Lower Total Cost

As a national distributor, Unisource has exceptional purchasing power. You can always be assured of competitive product prices. But the real value that Unisource brings goes far beyond price.

Smart executives understand that cleaning products and equipment typically account for only 10% of the total cost of maintaining a facility. That means that product price is just the tip of the iceberg! To address the other 90% of expense, you need to look at the hidden costs below the surface.

The most significant factor affecting the total maintenance expense is labor - not products. Most facility managers are faced with the challenge of high turnover in their custodial work force. This is compounded by the fact that maintenance workers generally have little or no experience in the field. Thus, training and retention become critical issues to maintaining your facility requirements and managing costs.

In reality, most training occurs on the job, and is provided to the new employee by following the employee with the greatest experience. However, this can often result in the replication of bad habits and improper techniques. In contrast, proper training using standardized tools and procedures helps ensure that the job will be completed efficiently and correctly the first time, and that the cleaning products will deliver the optimal results. Proper training not only minimizes rework, but improves employee morale and productivity, which can lead to reduced turnover.

The consistent use of proper procedures has many additional cost-saving benefits. Proper use of tools and equipment will contribute to longer asset life and reduced maintenance expense. Also, control systems that manage the dilution of chemicals and the dispensing of sanitary paper will help reduce waste and lower overall product consumption.

Inefficient supply chain management can disguise significant cost factors, too. Consider the time and money your staff might spend in managing orders from 12 different suppliers, instead of buying the same products from just one distributor. It means 12 times the work and expense in managing sales calls, order processing and receiving, freight, inventory management, obsolescence, taxes, depreciation, accounts payable, etc. Improving your supply chain management through a full-line distributor can dramatically impact your procurement costs.

Additional costs to your company are hidden in the risks and liabilities of improperly maintained facilities. Slip/fall accidents account for tremendous costs to businesses annually. In addition, cross-contamination in restrooms, food preparation areas and general office space can have a multiplying effect. Lost work time, medical claim payments, lawsuits and lost goodwill are only a few of the many hidden costs that must be addressed. You can reduce these costs by working with a distributor that understands your business and brings expertise in the cleaning industry. It's the combination of people and products working together that determine the success of your operation.

So, as you think about the hours you spent negotiating to save a few pennies on that last bottle of cleaning chemicals. Did you really save money? Take a moment to consider the value that Unisource can bring in helping you address your hidden costs.

Unisource takes a consultative approach to serving your needs. We conduct a full facility audit to determine your facility requirements, assessing the products and equipment you currently use, the procedures you employ, and the effectiveness of your results. We will design a comprehensive plan for maintaining your facility, including detailed training for your staff in the proper tools and procedures for each area. We will provide the necessary resources, technical support and expertise to ensure that you are in compliance with regulations and best practices. And, through the efficiencies of consolidated supply chain management, Unisource can provide all of this at the lowest total cost.