Published in CPOstrategy Magazine – June 2024 issue.

Walt Sheffler, President at Avendra International, discusses the role operating with transparency has in achieving sustainable supply chain efficiency and reveals why its relationship with Marriott International complements this endeavor.

Transparency is key

Operating sustainably isn’t a choice in today’s world of 2024. Legislation and customer demands dictate otherwise. Inaccurate supplier information can lead to unexpected and costly supply chain interruptions. It is a key reason why transparent supply chain practices act as the base for a more sustainable and responsible business landscape.

Knowing this all too well is Walt Sheffler. He is the President at Avendra International and has been involved in the organization for over 23 years. During that time, Avendra has become one of North America’s leading hospitality procurement services providers. Its supply chain management solutions are tailored to each client’s business strategies while offering unparalleled service through a dedicated customer care team that delivers benefits beyond great savings. Sheffler explains the importance of operating with transparency in sustainable procurement practices, as it enables stakeholders to evaluate the environmental, social and ethical impacts of purchases.

“This transparency fosters critical outcomes, including greater accountability, continuous improvement, and the establishment of trust,” he explains.

“Transparency in sustainable procurement drives improvement. We strive to enhance supply chain efficiency, reduce waste, and minimize negative impacts wherever possible, while proactively managing risks and promoting reliability and resilience throughout our relationship. By openly communicating our assessments of supply chain partners, we empower our customers to make better-informed decisions. They gain a deeper understanding of the sustainability-related aspects of their choices.”

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FAQs

What is the most effective way to reduce labor shortages in hospitality?

The most effective way to reduce labor shortages is to optimize workflows—eliminating unnecessary steps, standardizing processes, and using technology or automation to simplify tasks. This reduces reliance on additional staffing while maintaining service levels.

How can hotels reduce labor costs without impacting guest experience?

Hotels can reduce labor costs by using smart equipment, automating repetitive tasks, and shifting work to off-peak hours. These changes improve efficiency and consistency while allowing staff to focus on guest-facing interactions.

What role does technology play in hospitality labor management?

Technology, especially sensor-based (IoT) solutions, helps monitor operations in real time, prevent equipment failures, optimize cleaning schedules, and reduce manual work. This improves productivity and lowers operational costs.