Many clients visit restaurants, rental stores, hospitals, or even resorts without understanding how much time and work was spent planning, organizing, and creating the spaces. The fact is that a lot of time is spent in the design, purchasing, storage, transportation, and installation of the furniture and items in the spaces.
The process can get overwhelming for project managers, particularly if things are not done appropriately. That’s where an Operating Supplies & Equipment (OS&E) logistics partner comes in.
What is OS&E?
OS&E is an acronym for Operating Supplies and equipment. OS&E comprises essential items commonly used in the hospitality industry. Sometimes, hotel guests may not realize they don’t have them until they need them. These items include hairdryers, towels, glassware, dishes, and hangers.
On the other hand, furniture, fittings, and equipment (FF&E) include items like lab equipment, lighting fixtures, carpet, furniture, and artwork. Both OS&E and FF&E are essential in hotel projects. A hotel without OS& E and FF&E is like a well-designed vehicle without fuel.
What is the Difference between Purchasing and Procurement?
Purchasing and procurement are two different terms commonly used interchangeably. Generally, purchasing is the final process of obtaining a good or service. Procurement is a process that entails sourcing, shortlisting, selecting, and obtaining appropriate goods and services through tendering competitive bidding or purchase. Other activities involved in the procurement process include:
- Price negotiation
- Transport and logistics
- Budgeting
- Supply chain management
- Installation
The difference between purchasing vs. procurement is that purchasing is a one-step process while procurement combines multiple processes that make the purchase possible.
What is the Difference between Purchasing and Sourcing?
Sourcing is the first stage of procurement. It is the process of choosing the suppliers to offer the items you need for your business. Before purchasing OS&E, sourcing should be the first thing to consider. Therefore, it is important to understand what happens during this stage.
Here are some of the steps that go into the sourcing process:
- Research- The sourcing process begins with the research of the product and suppliers. Some aspects to consider are the products’ sustainability, durability, and safety.
- Testing- Before selecting the items to purchase, it is essential to coordinate testing for aspects like durability, flame resistance, and sustainability.
- Budgeting- Here, each supply or equipment is put through the tendering process to ensure you find products that meet the budget.
- Scheduling- The sourcing process also involves considering the time taken to manufacture the items so that you can create a schedule for the installation.
Contact Flood Brothers for FF&E and OS&E Services
The process of procuring and installing items for a hotel business can be overwhelming. At Flood Brothers Commercial Relocation, we have what it takes to ensure the delivery and installation of furniture and equipment for your business goes as planned.
We have over 20 years in the industry and are committed to handling the process professionally. Contact us today or click here to learn more about how you can benefit from our FF&E services.
