We are currently in a rapidly evolving time, battling with an unseen enemy..
Today’s post is written by Ivy Ray, Senior Procurement Specialist at SafeSourcing Inc.
We are currently in a rapidly evolving time, battling with an unseen enemy, with no real answers on how or when this will end. At the onslaught of the COVID-19 pandemic, businesses had to make immediate decisions on how to keep safe while still maintaining their business. The same was true for schools, service organizations, and restaurants. Although all of these have a valuable role in our communities, some were deemed “essential” and others were forced into an abrupt shut-down. This has caused much debate over what is considered essential.
Of course there are vital operations which are clearly necessary for sustaining life and safety, such as hospitals, first responders, and food supply. Others may not be as clear-cut, but are just as important in maintaining our society. Truckers are essential to keeping the supply chain going and waste management and sanitation operations cannot be halted.
Fortunately, we have been able to take advantage of some products and services that were already in existence, but that have now become essential in allowing us to function and maneuver. Drive-thru restaurants, instore pick-up, and food delivery services have allowed us access to food. Current technology such as, VOIP telephony, personal computers and hand-held devices, combined with the internet, has kept us connected. Business and individuals alike are relying on services like Zoom, WebEx, Microsoft Connect, Skype, and FaceTime in order to stay virtually connected. The types of payment methods have increased significantly in just the past decade, creating a cashless society which allows us the ability to make purchases, move funds, and complete financial transactions without ever having to come in direct contact with a single person.
The impact of COVID-19 has caused a limited supply of essential goods and services due to increased demand, leaving companies to scramble for suppliers to meet their needs. Some manufacturers have pivoted to producing some of the much needed supplies necessary to meet the demand and to keep their business relevant. SafeSourcing, Inc. has been successful in procuring products and services to meet these essential needs.
If this pandemic had hit us 30 years ago, it would have been extremely crippling to our society and we would not have been able to continue many of the functions that we are appreciating right now. We need to be in a perpetual state of evolution, and we must be flexible so that we do not break. What we have learned is that we are all connected and therefore ALL are essential.
For more information on how SafeSourcing can assist you in exploring your procurement solutions 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.
