Business View Magazine - Mar 2024

This is most likely due to the large degree of communication and collaboration that these arrangements have encouraged between A-State and its partners. From the outside, it’s hard to notice, but internally it becomes clear that the university’s leadership has cultivated fantastic relationships with the organizations that cover the bases that it cannot. “The best resource we have are our suppliers. Our suppliers come to us when a commodity will be increasing in price or the supply chain is scarce. Our vendors let us know howmuch we will need to order to save money,” Glasco says. However,A-State doesn’t establish these partnerships just based on the savings they yield, these partnering entities also meet a standard of sustainability that allows the university to routinely conduct operations with full confidence that their supply chain resources are being ethically sourced. Embracing sustainability and ethical practices, the university upholds transparent procurement standards and actively partners with vendors who are committed to environmental responsibility and fair labor practices. Collaborations with companies like Konica Minolta Business Solutions, renowned for their sustainability initiatives, underscore a commitment to responsible sourcing across operations. According to Glasco, many of their suppliers and partners already have their sustainability standards showcased proudly on their company websites, so if there were ever a particular need for those standards to be enforced, they’re prepared well ahead of time. PEAK PRINCIPLES OF RISK AND INVENTORY MANAGEMENT Externally, A-State’s strategy utilizes collaboration, but internally, the strategy revolves around strict regulation of the university’s inventory levels. A-State’s Facilities Management handles the bulk of the institution’s inventory orders and maintains stock at a baseline threshold. www.governmentsupplyservices.com We are your ‘go to’ E-Procurement Marketplace for : • O c • Indu trial • Safety • Break room • Janitorial Supplies We have a great selection, competitive pricing, and over-the-top customer service. • Great Product Selection • Fast Delivery • Competitive Pricing • Locally-Owned Supplier • Superior Customer Service • Proactive Account Management • Platform integration Capabilities GSS is the preferred O ce Supply Provider for Arkansas State University! 116 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 11, ISSUE 03