Is Daylight Savings Time still affecting you?

March 19th, 2025

Most of us know that we had to set our clocks forward last weekend, but it still begs the question?

 

Today’s post is by Troy Lowe; Vice President of Development at SafeSourcing.

Is Daylight Savings Time still affecting you?

Most of us know that we had to set our clocks forward last weekend, but do we really know why this practice is in place?  This practice is called daylight savings time.  This practice was established in 1918 by the Standard Time Act and was initially intended to conserve fuel during World War I.  Daylight Savings Time was repealed in 1919 but was re-established during the early part of World War II and was observed from February 9th, 1942, to September 30th, 1945.  When the war ended its use varied among the states and localities.  In 1966 the Uniform Time Act created a standardization in the dates which made the beginning the last Sunday in April and the end being the last Sunday in October with the change to occur at 2 a.m. local time.  During the 1970’s there was an energy crisis, so congress changed the starting dates for Daylight Savings Time so that it began earlier on January 6th and in 1975 it was changed to begin on February 23rd.  After those two years they moved the date to the last Sunday in April.  After keeping this the same for years, it was then changed again in 2007 to what it is now and starts on the second Sunday in March and ends on the first Sunday in November.  For years they have been discussing removing Daylight Savings Time because numerous studies have shown that it can disrupt sleep and could potentially lead to increased heart attacks, strokes, traffic accidents and cause mental health issues.  According to studies these issues are more prominent when the clocks are moved forward than when moving the clocks back an hour.  They are still debating on the removal of Daylight Savings Time and hopefully they will discontinue its use in the near future.  Below are some of the other potential negative effects.

  • Sleep Deprivation
  • Metabolic Issues
  • Seasonal Affective Disorder
  • Cognitive Functions
  • Digestive and Immune-Related Diseases

If you need help sourcing items for your company, feel free to contact SafeSourcing.   We can gather all the necessary information for you and help you decide which company and product meets your needs.  If you would like more information on how SafeSourcing can help you, please contact a SafeSourcing Customer Service representative.  We have an entire team ready to assist you today.

 

Posted in | Comments Off on Is Daylight Savings Time still affecting you?

The Evolving Procurement Environment!

February 28th, 2025

Procurement plays a vital role in the global economy!

 

Today’s blog is by Margaret Stewart, Director of HR, and Administration at SafeSourcing.

Procurement plays a vital role in the global economy, but it is constantly influenced by geopolitical tensions, economic changes, and technological advancements. As we move forward, current affairs can and will shape procurement strategies.

The ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict has disrupted global supply chains, especially in sectors like energy, raw materials, and food. Procurement teams are now prioritizing supply chain resilience, diversifying suppliers, and exploring nearshoring and reshoring to reduce dependence on unstable regions.

Sustainability is more crucial than ever, with consumers, regulators, and investors demanding ethical and eco-friendly practices. Companies are adopting green procurement strategies, such as sourcing renewable energy, choosing sustainable materials, and ensuring ethical labor practices. Blockchain and other technologies are enhancing transparency in supply chains, making it easier to verify product origins and sustainability standards.

The rise of AI, machine learning, and data analytics is revolutionizing procurement. These tools help businesses forecast demand, optimize inventory, and select the best suppliers. E-procurement platforms and automation are streamlining processes, reducing administrative costs, and fostering innovation. Blockchain technology is also ensuring secure and transparent contracts, which is crucial in today’s complex supply chain landscape.

Instead of transactional relationships, many companies are now focusing on long-term, collaborative partnerships with suppliers. This approach fosters innovation, ensures continuity, and reduces costs. Businesses are also diversifying their supplier base to include more diverse and inclusive partners, reflecting a commitment to social responsibility.

The procurement landscape is evolving, driven by global events and innovative technologies. To thrive, procurement professionals must embrace innovation, sustainability, and collaboration. By staying agile and adapting to these changes, businesses can position themselves for success in the increasingly complex global marketplace of 2025.

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

Posted in , , , , | Comments Off on The Evolving Procurement Environment!

Are there more product recalls today than historically?  

February 27th, 2025

According to the FDA, recalls have become more of a buzz topic.

 

Today’s post is by Troy Lowe; Vice President of Development at SafeSourcing.

