K-Cups – Convenient? Expensive? Environmentally Friendly?

March 28th, 2016

In this blog Gayl discusses the benefits and disadvantages of K-Cups.

 

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

We asked for a Keurig for Christmas. Although we love the convenience of the coffee brewing machine, we have found out a lot along the way.

Green Mountain Coffee Roaster bought Keurig in 2006 for $160million. The National Coffee Association reported that Keurig Green Mountain is the biggest change in coffee-brewing since Mr. Coffee in the 1970’s.  The method of brewing coffee by injecting hot water into a plastic pod has quickly rivaled drip coffee.  It is a faster and more convenient way to brew coffee.  People in the workplace got used to a Keurig in the office and began buying them for their home.

Keurig’s patent on K-Cups expired in 2012. This has opened doors for many companies to make pods at cheaper prices.  Private-label cups went from 7 percent of the market to 14 percent in the second half of 2015. Credit Suisse reported the sales of private- label cups increased by 203 percent over last year, while Keurig’s Green Mountain cups grew by only 12 percent (keep in mind, they had the monopoly previously).

Keurig’s business model was built on selling the coffee units cheap, but with the intention of recouping their money on the K-Cups. “Keurig is trying to establish a technological one: its new brewer, which goes on sale this fall, has a mechanism that scans each pod for Keurig’s markings and locks out any unapproved capsules.  It’s essentially digital rights management (DRM) –a mainstay in music and video – adapted for coffee.”[1]  Currently, the Keurig literature tells the consumer to buy only Keurig-approved pods.  Many food companies have tried to get a piece of Keurig’s single-cup coffee market.  Starbucks, Nestle, Kraft Foods are a few examples.  Currently these companies are packaging K-Cups for Keurig.

A big reason why K-Cups are preferred is because you know you are drinking fresh coffee. Keurig grinds the beans in a factory, flushes them with nitrogen, and seals them in air-tight capsules.  Oxidation is what makes coffee go stale.  The second appeal to K-Cups is the convenience.  You can’t mess up!  Unlike brewing a whole pot of coffee in a traditional coffee maker, you can brew single cups of coffee, decaf coffee, as well as flavored coffees—pleasing everyone’s taste.   Although pods are convenient, they are much more expensive in the long run than brewing coffee.  The environmental concerns of disposing these plastic cups are significant.

For more information on how the team at SafeSourcing can help your company, or on our Risk Free trial program, please contact a SafeSourcing Customer Service representative. We have an entire team ready to assist you today.

1  Josh Dzieza, The Verge, 6/30/14

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No regrets.

March 25th, 2016

There’s no reward for inaction. Take it from me.

 

Today’s post is by Dave Wenig, who was recently pleased to find some savings in his mailbox.

This week, I opened my mailbox to find our first check from an online cash back program. You’ve probably heard of these. They promise cash back for the purchases you’re already making. That’s a concept that really hits home for me.

I believe my number one priority is making sure my clients are saving money. It’s an oversimplified statement, but it’s true. In our business, ROI is very much dependent upon the savings that our customers enjoy though the use of our e-Procurement solutions. When a client’s online Request for Quote (RFQ) is a “Grand Slam,” which means they saved over 25%, the excitement is incredible and the effort is a success. Fortunately, this happens often.

If you have a Source-to-Pay or a Procure-to-Pay strategy, but you’re not utilizing e-Procurement as part of that strategy, then you’re missing out on an opportunity to save money on products and services that you’re already buying. Even without a formal strategy in place, e-Procurement will significantly reduce your spend.

Personally, I regret that I didn’t try a cash back program sooner and I don’t want you to have similar regrets. If you’re responsible for reducing spend, consider what an additional 30-40% reduction would mean for you.

Dave Wenig is a Regional Sales Manager at SafeSourcing and is a devoted champion of saving money. As Dave suggests, avoid regret and contact SafeSourcing to see how much adding e-Procurement to your sourcing projects will save your organization. For more information, please contact a SafeSourcing representative.

 

We look forward to your comments.

