Your PPE source of supply can be an important resource in your PPE Program. But just like many buyers think all products are alike, many think all suppliers are alike and that they just provide physical distribution services.
Take a look at your PPE supplier. Are they a true "partner" or are they just a "vendor"? There is nothing wrong with just being a good vendor. With having what you want in stock and shipping it promptly and accurately, at a good price, when you need it. But to upgrade, improve and get the most from your PPE program, you need more than that. You need a "partner".
A vendor supplies what you are already using; a partner suggests new and different products to help satisfy your needs better. A vendor seeks to lower the purchase price of what you are already using; a partner seeks to lower the operating costs and improve the profitability of your business. A vendor knows what you have always used; a partner knows your needs and issues and offers solutions for them.
In addition to tangible products, a partner provides before, during and after sale information, knowledge and ideas to help you make a better PPE buying decision and support that decision going forward. They provide samples, on the job testing and evaluation under your working conditions, and training for your employees. They work with you and for you as advocates within your organization to help justify changes and expenditures.
If you are not getting those things from your PPE supplier, now is the time to look at making a change. You need all of the resources you can get. You need the greatest return on your PPE investment that you can get. Why settle for just a vendor when there are partners out there? Use the same process you do with products. Determine your needs, then look at as many suppliers as you can. Ask what they provide over and above just physical distribution. Compare their offerings carefully.
Most PPE is sold through distributors. Check not only their ability to partner with you, also check their relationship with the manufacturers they represent. Are they true partners with their manufacturers? Do they work as a team so that you get the benefit of the resources of both the distributor and the manufacturer? Can you access the manufacturers experts and resources whenever you need to without a conflict with the distributor?
As you compare, it is helpful to have a benchmark for comparison. Based on our knowledge and experience, the company setting the standard for a true PPE "Partner" today is Honeywell Safety Products. They have a wide range of top quality PPE product lines; they have a large, well trained, experienced, knowledgeable field sales force that is, in our opinion, the best in the industry; they have an excellent customer service department; and they truly partner with their distributors. They can give you the whole package, the "Total Product" of tangibles and intangibles you need. If you use Honeywell to measure all others against, you will get a good evaluation of what is available to you.
If you find a better supplier, who is better able to satisfy your need for a "partner" rather than just a vendor, by all means, use them. When we recommend a product or company, it is our opinion based on our knowledge and experience. Our goal is to make you aware not to influence you. As they say on Fox News, "we report, you decide". Just don't sell yourself short. Industry spends about $5 billion dollars on PPE every year. You should be getting more, much more, than just a product and a price for your money.
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