusted.  SafeSourcing will always keep this important attribute in mind with decisions we make.

For more information on how SafeSourcing can assist your team with eProcurement Solutions or on our “Risk Free” trial program, please contact a SafeSourcing Customer Service Representative to assist you today.

We look forward to and appreciate your comments.

 

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For all you DIY’ers out there!

Wednesday, January 22nd, 2014

Today’s post is by Dennis Nicoletti: Manager at SafeSourcing.

It wasn’t until I began working at SafeSourcing that I realized the absolute value and benefits of having a professional do the sourcing (aka) the “heavy lifting”, no matter what or size of the project.  I recently moved into a pre-owned home that needed some home improvements some of which I could do myself. Other projects required professionals.   My wife and I prioritized the projects and developed a cursory budget and that’s was the easy part. 

Contractor/supplier research – not only did I have to call friends, family and neighbors but I also spent an inordinate amount of time (evenings and weekends) calling, qualifying, getting estimates over the phone and in my home.  BTW – the in-home estimates were painful and exhausting after a work day.

Bid comparisons– Once all the above was completed (or should I say all I could handle) I compared best bids, services and warranties, then began the elimination period of the process. That was time consuming as well (more evenings and weekend shot).  By now I was thinking; “do I really need to do this project”?

Summary – Once I had decided on the best overall bid, I still did more leg work to be sure I understood all aspects of what was going to be provided by the contractor/supplier as well as doing my best to minimize my costs.  Again, more time and energy.

Result – In the end I got what I wanted and was happy with the cost.  However, the one thing I could never get back was my evening and weekend time usually spent with family.  That’s when it hit me…what we do at SafeSourcing keeps our customers focused on their day to day business while we do all the heavy lifting, utilizing our vast supplier data base, expertise and professional project teams that will save you money…EVERY TIME.

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.

As always, we look forward to your comments.

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For all you DIY?ers out there!

Wednesday, January 22nd, 2014

Today?s post is by Dennis Nicoletti: Manager at SafeSourcing.

It wasn?t until I began working at SafeSourcing that I realized the absolute value and benefits of having a professional do the sourcing (aka) the ?heavy lifting?, no matter what or size of the project.? I recently moved into a pre-owned home that needed some home improvements some of which I could do myself. Other projects required professionals.?? My wife and I prioritized the projects and developed a cursory budget and that?s was the easy part.?

Contractor/supplier research – not only did I have to call friends, family and neighbors but I also spent an inordinate amount of time (evenings and weekends) calling, qualifying, getting estimates over the phone and in my home.? BTW – the in-home estimates were painful and exhausting after a work day.

Bid comparisons– Once all the above was completed (or should I say all I could handle) I compared best bids, services and warranties, then began the elimination period of the process. That was time consuming as well (more evenings and weekend shot).? By now I was thinking; ?do I really need to do this project??

Summary – Once I had decided on the best overall bid, I still did more leg work to be sure I understood all aspects of what was going to be provided by the contractor/supplier as well as doing my best to minimize my costs.? Again, more time and energy.

Result ? In the end I got what I wanted and was happy with the cost.? However, the one thing I could never get back was my evening and weekend time usually spent with family.? That?s when it hit me?what we do at SafeSourcing keeps our customers focused on their day to day business while we do all the heavy lifting, utilizing our vast supplier data base, expertise and professional project teams that will save you money…EVERY TIME.

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.

As always, we look forward to your comments.

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Technology Helps Good Freight Companies!

Tuesday, January 21st, 2014

Today’s repost is by Mark Davis; Sr. Vice President  and COO at SafeSourcing.

Recently a couple of new technologies have made their way in to the freight and logistics world to help promote and safer and more efficient transportation system, helping to focus the inspection and weigh station attention on the companies and drivers who need it most.

The first of these technologies, PrePass, which will send data to upcoming weigh stations in advance of the driver getting there, with information about the company, the driver and the load being carried.  If there are no compliance issues found, the driver will be allowed to bypass the weight station.  If any compliance issues are found, however, that driver will be notified to stop at the next weigh station. 

A similar tool called 360SmartView will instantly download information about the carrier and driver from 90 different government sources at the inspection locations to help inspectors focus their time on the areas that that carrier or driver has had issues with in the past.

So what does this mean for the rest of the country and your business?

Safer Roads – By allowing the Department of Transportation to focus on the people and carriers that have a history of non-compliance, law enforcement in conjunction with state and federal agencies can get the suspect trucks and drivers off of the highways.  For you and your company this becomes information to share with your customers and shareholders about the types of suppliers you do business with and your commitment to safety.

Greener Output – When trucks have to stop less it means that the gases and emissions released by the trucks are reduced, contributing to a greener logistics footprint.  As with safety initiatives, many companies now have initiatives in place to reinforce their commitment to reduce their carbon footprint.  One of the ways to accomplish this that some companies don’t always think about in this process, is selecting vendors and suppliers that are also helping to get greener.  These new processes with help your carriers and, by default, your company achieve greener practices.

