REPOST! Calling all Green Retailers. You’ve got to love this!

April 15th, 2011

With Earth Day right around the corner and the early spring driving everything around us green, this timely repost will hopefully beg the question; what has our company done since this was first posted 3 years ago.

I love it when I open the paper in the morning and read something like “What’s Big Green and Found All Over” that’s exactly the title of the lead article in the Business Section of  The Arizona Republic yesterday Tuesday May 27th 2008 by Cathryn Creno. An accompanying article titled “Chains sold on Green” also written by Cathryn Creno details how retailers embrace energy efficiency.  The environment wins twice in one day. We must be making progress. Areas of focus within the article are Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design or LEED, the EPA’s Retail energy Star program, and the EPA’s retail Green Power Partnership list.

A couple of other certifications that retailers may want to pay attention too are Green Seal www.greenseal.org .Green Seal works with manufacturers, industry sectors, purchasing groups, and governments at all levels to “green” the production and purchasing chain. Green Seal utilizes a life-cycle approach, which means they evaluate a product or service beginning with material extraction, continuing with manufacturing and use, and ending with recycling and disposal. EcoLogo www.ecologo.org . is also worthy of consideration and is North America’s most widely recognized and respected certification of environmental leadership. By setting standards and certifying products in more than 120 categories, EcoLogo helps you identify, trust, buy, and sell environmentally preferable (“green”) goods and services. Both of these certifications are included in the SafeSourceIt™ North American supplier database as one of our supplier certification standards 

Personally and for Safesourcing I would like to offer congratulations to the following retailers. Wal-Mart Stores Inc., Whole foods Market Inc., J.C. Penney Co. Inc., Kohl’s Corp., and Safeway Inc. You all serve as a wonderful example of leading the charge in what we all can do towards leaving a better world for our children and theirs.

What has your company accomplished in the last three years? Are you even as this stage yet.

We look forward to your comments.

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Why procurement and supply chain professionals need e-procurement tools more than ever.

April 14th, 2011

New products, evolving specifications, world market fluctuations, evergreen contracts and more lead to higher costs and significant frustration for procurement professionals.

Procurement and other supply chain professionals have developed and nurtured existing relationships within their incumbent suppliers for years and in some cases decades. Too often, this has led to incumbent suppliers becoming to comfortable. The feeling of entitlement begins to creep in and some suppliers feel as though their business will be renewed annually. Too often this is true.

This author has often said that the job of buyers, category managers, procurement executives and other supply chain knowledge workers is the most difficult job in all of retail and retail distribution. These professionals are literally swamped. Quality, safety, environmental issues coupled with the enormous amount of new product offerings is overwhelming. Just conducting the basic research required to identify potential new sources of supply, finding the correct contact information as well as determining if the company has the capability to meet your needs. All of this is before you even sample, price or test new offerings. No wonder it is so easy to just stay the current course. This however would be a mistake.

A general rule of thumb that this author has always ascribed to is if you are doing business with a current supplier for more than three years and are only negotiating with that supplier, your prices are probably too high. The question is how can you find out?

That is where e-procurement tools come in to play. I won’t advertise here, but if you were to Google e-procurement or reverse auctions etc. any number of companies will come up. Or if you were smart, you just click this link and have measurable savings in less than 30 days and often faster. Visit SafeSourcing.

We look forward to and appreciate your comments.

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April is the perfect month to examine your environmental initiatives.

April 13th, 2011

What better time than Earth Day to make sure your environmental programs are driving results or not!

According to Wikipedia Earth Day is a day that is intended to inspire awareness and appreciation for the Earth’s natural environment. Earth Day was founded by United States Senator Gaylord Nelson as an environmental teach-in first held on April 22, 1970.

Why not use this day as a time to reexamine your environmental policies and practices as well as those of your supply chain partners. A simple way to do so is to simply come up with a list of questions and have an open discussion with your executive committee or management team where you try and answer these questions about your company.

Here’s a list to get you started. How many members of your management team can answer all of these questions?

1. Do we track Triple Bottom Line?
2. Are all of our construction projects LEED certified?
3. What programs do we have that are reducing the company’s carbon footprint?
4. Do we have quantifiable evidence as to the reduction of our carbon footprint?
5. What environmental permits and certifications do we have in place?
6. Are we measuring compliance and do we have readily available audit results? 
7. What are our pollution prevention controls?
8. What is our hazardous materials handling process?
9. What is our waste management and recycling plan?
10. What do you do to insure clean air emissions?

