Next, further analysis will determine
the critical stock to hold, identify parts
alternatives, review stock obsolescence and
order frequency on items, establish optimum
levels and make recommendations on
quantities versus reduced orders. Based on a
previously conducted audit you should then
be presented with an appropriate inventory
management strategy that can be seamlessly
integrated into your business. The results
should provide clear and tangible benefits to
your organisation.
Lastly, any results of any recommendations
your vendor managed service experts suggest
should be fully quantifiable by value over
time, with cost savings and benefits set
against agreed parameters.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A SERVICE
PROVIDER
Making sure you’re investing in a service that
works for everyone involved can often be
difficult. So first, take the time to consider
all vending and inventory related company
challenges that you’re currently facing. By
doing this, you’ll have a better understanding
of the help you need as well as what you
should expect from a vendor managed
service.
Quality: When investing in any service
or product, quality is key. Expect a good
company to be engaging, attentive and quick
to respond to queries and questions. However,
although a good indicator of the quality of the
company is through their communications,
you also need to take the time to look at the
actual quality of the product and service,
from the range of products available, through
to the vending machines themselves and to
the all important service behind the vending
(often an area where suppliers fall down).
If you’re able, try and see the service or
product in action and ask to speak to existing
customers.
Knowledge: From a good vendor managed
service provider, along with quality it’s also
important to have knowledge. Knowledge
can come in two halves: knowledge from
the company and knowledge from you, the
service receiver. Naturally, you should expect
a good vendor managed service provider
to have an in-depth understanding of the
products and the issues you face when it
comes to consumables, but don’t assume
they do. Ask some searching questions and if
they’re hesitant about answering or cannot
direct you to someone who can, they may
not be as knowledgeable as you might think.
On the other hand, a part of the knowledge
comes from you. As mentioned earlier, it helps
to have an idea of what you want to achieve
with this service. Ultimately, this will make the
process quicker and more successful. Take the
time to consider your exact needs and how
you need the supply to work.
Understanding: Similar to knowledge,
understanding refers more to the service
and, more importantly, how well a service
provider can help with your current situation.
A good vendor managed service provider
should be able to provide an understanding
of your situation and should not only suggest
how they can help but should also give extra
support past the initial service. For a provider
to show understanding of your unique
situation, it often means they have both in-
depth knowledge and hands-on experience,
which is invaluable.
By managing all your general maintenance
consumables, Brammer Buck & Hickman’s
Vendor Managed Services can help generate
cost savings, productivity and efficiency
improvements.
For more information or to
request a demonstration of any
of the Vendor Managed Services
through Brammer Buck and
Hickman contact 0870 240 2100
or email at [email protected]
Issue 42 PECM
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