3PLs and your Money – The easiest way to encourage compliance among vendors is by affecting their margins.  By not having to stop as frequently for inspections, 3PLs, Carriers and Drivers all have an opportunity to save fuel, time and money.  This, is the end, will allow your company to save money and will produce more companies who strive to achieve the type of compliance that will also allow them to bypass some inspections.

For more information on how SafeSourcing can help you find 3PLs and Carriers with positive history, please contact a SafeSourcing Customer Service Representative.  

We look forward to your comments.

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Updates, Upgrades & New Releases!

Thursday, January 16th, 2014

Today’s post is by Mark Davis; Sr. Vice President  and COO at SafeSourcing.

Recently I reviewed an email from Microsoft about the latest version of Windows letting me know all of the new improvements they have made.  We all constantly are bombarded with new versions of all types of mobile technology.  I even read a trade article recently about Oracle’s important new Security and Alert Patches. 

With so many updates being released for both hardware and software it begs the question of an organization of how to keep up with everything; staying current while balancing the costs and disruption to the business.

Today’s  blog will focus on a few areas to consider before making the move to implement an upgrade.

New Features and Functions – Every new release of hardware comes with two varieties of changes; new features and fixes/improvements.  New features are original offerings that the hardware or software did not offer before while fixes and improvements generally focus on making the current offering a little better and stable.  As a business, the new offering must be evaluated to determine if presents changes that will allow it operate more efficiently than it currently does.

Upgrade process – The process to upgrade to a new version must also be carefully considered.  Some upgrades will install right on top of the versions currently in place or for hardware, it may only require a firmware or software upgrade.  These types of installations are much less intrusive and easier to implement across the organization.  In other cases the new version will require a complete uninstall and reconfiguration in order to use it.  These are less common and usually provide justification with the new features being offered to do it.  Disruption to an organization is critical and the risks must be weighed against the reward of the new features.

VAR Assistance – Many hardware and software agreements made with a companies’ Value Added Resellers (VARs) come with a certain level of technical support services to make upgrades such as these.  Understanding those contracts and agreements in advance may prove to be the difference for companies whose IT staffs are usually already swamped.  Getting these types of services is also a key thing to keep in mind when negotiating new contracts with your VARs.

Current Version – Knowing the current version of software or hardware implemented is a final area to consider.  This is so important because if the software or hardware has not been upgraded in a while, there may be several sets of features that the company can take advantage of beside the ones in the latest version.  Many suppliers will discontinue active support of older versions of hardware and software after a period of time so if the company is in danger of discontinued support or if it has been several versions since a group of hardware or software has been updated, this could affect the decision on whether to proceed with the upgrade.

Evaluating all of these factors will help your company determine whether it is time to perform a hardware or software upgrade.  Depending on the cost of the upgrade, this may also be a good time to evaluate other technology providers for these products.  You will generally find an incumbent more willing to negotiate additional services and new vendors hungry to win your business.

For information on how SafeSourcing can help you during this evaluation process or to help provide new vendors to review, please contact a SafeSourcing Customer Service Representative.  

We look forward to your comments.

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This is an emergency!!

Wednesday, January 15th, 2014

Today’s post is from Shelly Hayre an Account Manager at Safesourcing

These cold temperatures across the nation had me rushing at all hours to prepare for the cold. I, along with many others, hit the grocery store, filled up my gas tank, and gathered all the necessary supplies to be able to still operate my vehicle and keep my dog warm (yes I bought him a silly sweater). In doing so, I never looked and compared pricing, and with my late preparation, the grocery store was out of water.

We have not had these cold temperatures in twenty years and I was not prepared! I am usually always prepared for most emergencies, but this was rare. Wait.. aren’t all emergencies, at least most of them, rare? How prepared is your company for a ‘rare’ emergency?

  • IT Disaster Recovery– How are your documents being protected from damage at your company?
  • Generators– Production and work cannot be stopped in most cases. If you lost power tomorrow, would your company be prepared for a power outage?
  • Contingent Labor– What about the workers? Is your company prepared for a strike?
  • Disaster Recovery– Time is of the essence with disasters, such as fire, water damage, and no heating. How will you call to clean up the disaster or make sure your assets are protected?
  • Emergency Guards– If one of your company’s locations was damaged or broken into, who will management call to monitor the location afterhours or monitor sub-contractors, and are you getting the best price?

There are many other services and products your company will need to be prepared for in case of an emergency. SafeSourcing has the experience and a wide range of suppliers who can provide all the emergency services/products above and more. Call SafeSourcing today to get prepared for whatever emergency may strike.

We enjoy bringing this blog to you every week and hope you find value in it.   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.

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Getting to your RFP Short list!

Tuesday, January 14th, 2014

Today’s post is by Mark Davis; Senior Vice President and COO at SafeSourcing. 