Let’s pass a better earth on to our children and their hildren.

We look forward to and appreciate your comments

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The importance of RFx in the Procurement Process – Part II of II

April 12th, 2011

Today’s post is by Mark Davis; Vice President of Operations and CTO at SafeSourcing. Mark asks "What are other things to keep in mind when running an RFx?"

This is a continuation of my last post where we began to discuss the importance of running a Request for Proposal/Information before a competitive pricing event is run.  The last post talked about being specific in the information requested and not being afraid to run an RFx on an existing spend.  Here are some additional details to keep in mind.

• More than a template.  To obtain truly great RFx results the process should involve more than a template off the internet.  Having a team that knows how to properly run an RFx will ensure the right formatting is used; answers will be collected quickly; full results analysis will be conducted; as well as an assurance that the right companies are invited to the process to provide a mix of leaders; innovators and up-and-comers.

• If you use an online tool, go beyond the basic survey providers.  Providers that give access for creating free or inexpensive surveys are good for basic questionnaires but often lack the flexibility and post-survey analysis that a company used to handling RFP/RFI responses can provide.

• Remove the bias.  If at all possible try to find an independent company that can handle the entire RFx process all the way through to the final results and analysis, ensuring your results will show the best company with no bias.

• Integrate with the Reverse Auction.  Having an RFx process tightly integrated with the initial quote gathering and final competitive pricing event means that your company as well as all of the suppliers can get comfortable with one system for everything and not have to go from one tool to another to deliver the information you need.

For more information about the SafeSourcing RFx tools and professional services, please contact a Customer Service Representative today.

We look forward to and appreciate your comments.

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What impact will the Hours-of-Service (HOS) Proposed Rulemaking have on transportation costs?

April 5th, 2011

If drivers can?t drive as many hours, there will be a need for more trucks as well as more drivers.

In December of 2010 the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration or FMSCA a part of the U.S. Department of Transportation proposed changes to the hours of service for Commercial Motor Vehicle Drivers (CMV) with comments due by March 4th of 2011.

These rules are an example of a good thing and potentially a bad thing for companies that ship or receive overland freight as part of their business. In general when drivers are required to work less hours, more drivers will be required to transport products and more trucks will be required to support the increased driver population. So, more jobs and increased sales of CMV?s; is probably good for the economy. The off side of this conversation is an increase in shipping costs in an industry that has seen prices climb steadily over the last few years that result in reducing their customer?s profit margins.

All companies will need to keep abreast of these potential rule changes, because this author is sure that these expenses were not planned for in anyone?s budgets.

We look forward to and appreciate your comments.

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Is retail barter better? Maybe not if you can find willing participants for a forward auction of the same merchandise.

April 1st, 2011

Two ways to help control and reduce retail shrinkage is to offer overstock and out of cycle items in the form of a forward auction or retail barter. Which is better?

Why is it that we never hear of retailers running forward auctions? There are dozens of sources waiting to buy your overstock which all retailers know will reduce shrink and improve bottom line profitability. Many companies that may have large amounts of excess or slow-moving inventory use corporate barter transactions to move this inventory. This author thinks that a forward auction may drive better cost recovery.

If you go to any internet search engine and type in the term overstock, the data returned is in the millions of pages. Many of these links are locations  for Business to Business (B2B) and Business to Consumer (B2C) companies that will gladly agree to participate in e-negotiation events in the form of a forward auction to purchase your overstock or liquidated products for resale through their on line offerings.

Online forward auctions are an ideal way to get the best price for capital equipment, materials, overstock and services you may want to sell, such as when you need to liquidate excess inventory. There are two basic types of forward auctions. The first is a liquidation auction where sellers are reducing inventory from overstock or liquidation and buyers are seeking to obtain the lowest price for items they have an interest in for resale and other purposes. The second type is more of a marketing auction where sellers are trying to sell unique items and buyers wish to obtain unique items. This is typical of an eBay type of offering.

Much of retail shrink happens in the back room or receiving area of retail stores. It just so happens that this is also the location of much of the overstock in the retail community. Much of this product sits there month after month resulting in significant margin hits to quarterly and annual earnings and as such to a company’s stock price.

Ask your e-negotiation solution provider how they can help reduce your overstock and shrink with forward auction tools, and who they would invite as buyers. You company stakeholders will applaud your efforts.

We look forward to and appreciate your comments.
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What can you do to lower your risk from BPA?

