CONTROLLING FOOD COSTS WITHOUT COMPROMISING SERVICE
When you're in the business of providing quality accommodation for the elderly, you face a fundamental challenge.
"Everyone expects, and deserves, to eat good, enjoyable, healthy food every day, and our elderly are no exception," says ERA consultant Colin Rymer. "However, Government funding for aged care is notoriously tight, to say the least."
It's an understatement, then, to say that management and residents of aged care organisations welcome every reduction in food costs that can be managed without sacrificing quality or service. But how can this be done?
"ERA can assist you to reduce your food expenses," comments Colin"We spend a considerable time analysing your usage and purchasing requirements, along with your current processes for the ordering of food products."
Generally, food is an area that relies on an efficient mix of suppliers to achieve cost reductions. Most organisations simply do not have the staff numbers or the time to analyse their current suppliers and wonder if they're the best ones for the job.
"The situation becomes even more confused by the seemingly better deals offered by rival sales representatives every day," says Colin.
What you need is someone who can look at your requirements in a non-emotive, purely practical manner. ERA can do this - here's how.
Colin
explains, "We need to break your food requirements down into component
parts, and then see which grouping of products can produce the best
savings for you. We would look at your dry goods, bread/bakery,
milk/dairy, fresh produce, meats, seafood and specialty products
as separate categories."
Your ERA consultant mixes and matches products to extract the maximum
savings - time-consuming, but well worth it. "There are many
suppliers offering various products, but not all can provide every
product at the best possible price," says Colin. "We will improve
your ordering practices, alter the supplier mix and seek out the
best possible price for you."
In doing this, ERA is able to achieve savings ranging from 12 per
cent to 30 per cent for its clients. That's a big plus for your
bottom line!
Of course, ERA includes its clients in every step of the process.
"Your staff are involved at each stage, including the analysis of
your requirements, market testing and ensuring that implementation
of the new procedures goes smoothly," says Colin. "We then monitor
the supply arrangements for 24 months to ensure that the projected
savings actually materialise."
