learned to provide a roadmap for an effective category implementation.
Program Implementation Best Practices
1. Clean Data
This probably comes as no surprise to any of our Members: detailed location-level usage data is a key component to identify the category scope, validate the case
Based on this data, CoVest will put together a comprehensive data package for our Supplier to ensure a smooth transition and successful implementation plan. Suppliers will receive:
- Clean price list
- Opportunity by site – To focus the Supplier’s efforts on key sites with the most savings potential.
- Usage by site – To assist the Supplier in building out their
distribution network by stocking unique items near members’ sites. - Site list with key contacts – Square footage of location, head count, number of shifts, etc.
2. Corporate Champion within Member Company
Regardless of how a company purchases products, or if they will mandate new programs, support at the macro level is key. CoVest and our Supplier partners work directly with the Corporate Champion on the
3. Cadenced Meetings
Ensuring engagement from both our Members and Suppliers is critical for success. Regularly cadenced meetings allow the team to stay on
4. Effective Communication Plan
Customizable for each Member, CoVest assists our Corporate Champion by providing a tailored set of communication materials created for each program. While each valuable communication piece supports the overall rollout strategy, our endorsement letters provide critical information for a successful program launch including:
- Announce the new preferred supplier partner program,
- Inform buyers know which type of products should be purchased from the Supplier
- Provide insight into the contract benefits
- Key contact information for their new Supplier representative.
Every implementation encompasses a variety of communication pieces to drive awareness and promote program benefits and adoption, including:
- Endorsement letters
- Who is “The Supplier”
- Category Overview
- Contract Benefit Overview
- Product Offering Guide
- VMI Solutions Overview
- Kick-off calls with the sites
5. Local Engagement
After the new program is announced, both our Members and Suppliers need local engagement for successful adoption of the category program. This includes on-site meetings to get the stakeholders introduced and onboarded to the program. In addition, our Supplier partners work with the local
6. CoVest Reporting
Detailed compliance and savings reporting is a major component of CoVest’s implementation process and value we provide to resource-strapped indirect procurement teams. Compliance reporting gives us the unique opportunity to compare expected volume to actual volume at a site level. With the backing of our Corporate Champion, we can drill
In closing, it is important to remember that every implementation is different, but CoVest has identified key components for success in each category rollout. If your team has struggled with a program implementation in the past or is considering adding a category through a leveraged national supplier agreement, contact our Senior Implementation Manager, Alexis Pons, to take the first step toward a successful implementation rollout.
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