March 31st, 2011

As many of our followers know, we have posted regularly about the risks associated with BPA and other products that put consumers and the companies that sell them end use products at risk.

I was reading USA TODAY this morning and there was an article by Wendy Koch titled Study: Eating fresh food lowers BPA in systems. The article actually addresses BPA and DEHP and the impact that a fresh diet has on their levels within a person system.

Although I love my vegetables, I’m not sure I can move to a completely fresh diet, but the Silent Spring Institute that conducted the study does offer the following six steps that individuals can take to limit their risk.

1. Fresh is best
2. Eat in
3. Store it safe
4. Don’t microwave in plastic
5. Brew the old-fashioned way
6. Take action

For more detail on each of these items, visit the following Silent Springs link.

We look forward to and appreciate your opinions.

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Standard e-procurement objections.

March 30th, 2011

One would think or at least hope that objections to the use of e-procurement tools would be much more sophisticated; but they’re not.

Most of the time when we present our solutions, the majority of objections come from buyers and category managers. This author has long held that this is not the correct audience for a first presentation to a company of any size. The correct audience is the CEO or CFO, or both. Procurement when looked at properly has the largest single impact on a company’s financial performance of any area of the company. CEO’s and CFO’s primary areas of focus are the financial performance of the company.

Here are the bullets I normally speak to at the beginning of a presentation as to what leaders will here from their teams relative to the use of these tools. All have very detailed rebuttals that cover the gamut of the procure to pay life cycle.

1. We already get the best cost
2. We’ve done business with this supplier for years
3. We don’t have product specifications
4. We don’t have time for this
5. Our switching costs will be to high
6. We can’t insure the same quality
7. We need to adhere to certain standards
    
Here are a couple of hints as to how to nip these objections in the bud. Get the CEO and CFO     involved early, and keep them involved throughout the process. If savings and cost avoidance are delivered as promised, you won’t have any problem keep their interest.

We look forward to and appreciate your interest.

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Here are Forty-five (45) good reasons why all buyers’ jobs are the most important job in the country.

March 29th, 2011

Buyers represent the front line of protection for their companies and consumers.

How many products are recalled annually by various agencies after they have had a negative impact on the consumer? Here are the March 2011 Recalls and Product Safety News from the Consumer Product Safety Council (CPSC)

