The following is a "special edition" Financial Management Newsletter as we
will depart from our usual multiple item format. Instead, we will focus,
in more detail, on one specific information update. Please share with
those impacted in your units.
********************************************************
Update on the "New" Financial Management
As you may recall from earlier communication, the Purchasing and Stores
organization is now a department of Financial Management. Since the reorganization was announced in December, leaders of the "new" organization launched three initiatives:
1. Review the business model used by Stores
The objective of this initiative is to develop a business model for UW
Stores which meets your needs and is fiscally sound. Key customers of
the Stores operation have been and will continue to be involved in the
assessment. Much effort has been devoted to this initiative in recent
months, validating that the current Stores model is not able to meet the
changing needs of the institution.
As a result, we will be transitioning to a more decentralized business
model over the next several months. Our efforts have included on-going
discussions with Human Resources, including Labor Relations, and with
leadership from both the WFSE and SEIU Unions. We remain committed to
assisting campus customers during this transition and want to emphasize
the well-being of Stores employees is foremost in our minds. We are
working with the Unions, HR and Labor Relations to identify solutions
for our affected individuals.
At the same time, we promise to communicate changes during this period
and to work with you to minimize disruption of your operations.
In that spirit, the following are changes that we know about at this
point:
* Existing stock in Stores will be phased out over the next few months.
The last day of sales from Upper Stores is estimated to be August 31.
South Stores (B170 - Dental Stores)) will continue sales through
September 28, although counter hours will be reduced. Some inventory will be
discounted beginning July 23.
* Alternative methods for ordering products (such as industrial gases
and alcohol) that have previously been stocked in Stores will be identified
and communicated to you in advance of any changes taking place.
* Watch for announcements on our website:
http://www.washington.edu/admin/purchstores/
* Facilities Services will assume responsibility for the inventory and
stocking of Facilities-related supply items, for its use, that were
formerly managed by Stores.
Here are some services that are NOT changing:
* eProcurement will continue doing business as part of the Purchasing
Department, providing clients with the ability to efficiently order
supply items and small equipment through a web interface.
* On-site stock of some scientific supplies and chemicals is available
for purchase by researchers through Biochemistry Stores and Chemistry Stores.
* Purchasing Department staff will continue to set up contracts and
place orders for you as they have in the past.
* The Procurement Card will continue to be an efficient option for
customers to buy and pay for goods and services.
Please let us know if you have questions or concerns regarding these
Stores changes. Feedback sessions will be scheduled in late July or
during August to make sure that we are meeting your needs. Our desire is
that this be a smooth transition for our customers.
2. Develop a common language and tool kit
With an organization that is now 40% larger, our leaders and staff are
challenged to listen and learn from one another about various practices
and ideas. We are still in the process of activities begun earlier this
year, with the goal being a "new" organization, using common goals,
values and tools for change.
3. Launch the Seamless Procure to Pay (PtoP) Initiative
Involving our campus customers, this reorganization provides a great
opportunity to review the procurement process "wing to wing". The
objective will be to make it easier for customers to acquire and pay for
good and services. Folks leading this initiative have been busy mapping
the various procurement methods. A Process Improvement Team (PIT) will
convene shortly to begin analyzing the results of the mapping effort to
identify improvement opportunities and develop subsequent next steps.
If you have questions about any of the initiatives above, please contact
Jeff Follman at jfollman@u.washington.edu, Carla Helm at
chelm@u.washington.edu, or Ann Anderson at andera@u.washington.edu.
|