 

 

 

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6 Reasons Why You Should Consider Taking Up a Second Language

March 24th, 2016

You will become more marketable....

 

Today’s post is by Christine McConnell, Account Manager at SafeSourcing.

  1. You will gain better appreciation of other cultures. Even if you end up in a country where you have no grasp of the language whatsoever, by speaking two languages you’ve multiplied your chances of finding someone with whom you can communicate. Effective communication is the key to understanding and respecting most, if not all, cultural differences.
  2. You will become more marketable. In the 21st century, nearly 20 percent of all Americans speak a second language (as opposed to 56 percent of Europeans and 38 percent of the British). If you are fluent in a second language, your skill set is doubled. You are more versatile. You’ve moved up onto a whole new level. Fluency in another language can translate into new opportunities to communicate with international clients and perhaps even to travel abroad.
  3. You will be able to comfortably travel abroad. The ability to read road signs and placards, ask for directions, and order off a menu convincingly will all make your travel abroad more safe and relaxing. Making sense of the local vernacular will also allow you to tune into certain nuances and cultural references that will definitely make your travel abroad more interesting.
  4. You will improve your memory. Learning an additional language requires a lot of brain power, what with all the conjugating and the memorizating of new vocabulary words. Studies have shown that bilingual adults possess improved memory and executive function as opposed to people who only speak one language.[1] This will come in handy when recounting all of your wonderful new travel tales.
  5. You will stave off dementia and Alzheimer’s. In 2013, the medical journal Neurology published a study of 684 patients with dementia. The study found that bilingual patients developed Alzheimer’s or dementia nearly five years later than the patients who spoke only one language.[2] Compelling, right?
  6. You will just be all around smarter. A 2004 psychological study concluded that people who speak two or more languages were more adept at problem solving, planning, and other mentally demanding tasks, and that they had higher levels of cognitive brain function.[3] Bilingual people can switch between languages several times throughout the day. This constant shifting back and forth acts like a workout for the brain making bilinguals better at multi-tasking, quicker on their feet, and yes smarter overall.

Interested in learning how SafeSourcing can help your company run more efficiently? Like to try a risk free trial? Please don’t hesitate to contact a SafeSourcing Customer Service Representative. Our team is ready and available to assist you!

[1] http://dana.org/Cerebrum/2012/The_Cognitive_Benefits_of_Being_Bilingual/

[2] http://www.everydayhealth.com/alzheimers/bilingualism-may-slow-alzheimers-progression-9826.aspx

[3] http://www.nytimes.com/2012/03/18/opinion/sunday/the-benefits-of-bilingualism.html?_r=1&

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Food Grade Film- Non-Forming Film (Part 2)

March 22nd, 2016

Do you know the advantages to using Non-forming food grade film?

 

Today’s post is our SafeSourcing Archives.

Have you ever gone to the grocery store to the meat department and notice that the meats in the cases have clear film on them? This film is typically on the meat in two layers. This blog will discuss the second layer that adds protection to the meat.

The non-forming layer of the packaging is sealed directly onto the forming layer instead of the meat typically by heat vacuum sealing. After the non-forming layer is placed on the meat packages, it is typically clear to allow the consumer to view the product. However, most of the suppliers do offer other colors of non-forming layers to match the distribution branding.

The requirements for the film are specific within the USDA and other government regulations. This film is the second layer to the meat packaging.   This process is the same throughout the entire meat industry in the United States.

The meat market is heavily regulated and controlled all throughout the suppliers of the film and the distributors of the meat itself. The second reason it is heavily controlled is because it is a closed market in regards to suppliers that can support the business.

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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Food Grade Film- Forming Film (Part 1)

March 18th, 2016

Do you know the advantages to using forming food grade film?

 

Today’s post is from the  SafeSourcing archives.

Have you ever gone to the grocery store to the meat department and noticed that the meats in the cases have clear film on them? This film is typically on the meat in two layers. This blog will discuss the first layer that goes directly onto the meat.