If you pay attention to the news, you probably noticed that several times a week some type of food, drink or medicine is being recalled.  I was wondering if this is normal or are there more recalls over the past year than in other years in the past.  According to the FDA, recalls have become more of a buzz topic after we encountered a huge deli meat recall last summer.  Besides all of the coverage of the recalls the FDA states that there has not been a spike in recalls when compared to previous years.  While there appear to be a perception of more recalls, the number of food recalls over the past year has been generally consistent with past years.  The FDA’s claim on the recalls is also supported by a recent study published in the Journal of Food Protection, which showed that the number of recalls has declined over the past few decades.  This is in the most part due to the increased safety regulations that were put in place.  After doing some of this research it is concerning to me that we have so many recalls of which we are not aware.  According to research we have had around 2100 recalls over the last year, which averages around 5 to 6 per day for food, medication, and health equipment.  According to them this number appears to be the average amount of recalls over the past 8 years.  The reason for the heightened awareness seems to be because it has become trendier for news outlets to cover the announcements.  This is a good thing because it is important that consumers be aware of the recalls because they can cause injury or illness.  Below are some products that have been recalled recently.

  • Deli meats
  • Apple Juice
  • Eggs
  • Canned Tuna
  • Tahini Pasta
  • Alfalfa Sprouts
  • Cinnamon
  • Vegetables
  • Plant-based milk.
  • Coffee
  • Cheese
  • Baby food

If you need help sourcing items for your company, feel free to contact SafeSourcing.   We can gather all the necessary information for you and help you decide which company and product meets your needs.  If you would like more information on how SafeSourcing can help you, please contact a SafeSourcing Customer Service representative.  We have an entire team ready to assist you today.

Posted in , , | Comments Off on Are there more product recalls today than historically?  

The Evolution of SaaS in Procurement

February 7th, 2025

Why Hybrid Models Are the Future & the EBITDA Multiplier Effect

 

Today’s post is by Eric Steller, Chief Revenue Officer at SafeSourcing Inc.

The Software as a Service (SaaS) industry has undergone a profound transformation. What once promised efficiency and scalability through out-of-the-box (OOTB) solutions has, in many cases, become a paradox—overly complex yet insufficiently tailored to an organization’s unique needs. The reality is that most SaaS platforms, when left to operate as standalone solutions, fail to deliver their full potential. This is why leading organizations are shifting toward hybrid SaaS and services models—an approach that accelerates time to value, ensures seamless execution, and maximizes financial returns.

The Limitations of Traditional SaaS: A Market Reality

While SaaS solutions were originally designed to streamline operations, market research confirms that the complexity of modern business environments renders most OOTB implementations ineffective. A recent study from Allied Market Research projects the hybrid cloud market—an indicator of demand for mixed technology and services—will surge from $96.7 billion in 2023 to $480.2 billion by 2033, growing at a staggering 17.4% CAGR. This shift underscores an essential truth: organizations require more than software; they need expert guidance and executional support to drive measurable results.

Moreover, pricing models within the SaaS ecosystem have evolved to reflect this reality. Hybrid pricing strategies, which combine software subscriptions with usage-based service components, are now critical in optimizing customer value and revenue scalability. Companies that fail to integrate service-led models risk leaving significant financial gains on the table (Hyperline Research).

SafeSourcing: A Procurement Powerhouse That Redefines ROI

SafeSourcing embodies this hybrid SaaS-services paradigm to perfection. Founded over 15 years ago by procurement visionary Ron Southard, SafeSourcing initially launched as a Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) platform. However, it became evident that while the technology itself was powerful, most organizations lacked the internal expertise to unlock its full potential.

Clients, almost universally, sought SafeSourcing’s direct involvement—not only to deploy the solution but to lead their procurement events with surgical precision. Today, SafeSourcing operates as a fully managed Procurement-as-a-Service partner, leveraging:

  • A proprietary tech stack for seamless execution of RFIs, RFPs, RFQs, also known reverse auctions or on-line bids.
  • A database of nearly 600,000 vendors spanning every conceivable category
  • A dedicated team of procurement specialists who run sourcing events daily, ensuring superior outcomes

The EBITDA Multiplier: Doubling Profits Without Adding Headcount

The results? Unmatched cost reductions. SafeSourcing clients consistently realize savings of 25% or more per category—a staggering figure that, in many cases, translates to a doubling of EBITDA. The impact is so profound that if an enterprise were to do nothing else—no process optimizations, no internal restructuring—SafeSourcing alone could double profitability through sheer procurement efficiency.

Can any other solution make such a claim?

