Harmonising an organisation’s supply chain may seem daunting, and fears of unfamiliar structures may be a barrier to a greener future. Marion Brooks, Chief People Officer, Apogee Corporation, shares her thoughts about why acclimatising to change doesn’t only bring success, but likely ensures survival in a saturated market.
Amidst uncertainty and a growing focus on social value, businesses are striving to make their workplace supply chain more resilient, cost-efficient and sustainable – especially as this becomes a key aspect of the public procurement process.
Traditionally, office suppliers were often specialised, offering a narrow range of services. This model is rapidly becoming obsolete as suppliers evolve to meet the demands of today’s connected, technology-driven workplaces. The trend is shifting towards a more integrated approach, with suppliers expanding their portfolio to encompass a wide range of services, from print to cybersecurity and telecoms. This shift is instrumental in transforming how businesses approach their supply chain management.
The benefits of this approach are clear. By consolidating supply chains and leveraging more workplace services from fewer suppliers, businesses can minimise their carbon footprint. This is all while having a more streamlined service support model, with less costly onboarding and fewer vendor management headaches.
Yet, the fear of change and pending priorities are holding some organisations back from reducing and harmonising their supply chain. The reality, however, is that today’s workplace services landscape has significantly evolved and by building a relationship with a trusted supplier, businesses can unlock access to a more sustainable, efficient and flexible model.
Connecting with a trusted provider
Selecting a single ‘as-a-Service’ provider can be daunting, but choosing a reliable partner is key. Trusted providers can adapt their services to match the growth and evolving needs of a business, ensuring high-quality customer support and responsiveness.
Building a relationship with a trusted provider that meets these requirements will help to allay fears and ensure businesses are able to access a wide range of tried and tested services. It will also help organisations to gain peace of mind that their workplace technology is in safe hands, thereby enabling them to focus on maximising output.
The benefits of streamlining services
Working with a single, trusted service provider that can offer more, instead of amassing an array of partners that are difficult to manage, brings a myriad of benefits.
Increased efficiency and cost savings
By having a single point of contact, there is no longer a need to liaise with various parties for different workplace technology issues, as such issues can be resolved far quicker and more easily. Reduced complexity in managing multiple suppliers can also result in significant cost savings, particularly in terms of administrative overheads and the potential for bulk purchasing advantages.
Businesses also benefit from scalable services, which means they only use what they need. This scalability helps to avoid the over-provisioning of resources, leading to more sustainable and agile usage patterns, as well as reduced costs.
Reduced environmental impact
There are a number of environmental and sustainability benefits to be unlocked. For starters, having one provider for IT services and procurement reduces the transportation-related emissions and environmental impact associated with sourcing from multiple suppliers. ‘As-a-Service’ providers also often utilise more efficient, centralised systems for managing IT services, which can reduce the overall energy footprint. By consolidating services under one provider, businesses can minimise redundant systems and processes, leading to more efficient use of energy resources.
Similarly, the amount of e-waste produced is often lower thanks to a single provider reducing the need for multiple hardware devices and servers, especially as many providers typically employ virtualisation and cloud computing, reducing physical infrastructure and associated e-waste.
Access to innovation
Providers of these services often invest heavily in research and development, ensuring that their clients have access to the latest technological innovations. This in turn can help employees work smarter and safer.
A commitment to a sustainable future
The drive towards more resilient, cost-effective and sustainable supply chains is not just a fleeting trend but a critical adaptation in the face of global economic and environmental challenges. By embracing change and forming strategic partnerships with versatile service providers, companies can position themselves for success in an increasingly complex and conscientious marketplace.
In the end, the journey towards a more sustainable and efficient supply chain is not just about business benefits; it’s about taking a responsible stance in a world where every action counts towards building a greener future. Businesses that recognise and act on this imperative will not only thrive in terms of operational efficiency but will also contribute positively to the broader societal and environmental goals that are increasingly central to business success in the 21st century.
