Kudler Fine Foods Operations Focus
This paper will define how Kudler Fine Foods can benefit from Internet purchasing and how this new system and process will be implemented. This paper begins by analyzing Kudler’s current purchasing processes and systems and makes recommendations to systems and processes that Kudler could use to improve their current processes. Incorporating an Internet-based purchasing system would add convenience and provide Kudler with sustaining a robust customer and supplier relationship.
Currently Kudler has no purchasing department in any of their locations but standard purchasing procedures have been implemented. Currently each department manager in each location determines requirements for the items his or her department sells. These managers place purchase orders directly with suppliers using standard purchase order forms in each location. Departmental managers have the responsibility to obtain the best price, quality, and delivery possible. Managers also receive and verify the orders to decipher if they received the correct items and quantities that arrived in undamaged condition. Items are documented on an order received form and forwarded to accounting in order for the invoices on the items to be paid (Kudler Fine Foods website, 2011).
The department managers at each location must check with their counterparts in other locations on the pricing, quality, and delivery of the merchandise they order. Managers are also encouraged to combine orders between the stores if there is a cost savings associated with ordering a large quantity of a particular item or product. Kudlers owner Kathy prepares the current purchasing orders. Purchase orders are mailed, forwarded to supplier salesmen, faxed to suppliers, or sent by e-mail whichever method works best for the supplier. Regardless of the method, purchase order forms are filled out and are