A Strategic Imperative for Every CxO

Every executive, from the CFO to the COO to the CEO, faces a relentless directive: deliver better results, faster, and at a lower cost. Amidst growing economic pressures and increasing competition, the imperative to optimize procurement is no longer optional—it is existential.

SafeSourcing is not just a SaaS provider. It is a strategic partner that transforms procurement from a cost center into a profit engine. If your organization isn’t actively exploring SafeSourcing, the only question is: Why not?

For more information on how the SafeSourcing can help you improve your EBITDA NOW through our Procurement as a Service offerings, or regarding our Risk-Free trial program, please contact a SafeSourcing Customer Service representative. We have an entire team ready to assist you today.

 

 

Posted in , , , | Comments Off on The Evolution of SaaS in Procurement

Business and AI: What can it do?

January 21st, 2025

Artificial Intelligence has often been heralded as a game-changer for businesses...

 

Today’s post is by Margaret Stewart, Director of HR and Administration at SafeSourcing Inc.

Artificial Intelligence has often been heralded as a game-changer for businesses. As we look to the near future, it is poised to affect industries across the board, from streamlining operations to enhancing customer experience. But in what ways exactly will AI affect businesses and are the possibilities virtually endless?

AI algorithms are becoming increasingly adept at analyzing vast amounts of data to understand individual customer preferences. Businesses will leverage this capability to deliver hyper-personalized experiences. For example, retailers may use AI-driven recommendation engines to suggest products tailored to individual tastes, healthcare providers could customize treatment plans based on patient history and genetic information, and even entertainment platforms can offer uniquely curated content for each user. This level of personalization could potentially drive customer loyalty and satisfaction.

AI-powered automation potentially could free employees from repetitive tasks, allowing them to focus on more strategic and creative work. In industries like logistics, finance, and manufacturing, AI-driven tools will streamline workflows and boost productivity. Some examples include chatbots and virtual assistants that handle customer queries around the clock, robotic process automation that automates data entry, invoicing, and compliance checks, or even AI-powered scheduling tools that optimize workforce management and resource allocation.

AI is no longer a futuristic concept, but rather a present-day catalyst for innovation and efficiency. Businesses that embrace AI will not only gain a competitive edge but also redefine what’s possible in their industries. By preparing now, companies can position themselves to harness the transformative power of AI and lead the way into a smarter, more connected future.

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

Posted in | Comments Off on Business and AI: What can it do?

If the Economy is so great, why are so many stores closing.

January 16th, 2025

Did some of your favorite stores close? Could it have been avoided with better costs?

 

Today’s post is by Troy Lowe; Vice President of Development at SafeSourcing.

If you are still the kind of person that enjoys going to stores and shopping, you have probably noticed that a lot of stores that you shop at are no longer there.  In the U.S. retailers announced approximately 7,100 store closures which is a 69 percent jump from the year before.  Not only are there closures but around forty-five retailers have filed for bankruptcy protection compared to around twenty-five retail bankruptcies the year before.  A lot of the store closures are due to the economy and the fact that people are strapped and not spending as much money as they did in past years.  With everything going up in price shoppers are now having to spend more money on more necessities and are spending less on other items.  The retailers with the greatest number of store closings include drugstores and major discount chains.  The pharmacy closings seem to be more of a problem with over 7,000 of their stores closing over the past few years.  All of these closings have caused major gaps in locations making it hard for shoppers to find a nearby drugstore to fill their prescriptions and get other health care products they need.  Researchers are hopeful that the retail space may stabilize later this year but do not be surprised if there are still additional closings.  Below is a list of some of the retailers that closed multiple locations over the past year.

  • Family Dollar
  • CVS Health
  • Big Lots
  • rue21
  • 7-Eleven
  • Rite Aid
  • Walgreens
  • Foot Locker
  • Dollar General
  • Dollar Tree
  • Macy’s
  • Office Depot

If you need help sourcing items for your company, feel free to contact SafeSourcing.   We can gather all the necessary information for you and help you decide which company and product meets your needs.  If you would like more information on how SafeSourcing can help you, please contact a SafeSourcing Customer Service representative.  We have an entire team ready to assist you today.

 

Posted in | Comments Off on If the Economy is so great, why are so many stores closing.

A Category Management Primer!

January 8th, 2025

What is the structure of your buying organization?

 

 

Today’s post is by Ronald D. Southard, CEO at SafeSourcing Inc.

What is the structure of your buying organization?

Evolution to a category management structure began in the 1980’s. Many companies today have still not completely evolved to this structure. So, what are some of the elements of a category management structure and what do they do. Here are some definitions from the SafeSourcing Wiki which is free for anyone to use.

