35 / 44
Spring 2016
NCRWA.COM33
feature
3
Take weather patterns
into considerations
Weather can play a key role when repair
supplies will be in high demand and how fast
you can obtain them. Repairs are frequent
when the ground shifts during the spring thaw,
other times of the year when the weather is
harsh (e.g. hurricane season). Keep in mind
when ordering products that orders will be
harder to fill when weather conditions will get
in the way of quick deliveries. It only takes
one snowed-in regional shipping hub to delay
orders across the entire nation.
4
Implement a streamlined
purchasing system
Use software programs for both inventorying
product and ordering. Small utilities may rely on
a paper checklist and a clipboard or simply go
by memory, which is unreliable. Make it easy
to keep track of supplies and ordering so there is
no confusion around ordering supplies. Assign
a number for each product you order to supply
categorization and keep track.
5
Make sure ordering is done
by just one person
Delegate one person to be the purchasing
manager to ensure multiple orders aren’t placed
unnecessarily. The designated purchasing
manager should keep track of inventory and
be informed of any changes in supply needs. A
good purchasing manager will also ask vendors
if they offer discounts for buying in volume or
for paying the entire invoice within a specified
amount of time.
Regardless of the size of your inventory,
inventory is important to manage to keep costs
down and ensure repair parts are available
when crews need them. By following these tips,
you can ensure that costs are lower and easily
managed while ensuring you have the parts
when a pipe break occurs.
Article by Krausz USA Material Manager
David Wheat. For more information you can
contact David at (352) 509-3570.