FOOD & BEVERAGE
“ This is one of many educational events we host to help clients learn how to save on labor , water , energy and run a more efficient kitchen through equipment innovation ,” Sheffler said .
CHALLENGES NOW &
AHEAD Besides the existing challenges in supply- chain management , the pandemic highlighted the importance of supplychain resilience and the need for hotels to have
Walt Sheffler , SVP Avendra Hospitality and Europe , Avendra contingency plans to mitigate the impact of future disruptions . Whether that is building more resilient supply chains with more emphasis on local sourcing and diversification of suppliers or the adoption of new technologies to improve supplychain visibility and agility , said Sheffler .
Among the other challenges , inflation and product availability remain the predominant challenges in supply chain , he said .
Products and services cost more than they did a year ago , so Avendra has deployed several inflation-control measures to try and succor customers . For instance , whenever possible , Avendra will deny any price increase not allowed in their supplier contracts and , when necessary , renegotiate a lower increase utilizing input cost analysis , market index data and more .
Additionally , availability of some products may be restricted at times , which makes it difficult for hoteliers to source the materials they need exactly when they need it .
“ This requires advance planning more than what was historically considered to be normal . As part of our standard routine of managing the supply chain , we monitor inventory levels throughout the supply chain . In certain cases , we may ask our manufacturer suppliers and / or distributors to carry additional inventory on hand or establish efficient cross-docking protocols to avoid shortages at inopportune times ,” Sheffler said .
Earlier this year , Sheffler joined the American Hotel & Lodging Association ’ s Board of Directors . He will be part of important discussions concerning a wide range of industry and association-related issues .
For example , “ Our industry continues to struggle around the topic of associate vacancies and communicating the wonderful opportunities available in hospitality and the tertiary businesses that support the hospitality industry ,” he said . “ I look forward to assisting our industry attract and grow new talent .”
84 hotelsmag . com June 2023