A Fine Balance
Team Profile: LVMWD´s Purchasing and Warehouse
LVMWD´s purchasing/warehouse
team makes certain any item — from a water
meter, to a ream of paper, to a length of 30" pipe — is
on hand when needed. Procuring and managing an inventory
of over 1200 stock items, the team ensures that sufficient
supplies are readily available to complete repairs,
conduct preventative maintenance, and perform daily
work.
Since LVMWD
provides drinking water, wastewater treatment, and
recycled water, the team needs solid knowledge of
these aspects of the water business. A broad spectrum
of items must be on hand at any given time. Ready
access to the right items saves employees time and
money and avoids emergency purchases. Team members
know a fine balance know a fine balance is needed
to have just the right supply level so District resources
aren´t tied up in excess inventory and materials
don´t become outdated before they are used. Thus,
each LVMWD customer benefits from this team´s diligence.
The team puts
their knowledge to work to secure the best product
for the best price. They meet sales reps, review
new merchandise, and process public bids for contracts,
all with an eye for value. As liaison between employees
and vendors, the team handles product and vendor
problems, freeing up technical staff to continue
their work. They also oversee standing contracts
for internal business support, such as office equipment,
vending machines, and janitorial services for LVMWD´s
five major facilities, geographically spread across
the district´s 122 square mile service area.
The team takes
pride in providing customer service first and foremost
to their internal customers — district employees — knowing
this will translate to better service for the district´s
more than 65,000 external customers. Along with pride
comes job satisfaction in knowing they are providing
the tools for their co-workers to succeed in their
jobs. |
