In the world of hospitality, Operating Supplies and Equipment (OS&E) procurement is often a complex, yet critical component that can significantly impact operational efficiency and guest experience. Our approach to OS&E stands out not just in our meticulous attention to detail, but also in the dedicated resources we provide to ensure that each property receives exactly what it needs.
A Dedicated Team for OS&E Excellence
One of the defining aspects of our OS&E procurement process is the presence of a specialized team that focuses solely on the OS&E side of purchasing, ensuring that every detail gets the undivided attention it needs. Our OS&E Project Director, Nikki Sasha Ravitz, brings over 26 years of experience to every project. Her extensive knowledge allows her to provide essential consultation advice, invaluable connections, and a vast understanding of the needs for many types of projects.
While other organizations may have dedicated teams, our approach goes beyond simply processing a list of items. We immerse ourselves in the unique requirements of each property and brand, working closely with our clients to refine specifications and ensure that no detail is overlooked.
Beyond Lists: A Comprehensive Consultation Process
Procurement in the OS&E space involves more than just compiling a list of required items. Our team engages deeply with clients to assess their spaces, providing insights on potential gaps and missed opportunities. For instance, we help determine the optimal par levels needed for each item, taking into account factors such as rotation and replenishment schedules.
Understanding the specific requirements allows us to develop a tailored approach. We work with your team to figure out what the best benefit is for your property, considering both long-term cost savings, sustainability, and ease of operations. Our OS&E procurement team can help guide you through each and every detail from item quantity management to storage solutions.
The Art of Budgeting and Planning
When it comes to budgeting for OS&E, it is essential to think holistically. Properties often overlook various spaces, especially during renovations. Our team aids clients in creating a comprehensive budget by considering factors such as location, ease of reordering, and can find creative solutions to meet the budget constraints.
There is also the importance of calculating ROI for items that are sometimes deemed unnecessary or disposable, ensuring that every dollar spent is justified. For example, does it make sense for your property to have paper coasters in the rooms or permanent/material ones?
We encourage properties to think critically about the specification of items. While heavier or larger towels may be preferred, there are ways to adjust specifications without compromising quality, helping to keep costs manageable. There may be additional towels and extra glasses in suites, but a slightly lower quantity in standard rooms. Even something such as the weight and dimensions of a towel influences the cost of laundering and can inflate your overall budget and operating expenses.
Additionally, we facilitate discussions around potential savings—whether that’s adjusting quantities or changing vendors. By leveraging our relationships with vendors and suppliers, we can often negotiate better terms and help clients identify alternative products that align with their budgetary constraints. Our suppliers are also able to give us useful information regarding products, such as if they are about to be discontinued, or if a similar product is about to go on market that would meet our needs and budget.
Tailoring OS&E for Unique Properties
Every restaurant and hotel has its unique requirements, shaped by factors such as design intent, cuisine type, and brand standards. Our procurement process is highly consultative, allowing us to analyze floor plans, storage capacities, and operational workflows to ensure that every detail is accounted for. From china, glassware & silverware to table linen, we help properties identify and source the right items that will enhance their overall aesthetic and functionality.
Just as every location has it’s own design standards, each property has its own unique needs and requirements. When considering par levels, for example, we consider questions like is there an on-site laundry or does extra time need to be allotted for outside vendors? Is the property located on a mountain or island that involves challenges associated with more remote locations? Are the items stock or custom with long lead times?
While in a sense, there can be basic standards that can be applied to all properties, especially of a specific brand, each location is unique and should be looked at individually. Even between the brands, and the flags in each brand, each one has not only a completely different design language, they have different offerings and amenities as well. What level of quality is the property? Is the hotel striving for a 5-star rating? OS&E requirements often come into play and can be the difference between star levels.
Adapting to Modern Challenges
The landscape of OS&E procurement has evolved significantly over the last two decades. By providing a strong consultative approach, we are able to help owners and project managers see exactly what is needed for their specific project, down to the very last spoon. Whether it’s refining specifications, managing budgets, or ensuring that every small detail is addressed, we are committed to guiding our clients toward success in their OS&E endeavors.
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