1. Kingsman Fireplaces Recalls Gas Fireplaces Due to Laceration Hazard
2. Lasko Recalls Box Fans Due To Fire Hazard
3. CPSC Warns: As Button Battery Use Increases, So Do Battery-Related Injuries and Deaths
4. Gerber Legendary Blades Recalls Combo Axe Due to Laceration Hazard
5. Ocean Technology Systems Recalls Guardian Full-Face Diving Masks Due to Drowning Hazard
6. Second Infant Death Prompts Re-Announcement of Delta Enterprise “Safety Peg” Drop-Side Crib Recall to Repair
7. Scotch Corporation Recalls Instant Power Toilet Bowl Restorer
8. Government Investigation Raises Concerns About Pool and Spa Drain Cover Testing and Entrapment Risks
9. CPSC and HUD Issue Updated Remediation Protocol for Homes with Problem Drywall
10. Maruyama U.S. Recalls Backpack Blowers and Mister Dusters Due to Fire Hazard
11. Kawasaki Motor Recalls Backpack Blowers Due to Fire Hazard
12. Girls’ Jeans for Toddlers Recalled by Parigi Due to Choking Hazard
13. Pogo Sticks Recalled by Bravo Sports Due to Risk of Serious Injury
14. Matilda Jane Recalls Girl’s Chelsa Dress Due to Choking Hazard
15. American Suzuki Motor Corp. Recalls QuadSport ATVs Due to Crash Hazard
16. 8th Grader from Hawaii Wins Grand Prize in CPSC’s Carbon Monoxide Poster Contest
17. CPSC Urges Consumers to Spring Forward with Safety in Mind; Replace Smoke & CO Alarm Batteries This Sunday for Daylight Saving Time
18. CPSC Launches New Consumer Product Safety Information Database Today; SaferProducts.gov database delivered on time, on budget for the public
19. American Suzuki Motor Corp. Recalls KingQuad ATVs Due to Fire Hazard
20. Atico International USA Recalls Holiday Rattle Baby Slippers Due to Choking Hazard; Sold Exclusively at Walgreens
21. Rocky Mountain Bicycles Recalled by Procycle Due to Fall Injury Hazard
22. Kid O Products Recalls Wooden Puzzles Due to Choking Hazard
23. “Camp Nod” Lantern Nightlights Recalled Due to Shock and Fire Hazard; Sold Exclusively at The Land of Nod
24. Wall Mount Fireplaces Recalled by Southern Enterprises Due to Fire and Fall Hazards; Sold Exclusively by Home Shopping Network
25. Children’s Hooded Sweatshirts with Drawstrings Recalled by Sunsations Due to Strangulation Hazard
26. Ms. Bubbles Agrees to Pay $40,000 Civil Penalty for Failing to Report Drawstrings on Children’s Jackets
27. Stanley Security Solutions Announces Recall of Door Locksets; Failure of Latches Could Lead to Entrapment in an Emergency
28. Global Industrial Recalls Workbench Components Due To Electrical Shock Hazard
29. Sunbeam Products Recalls Wine Openers Due to Laceration Hazard; Sold by QVC
30. Fun World Recalls Little Pet Vet and Dr. Littles Halloween Costumes with Toy Stethoscopes Due to Choking Hazard
31. Baja Motorsports Recalls Dirt Bikes Sold Exclusively at Pep Boys Due to Fire and Burn Hazards
32. Sanus Elements Surge Protectors Recalled by Milestone AV Technologies Due to Shock Hazard
33. Sunjoy Industries Recalls Outdoor Wood Burning Fireplaces Sold Exclusively at Lowe’s Stores Due to Fire Hazard
34. Manhattan Group Recalls Parents Wooden Activity Toys Due to Choking Hazard
35. AOSOM Recalls Wooden Playpens Due to Choking and Laceration Hazards
36. IKEA Recalls Coffee/Tea Makers Due to Burn and Laceration Hazards
37. Liebherr Recalls Built-In Refrigerators Due to Injury Hazard; Door Can Detach
38. CPSC Chairman To Honor Consumer Product Safety Leaders
39. Rattles Recalled by Rhino Toys Due to Choking Hazard
40. Burlington Coat Factory Recalls Slow Cookers Due to Fire Hazard
41. Lennox Hearth Products Recalls Natural Gas Log Set Burner Assemblies Due to Risk of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
42. Dick’s Sporting Goods Recalls Fitness Resistance Tubes Due to Contusion and Laceration Hazards
43. Tommy Bahama Recalls Mini-Tin Candle Travel Sets Due to Burn Hazards
44. FAB/Starpoint Recalls Circo Beaded Door Curtains Due to Risk of Strangulation; Sold Exclusively at Target
45. Baby Jogger LLC Recalls Baby Jogger Jump Seats Due to Fall Hazard

This comes down to buyers asking the right questions of their incumbent and prospective suppliers relative to products and related issues and how suppliers address them, report them and test to make sure they do not happen in the first place. If that is not an indicator of a buyer’s importance in the supply chain, what is?

We look forward to and appreciate you input.

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Choosing the Right Vendor to Reflect Your Company

March 28th, 2011

Today’s post is by Mark Davis; Vice President of Operations and CTO at SafeSourcing. Mark asks "Are your sourcing partners’ values and mission statements in line with yours?"

In a recent retail headline, Safeway, a California-based grocer with over 1,700 stores, announced their plan to have a channel of fresh and frozen seafood product that is sustainable and traceable, or in a process to reach that goal, by 2015.

It begs the question, “What are your vendors doing to better the planet in a way that goes beyond the products they deliver?  Are their values and Mission Statements mirroring what your business believes?”

In Safeway’s case, they had a strong company belief in sourcing product that came from sources that can maintain or increase production in the future without negatively affecting the environment with which it is coming from.  They also had a strong desire to be able to trace that product back to its source for safety reasons.  These values led them to select a partner who is helping them assure all of the companies they do business with also have these values and practice them in their business.

They are one of the first retailers to make a commitment of this magnitude with more expected to follow.

In order to ensure this same type of synergy between your company its sources, you should ask yourself:

• How much do I know about the core values of the companies I do business with?
• Do my vendors know anything about my company’s core values or Mission statement?
• Are my suppliers doing everything they can to provide safe and green products?
• Are there other suppliers I could be using that are making strides in this area that mirror the things my company wants to do?
• Are my RFI/RFP processes collecting this kind of information from the vendors?

To help you with answers to these questions or to provide you with a deeper pool of environmentally responsible companies with which to work with, please contact a SafeSourcing customer service representative today.

We look forward to and appreciate your comments.

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