Day: July 26, 2017

Reforms Coming to DoD Acquisition Including Online Marketplace

Reforms Are Coming to DoD Acquisitions
Reforms Are Coming to Online DoD Acquisitions

E-commerce has changed the way Americans shop, and that could soon include the Department of Defense. The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for fiscal 2018 would allow DoD to purchase through the same online marketplaces used by civilians and commercial buyers.

Is E-Commerce a Solution for DoD Spending?

Defense Department purchasing has traditionally been done through DoD contracting or the General Services Administration (GSA) calendar, which includes set pricing. Rep. Mac Thornberry of Texas, chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, proposed that DoD be given the ability to purchase online from retailers such as Amazon and Staples.

According to Thornberry and other proponents, the reform would allow DoD to enjoy significant savings on off-the-shelf goods such as bottled water and treadmills. A recent GSA Inspector General report found that GSA prices run 13 percent higher than the open market.

DoD would also benefit from access to data allowing improved tracking and analysis of purchases. As Thornberry explained, such a level of transparency and accountability would be “revolutionary” for these processes.

The bill passed out of committee into the House, where it was approved on July 14 by an overwhelming vote of 344-81. It now awaits the Senate’s passage of its own version of the bill so the two can be reconciled.

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Are you a DoD contractor equipment supplier looking for a cost-effective way to improve efficiency and workplace safety? Visit our website to learn more about our CartCaddy and other electric tugs and pushers that easily move heavy vehicles and equipment like aircraft, explosives and refueling tanks.

Consumer Preferences Drive Changes in the Hotel Industry

Consumer Travel is Creating and Update in the Hotel Industry
Increased Consumer Travel is Creating and Update in the Hotel Industry

Over the last seven years, the hotel industry has enjoyed its biggest boom period in history. Growth is stabilizing at a smaller but steady rate, making this a good time to take advantage of hot trends in the hotel industry.

What’s Driving the Increase in Hotel Stays?

In an interview during a recent hospitality industry conference in New York City, Marriott CEO Arne Sorenson gave two reasons for the upswing in travel:

• People are seeking satisfaction from life experiences rather than material possessions.

• The international middle class is growing, giving rise to hundreds of millions of people eager to travel for the first time.

Hotel Industry Trends to Watch

• Major players like Marriott and Hilton continue to introduce new brands that each offer different experiences, making it easier to attract specific audiences.

• There has also been an increase in soft brands such as Wyndham’s Trademark. These groups of independent hotels participate in a major brand’s booking and loyalty programs.

• Hotels are using customized approaches to specific customers as opposed to a one-size-fits-all service.

• Technology is becoming more widely integrated in the hotel industry, allowing guests to use smart phones and tablets to open room doors, order room service and settle accounts.

• Issues such as travel restrictions and lodging-sharing companies like Airbnb are forcing members of the hotel industry to make their voices heard in the political arena.

Hospitality Industry Motorized Carts from DJ Products

Increased business means faster turnaround times. Visit our website to learn how our hospitality industry motorized carts can improve housekeeping efficiency while reducing work-related injuries.

eCommerce Needs Are Changing the Face of Logistics and Supply Chain Management

Trends Impacting Logistics
Online Shopping Trends Are Impacting Logistics

E-commerce has revolutionized the way the world shops, but it’s had an even bigger impact on the business side. Companies are making sweeping changes in logistics and supply chain management to accommodate the new virtual landscape of retail.

E-Commerce: Keeping Pace with Customer Demands

Customer expectations for speedy deliveries are driving a shift in “last mile” strategies as companies seek ways to create delivery windows of as little as two hours. Regional distribution centers are giving way to facilities located in dense urban areas where most of the customers are.

As small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) struggle to compete with industry giants for market share, they’ve come to rely on third-party logistics (3PL) operators to facilitate distribution and fulfillment services. Chinese e-commerce company Alibaba recently rolled out One Touch, a high-tech platform that allows merchants to directly handle export-related services.

Amazon Leads the Way

Not surprisingly, Amazon has been in the forefront of many of these changes. They’ve been aggressively expanding their logistics and global shipping operations since 2012, causing much of the shake-up in traditional supply chain operations.

According to a report from real estate services firm Colliers International, Amazon is using its Amazon Prime service to control supply chain operations and improve delivery times. Amazon is also becoming a de facto 3PL by opening smaller distribution facilities near customers.

Streamline Warehouse Operations with Industrial Tugs from DJ Products

Moving heavy, bulky items through the warehouse can reduce efficiency and cause workplace injuries. Visit our website to chat with our sales engineers about our CartCaddyShorty and other battery-powered industrial tugs that save you time and money.

Introducing the WasteCaddy Ride-on Dumpster Mover

Make Your Operations Easier with Our Equipment
Make Your Operations Easier with Our Equipment

Trash room injuries are as common as they are painful. Automated equipment reduces the risk of injury, lost time, and costly workers comp claims. That’s why DJ Products has developed a diverse lineup of waste container movers. Perhaps the safest and easiest to use of all: our new WasteCaddy Ride-On Dumpster Mover.

Easier Than Driving a Golf Cart

Our WasteCaddy products shoulder the burden of pushing, pulling, and maneuvering dumpsters that may weigh many thousands of pounds. Our ride-on dumpster mover offers yet another ergonomic solution as an alternative to our walk-along dumpster tows.

Virtually any employee can—by himself or herself—move dumpsters from the trash room to curbside pickup areas.

• Adjustable acceleration and braking

• Up to 6 mph going forward, up to 2 mph in reverse

• Easy steering and button controls

• Pivots precisely to turn tight corners and hit targets

Be sure to check the WasteCaddy video to see it in action!

Tech Specs for the WasteCaddy Ride-On Dumpster Mover

We design every piece of equipment around the needs and preferences of our customers. The ride-on WasteCaddy has these user-friendly specs:

  • Handles up to 5,000-lb. dumpsters
  • Easy attachment system for any standard dumpster or trash container
  • 36v, 115-amp batteries with an onboard charger
  • Non-marking tires
  • 3000-lb. differential
  • Ergonomic thumb twist grips

Benefits of the WasteCaddy Dumpster Mover

Investing in a WasteCaddy means more than just increasing safety. DJ Products dumpster movers can increase productivity by 50%, help retain talented employees thanks to better morale and health, and even lower your insurance premiums.

Ready to get behind the wheel? Contact DJ Products for a free demo or more info!