Karen Holden, Vice President of Quality Assurance and Operational Analysis, oversees a team of specialists located around the country. In 2016, the Quality Assurance team conducted 1,146 Meet the Truck audits at 393 customer locations, in addition to 940 supplier audits conducted at Avendra’s manufacturers’ and distributors’ facilities. Results of the audits go to the suppliers, the property, and are kept in Avendra’s database and made available to Strategic Contracting. We asked Karen to explain the Meet the Truck program and tell us more about the highest performers.
Q: What is a Meet the Truck audit?
A: The program involves an Avendra Quality Assurance professional visiting a customer location on a day when multiple suppliers are scheduled to make deliveries. Contracted suppliers, who are not given notice of the planned audit, are rated on delivery criteria including adherence to specifications, completeness of orders, condition of delivery equipment, product integrity and overall performance. The data derived from these audits is subsequently provided to the suppliers, many of whom recognize the value of the information and use it to help improve their performance. Avendra compiles results each year and recognizes exceptional performers with Meet the Truck awards.
Q: How do you decide which suppliers receive a Meet the Truck award?
A: Eligibility for a Meet the Truck award requires suppliers to undergo at least four Meet the Truck audits as well as pass a price accuracy audit to ensure customers are charged the correct, contracted price. In 2016, 247 suppliers scored 90% or better on their audits, and 244 suppliers scored an average of 95% or better. Of these top performers, 86 were a part of at least four Meet the Truck audits over the course of the year. These 86 suppliers were considered exceptional performers, and were recognized as Meet the Truck award recipients.
Q: Is there anything you would like to say to these suppliers?
A: Congratulations to all of our Meet the Truck award recipients! Our suppliers are extremely valuable and we appreciate the contribution they make to our business. You are clearly dedicated to providing superior service, and I am proud to recognize your outstanding performance. Keep up the good work.