The forming layer of the packaging is sealed directly onto the meat – typically by heat vacuum sealing. After the forming layer is placed on the meat packages, it is clear to allow the consumer to view the product.

The requirements for the film are specific in the USDA and other government regulations. This film is only the first layer to the meat packaging. This process is the same throughout the entire meat industry in the United States.

The meat market is heavily regulated and controlled throughout the suppliers of the film and the meat distributor industry.  The second reason it is heavily controlled is because it is a closed market to the suppliers that can support the business.

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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Do you find yourself struggling with your workload?

March 17th, 2016

If your workload may at times be overwhelming .....

 

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

If your workload may at times be overwhelming and you find yourself struggling to keep up, organization may help with your prioritization. One of the best ways to get organized and keep up on your workload is by creating lists. Here are ways lists can help you.

  1. Lists help you to simplify. Tons of paperwork, deadlines, and emails can feel overwhelming, but making a list can show your to-do list is not quite so mountainous.
  2. Help your process. When your tasks are clearly defined, you may discover ways in which you can accomplish all your duties more productively.
  3. Breeds commitment. Many times, tasks get avoided or pushed off, but when it is clearly stated and kept in mind, procrastination is met with action.
  4. It prioritizes. Once all your duties are listed in front of you, you begin to notice what are the big projects and which aren’t quite so important. This is especially useful when the workload is greater that available time.
  5. Positivity and accomplishment. When items on your list are checked off one by one, you get a sense of accomplishment knowing that you have made progress. That satisfaction leads to greater positivity and even helps you to work more productively, happier, and smarter.

Not only can lists help in all these ways, but reading a list oftentimes is preferable to reading memos, notes, or even paragraphs. Even if you aren’t the type to make your own lists, try it sometime and test how well you accomplished your tasks. Chances are, you saved much more time completing your duties than it took to think about, write, and edit your to-do list.

If you need ideas or help on how you can save time in your procurement efforts, or on our Risk Free trial program, please contact a SafeSourcing Customer Service representative. We have an entire team ready to assist you today.

Thanks. We look forward to and appreciate your comments.

 

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Stretch Wrap- Cast Film (Part 2)

March 16th, 2016

"What is the difference between Blown and Cast Stretch Wrap?”

 

 

Today’s post is our SafeSourcing Archives

Within the Stretch Wrap industry, there are hundreds of thousands of SKUs of stretch wrap. Most of the stretch wrap that SafeSourcing sources are for warehousing purposes and shipping freight.   When reviewing the specifications there are some things to note.

The second type of film that I will be focusing on is the Cast Film. The “Cast” indicator on the stretch wrap refers to the manufacturing process that the film undergoes. There are advantages and disadvantages using cast film versus blown film outlined below:

Advantages:

  1. Cast film is much stronger than blown film.
  2. Cast film is more durable in warehousing situations.

Disadvantages:

  1. Depending on the manufacturer, cast film can be more expensive.
  2. Cast film can be difficult to read through after layering it.
  3. Stretch Wrap Machines may have difficulty stretching the cast film properly.
  4. Cast film is considered the old technology.

In order to achieve the best specification, call SafeSourcing today.

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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Stretch Wrap- Blown Film (Part 1)

March 15th, 2016

What is the difference between Blown and Cast Stretch Wrap?

 

 

Today?s post is?from the?SafeSourcing Archive.

Within the Stretch Wrap industry, there are hundreds of thousands of SKUs of stretch wrap. Most of the stretch wrap that SafeSourcing sources are for warehousing purposes and shipping freight. When reviewing the specifications there are some things to note.

The first type of film that I will be focusing on is the Blown Film. The ?blown? indicator on the stretch wrap refers to the manufacturing process that the film undergoes. There are advantages to using blown film versus cast film.? It all depends on the use that the stretch wrap is intended for.

Advantages:

  1. ?Blown film is often more taught in order to keep shipments from moving during freight.
  2. Blown film is also lighter weight than cast film, making it is easier to move by individuals in the warehouse.
  3. Blown film is more durable around corners and breaks less during application.
  4. Blown film is the newer technology in the industry.

