Project goal: Reimagine warehousing and distribution of goods and services 

Workstream: Procurement 

Project owner: Terri O’toole, Senior Director of Procurement and Supply Chain  

Background: The University of Utah’s goal to reimagine campus through a master plan includes exploring the future use of the current General Stores location. This initiative presents a unique opportunity to rethink how we deliver products and services to students, faculty, staff, and the broader community.   

Efforts underway: The implementation of an eProcurement system, combined with strategic supplier partnerships, is improving the purchase and distribution of goods across campus. By streamlining processes and reducing the need to hold inventory onsite, we can deliver the products and services currently offered by General Stores more efficiently. This approach saves time, reduces costs on medical supplies and ethyl alcohol, and eliminates the need for a physical storefront while maintaining the same high level of service to campus.  

Looking ahead: Key supplier partnerships will drive greater efficiencies and better align campus needs through a streamlined procurement process. This should reduce confusion around procuring and receiving essential goods and services while supporting the continued advancement of the University of Utah's mission. Additionally, eliminating inventory holding costs, General Stores overhead, and product mark-ups will further improve resource management. 

In their words:  “We’ve negotiated reduced pricing on medical supplies and ethyl alcohol that can be ordered direct from suppliers through UShop punchouts. We’re also working with our campus partners through a pilot program to ensure a smooth transition to ordering direct from Airgas and DJB for compressed gases and dewar refills in labs. Stay tuned for more information as we listen to feedback and consider how these changes will impact the way you do business so we can determine the best path forward. We can assure you there will be ample time to plan for these changes.”  - Terri O’Toole, project manager