Article contributed by Mike Berman, COO, Day & Nite/All Service, with Eric Trude
Uncertainty might very well be the most accurate word to describe the dawning of winter 2020-21, but in business it’s just a different way of saying the always dreaded analysis paralysis.
Uncertain business circumstances inevitably have one of 2 outcomes: a brighter future or cessation of business operations. Clearly, only one of these is preferable. Therefore, the wise and proactive leader rapidly escapes the clutches of uncertainty and all its paralyzing affects through full-throttle efforts to make the brighter future, a future that must be actively planned and directed now.
Our two most recent columns have emphasized very tangible, proactive, cost-effective ways for all foodservice operators to get on with the critical business of best impacting that brighter future. Throughout this series we have further emphasized the importance of rallying your supply chains to create greater value as sustainable prosperity and profitability will bear a direct relationship to the extent of your key suppliers capacity to deliver superior economics.
Fully conscious of the critical role key suppliers play, the Day & Nite family of companies’ 2020 has been defined by unprecedented exploration and innovation, all designed to drive superior cost-efficiencies to the foodservice industry. Highlighted by the largest concentrated investments in technology in the company’s history, Day & Nite/All Service/Popular Plumbing has eliminated many of the manual steps common to the equipment installation, maintenance and repair business while simultaneously providing foodservice with more sophisticated, expanded, real time asset management information.
Of these, the groundbreaking DNAS Lite mobile application promises to revolutionize the industry by allowing registered customers to more efficiently place and track service calls, further allowing for access to rich equipment history data. The Company has risen to the occasion beyond technology leadership.
Fully one month before Covid-19 dominated everything in our world, Total Food Service asked us to write about the crucial yet not always well-understood disciplines of proper parts procurement and placement. More than ever, expertise in this area will influence how bright your future will be and how rapidly foodservice can permanently turn the page from the truly awful 2020. Often made in the very same factory as original manufacturer parts, OEM equivalent parts can be as much as 60% less expensive, on average 29% less than OEM, and perform at the same levels.
Pentallect’s recent study showing the average foodservice operator experiences 10.5 non-warranty repairs per year on an average repair part cost of nearly $45.00 further illustrates how significant OEM equivalent parts can be. The 1975 Magnuson Moss Act provides warranty protection for using non-OEM repair parts. As part of an overall strategy to decisively move from even slight degrees of uncertainty to swiftly securing your bright future, OEM equivalent parts merits more than serious consideration.
Taking that smart decisive action to drive greater cost and operational efficiencies throughout your business can also help other members of our industry get back on their feet. At this giving time of year, your becoming a Day & Nite/All Service/Popular Plumbing Preventative Maintenance contact customer will also mean 5% will be donated in your name to the James Beard Open For Good campaign. Give both your business and an independent restaurant a special gift this year by contacting jbf@wearetheone.com.