Disadvantages:?

  1. Depending on the manufacturer, blown film can be more expensive.
  2. Blown film can puncture more often.

In order to achieve the best specification, call SafeSourcing today.

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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Running the Successful Pilot

March 11th, 2016

Are you prepared with the information needed to run your next successful pilot?

 

Today’s post is from our SafeSourcing Archives

New programs, software, tools and suppliers all come with risks due to the unknown factors that could affect how your business runs.  Many times this is why businesses choose to run pilots so that they can evaluate the team they are working with, the program or solution they are introducing and whether or not the effectiveness of those solutions is worth the impact it will make on the business in order to fully implement it.   Today’s blog will cover some of those areas that should be considered to run a successful pilot.

The pilot team – The team that is selected to run a pilot is important.  They need to have a vested interest in the outcome for their department and have knowledge of how the company will use the tool or program so that they can score its effectiveness.   At least one member of the team should have had experience with running a pilot program so that they can guide any of the other members who have not.  Above all else, these team members need to have passion and excitement about the outcome.  Putting team members on the team who it as just another thing they have to do will produce a result that may not benefit the company.
Test the result not the tool – So many times companies get caught up in scorecards that quantify features and functions of a program or solution, which they forget to evaluate these things against the eventual goal, which is how well a program will provide a solution to an issue for the company.  Scoring how a software solution operates on a mobile tablet device may be one piece of information evaluated but when it is based in a need to be filled because the company’s managers are on the floor and they need to be able to do 3 particular functions, then the scoring becomes relevant and can be weighted based on how important this need is.

Share the progress…..often – Good pilots often fail because the people who will eventually make a final decision or have executive ownership are not kept in the loop on the progress.  Whether the progress is good or not as good as expected, most executives would rather know where things stand sooner rather than later because they see the big picture.  They know other things that are happening within the company that the pilot team may not and not having insight into the progress early can affect many other areas of the company.  The other benefit to sharing progress is to generate excitement within the company in anticipation of the time the program or solution eventually gets rolled out to the rest of the organization.

For more information on how SafeSourcing can help you with your sourcing pilot programs 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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When is the best time to buy household goods?

March 9th, 2016

January- The White Sales Month: Bedding, Linens

 

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

Consumer Reports suggests specific months to buy household goods, when the retail market historically puts items on sale in specific times during the year.

January- The White Sales Month: Bedding, Linens. Christmas and Winter Clearance begins: Toys, winter clothing, and TVs. Resolutions: Treadmills, ellipticals, anti-smoking aids, and diet aids

February– Humidifiers, Indoor furniture, Treadmills and ellipticals

March– Digital cameras, Humidifiers, Small consumer electronics (MP3 players, DVD and Blu-ray players, etc.), TVs, Winter sports gear

April- Laptop computers, Desktop computers, Digital cameras, Lawn mowers, Spring clothing

May- Athletic apparel and shoes, camping and outdoor gear, Carpeting, Cordless phones, Lawn mowers, Mattresses, Small consumer electronics

June– Camcorders, Carpeting, Computers, Indoor furniture, Pots, pans, and dishware, Small consumer electronics, summer sports gear, Swimwear

July– Camcorders, Indoor furniture, Outdoor furniture, Swimwear

August- Air conditioners, Backpacks, Dehumidifiers, Outdoor furniture, Snow blowers

September– Bikes, Digital cameras, Gas grills, Lawn mowers, Shrubs, trees, and perennials, Small consumer electronics, Snow blowers

October– Bikes, Computers, Digital cameras, Gas grills, Lawn mowers, winter coats

November– Baby products, Bikes, Camcorders, Gas grills, GPS navigators, Toys, TVs

December– Bikes, Camcorders, Gas grills, GPS navigators, Home appliances, large and small, small consumer electronics, Toys, TVs

There are better times than others to buy goods, but it always pays to do your research on items you wish to purchase for your home or your business. Are you interest in learning more about SafeSourcing and how we can help your company? 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

 

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