  1. CategoryManagement is a retailing concept in which the total range of products sold by a retailer is broken down into discrete groups of similar or related products; these groups are known as product Examples of grocery categories may be tinned fish, washing detergent, toothpastes, etc. Each category is then run like a “mini business” (Business Unit) in its own right, with its own set of turnover and/or profitability targets and strategies.
  2. A categorymanager (CM) analyzes product brands and mix, inventory levels, movement, shelf space allocation, promotions, buying, and profitability of a merchandise category. They manage the marketing for a range of related products in a way designed to increase sales of all of the products, as opposed to a brand manager who markets an entire brand of goods.
  3. Within a category, a category captain is the manufacturer‘s representative responsible for analyzing the productmovement, assortment, inventory management, promotion, buying, and profitability for a specific geographic area or an entire chain. They will be expected to have the closest and most regular contact with the retail In order to do the job effectively, the supplier may be granted access to a greater wealth of data-sharing.

If you would like to learn more about our daily posts or other SafeSourcing free tools like our SafeSourcing Wiki, please contact a SafeSourcing customers services associate.

 

 

Posted in , | Comments Off on A Category Management Primer!

Twas the day after Christmas!

December 26th, 2024

If there is a poem for The night before Christmas, there has to be one for the day after. ENJOY.

 

Twas the day after Christmas

When all through the land

People were still smiling and happy

Because their holiday had gone just as planned

With malls to be visited and unwanted gifts to return

And exercise to be done and all those extra calories to burn

Most offices are still quiet as their staff s celebrate

While others rush to close out their years business before it’s too late

There’s a new year  coming full of lots of new stuff

We all hope with this congress life doesn’t get any more tough

For businesses public and private and individuals too

Who would all rather focus on what’s exciting and new

Like jobs and raises and a positive end of year review

So on Trump and Pelosi with congress hopefully in tow

Let’s get back to Washington

And end this year with some glow.

Happy Holidays from Safesourcing

Posted in | Comments Off on Twas the day after Christmas!

We wish you all a very Merry Christmas 2024 and the hope for Peace on Earth.

December 25th, 2024

All of us at SafeSourcing hope you are all able to be safe and with loved ones for the Christmas Holiday.

If you can indentify these folks below, We hope they grant you and yours all of your wishes.
IMG00094

Posted in | Comments Off on We wish you all a very Merry Christmas 2024 and the hope for Peace on Earth.

On the Twelve Days of e-Procurement Christmas.

December 24th, 2024

It's that time of year again. We know you have all heard the song “The twelve days of Christmas” many times. With that tune playing over and over in your head try substituting the e-procurement lyrics below.

 

It is actually twelve days until Christmas and today’s post is a holiday favorite by our CEO Ron Southard from our SafeSourcing Archives.

  1. On the first day of Christmas our e-procurement service provider gave to us, a streamlined procurement process.
  2. On the second day of Christmas our e-service provider gave to us, more suppliers to source our goods and services from.
  3. On the third day of Christmas our e-procurement service provider gave to us, pricing that works for smallest categories.
  4. On the fourth day of Christmas our e-procurement service provider gave to us, consistent and customized product specifications.
  5. On the fifth day of Christmas our e-procurement service supplier gave to us, more time for other priorities.
  6. On the sixth day of Christmas our e-procurement service provider gave to us, improved quality in our products and services.
  7. On the seventh day of Christmas our e-procurement service supplier gave to us, better supplier education.
  8. On the eighth day of Christmas our e-procurement service provider gave to us, a simple award of business process.
  9. On the ninth day of Christmas our e-procurement service provider gave to us, support for a better carbon footprint.
  10. On the tenth day of Christmas our e-procurement service supplier gave to us, total category e-procurement.
  11. On the eleventh day of Christmas our e-procurement service provider gave to us, safer products for our customers and planet.
  12. On the twelfth day of Christmas our e-procurement service provider gave to us, a sustainable e-procurement process and improved corporate net earnings.

Now, ask yourself if all of these goals are accomplished on your company’s behalf by your present e-procurement service provider. If n0t, please contact a SafeSourcing customer services account manager.

Continued best wishes for a very Merry Christmas the rest of the 2023 Holiday Season.

Posted in , , | Comments Off on On the Twelve Days of e-Procurement Christmas.

« Older Entries
Newer Entries »
© 2025 SafeSourcing