The RFI/RFP process has been the source of a few SafeSourcing blogs over the past few months and no piece is as important to the process as the plan you develop to move forward with the final stages of the RFx process, as you have companies that barely make the shortlist all of a sudden leap to the front of the pack if done right.

Today’s blog will take a look at some of the aspects that you should be thinking about when preparing for the final presentations.

Who makes the list?  – The main purpose to holding the final stage presentations is to get a final look at the vendor team that you may be getting ready to give your business too.  In almost every case, the RFx process will immediately drop a few vendors out of the mix based on their responses, their initial pricing or a combination of both.  Typically the final presentations will be given by 2 4, sometimes 5 vendors.  To have a larger list makes managing the list difficult, and generally is the stage where you have it narrowed down to companies who can truly handle your account.

What is the focus? – As you are developing the items in the next two points it will be important to develop the content for what you want to know more about.  In many cases RFIs and RFPs are unable to completely do justice for some of the details you need especially if those details revolve around a demonstration.  This is not to rehash the RFI/RFP itself but rather to dig deeper into answers that may have been confusing or not quite as complete as what you wanted.

What’s the Agenda? –  Once you know what you want to focus on and prior to holding your presentations it will be important to create the agenda you wish the vendors to follow.  Not doing so allows the vendors to present whatever they want and may leave you with more follow-up questions than you started with.  Vendors generally appreciate an agenda so that they can focus their energy on the things that are important to you.  This agenda will help be the foundation for the next two points so making it thorough without being so detailed there is no flexibility is the key to a good agenda.

How will you score it? – The final piece you will want to develop before the presentations will be a scorecard that can be distributed to the evaluation team covering every aspect that you want reviewed.  This is a critical step because not everyone will automatically evaluate the presentations in a similar way without guidance.  This can be as detailed as you want to make, however, it should at the very least follow the agenda the vendors have been given so that thoughts and comments on each point can be captured by every member of the team.

Getting ready for final RFI/RFP presentations is an important part of the evaluation process and one that should have as much thought and preparation put into it as the RFx itself.

For more information on helping your company prepare on RFI/RFP or in help preparing for final presentations, please contact a SafeSourcing Customer Service Representative.  

We look forward to your comments.

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When the “Prices Rise”

Monday, January 13th, 2014

Today’s post is by Mark Davis; Sr. Vice President and COO at SafeSourcing.

In reports released late last year from sources such as http://seafood.com the average per capita consumption of seafood was down in 2013 across the board.  The effects of trends like this from a health standpoint are critical as seafood represents a big portion of the healthy food our diets require.  How retailers are dealing with this trend, is also important.  With buying patterns changing, price continues to be the #1 reason experts attribute this shift in consumption which leads to the source of discussion for today’s blog: How do you deal with increases in price due to market changes out of your control?

Reduce quality – Reducing quality is one option businesses choose to deal with increasing costs involved with delivering their products.  These changes are not ones that manufacturers and retailers tout to their customers but they are ones that happen to combat rising prices by many businesses.  For an industries whose #1 priority is safety and sustainability, this is usually not an option, but regardless there will be some who choose this path before the product gets to you, making the research and monitoring of where your products are coming from even more important.

Reduce quantity – In a recent article recapping the Global Aquaculture Alliance 2013 meetings in Urner Barry’s Reporter, one representative from BJ’s Wholesale Club stated that their $9.99 price point for a bag of shrimp could not be changed or the consumers would balk and not continue to buy so they were adjusting the weight of the $9.99 in order to keep the price intact.  This type of move whether by a retailer or by a restaurant that reduces the offerings they serve, is a short term one that has an obvious endpoint in the limitation of the size before consumers must accept either a reduction of quality of increase in price to keep the quality they expect. 

Change the mix – Changing the mix of products being offered is another viable method to address the issue of rising prices.  In the seafood industry, for example, consumers and retailers alike are shifting their buying patterns away from the higher priced shellfish towards seafood categories like whitefish which have more attractive pricing and have received much attention for their positive health benefits.  Changing the mix of the products you carry and offer your customers can offset the rising costs of other categories and allow for the possibility of new products and new supplier relationships.

Change the supplier – When the market is dictating rises due to weather, other markets indexes, or transportation costs it can be difficult to find suppliers who are able to offer relief.   Changing a product mix and seeking out suppliers who are growing and looking to acquire new business can lead to additional sourcing options and provide some protection against the price increases.  In these cases, however, there are always risks involved so it is important to do the due diligence and research on a new supplier’s history and reputation before making a change based on price alone.  Value and low cost is only as important as the quality you are able to maintain for your customers.

Rising prices are part of the world we live in and are something that retailers and manufacturers will always have to deal with.  How you deal with those increases and what you are (or aren’t) willing to sacrifice to deal with those changes will be the basis keeping or losing your customer base.  For more information on how SafeSourcing can assist your team with projects meant to take on increasing prices 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.

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