But the causes can actually be quite complicated. If your actual costs are higher than the budgeted amounts, it's time to do some investigation. Utilizing a primary vendor or a group food purchasing program can frequently save your facility money. Group food purchasing programs can offer even more savings as a result of the volume of purchases that the buying group controls. Vendors and food purchasing groups frequently offer product rebates from the food manufacturers and they may even track these for the facility automatically.
Vendors frequently offer beneficial value-added services, as well.
Some vendors offer computer software which can assist in ordering, inventory, costing menus, printing tray cards, tracking nourishments and printing labels. A tremendous amount of staff time can be saved with the right software in place. Vendors may also provide educational materials and seminars for improving quality, production and costs. Talk to your vendors and find out what kind of value added services they offer. Your sales representatives can bring you information on new cost saving products and services.