Fisher Scientific named strategic supplier of critical scientific and laboratory supplies

After strategic analysis and campus-wide review of Purdue's satellite stores and scientific commodities, Purdue has entered into a contract with Fisher Scientific as the strategic partner in managing the University's scientific stores and providing scientific supplies to meet the University's research and teaching lab needs.

This contract award resulted from a competitive procurement process overseen by a commodity advisory team consisting of representatives from the Department of Biochemistry, Department of Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, Department of Biological Sciences, Business Offices and Procurement. This team conducted a thorough analysis of Purdue's purchasing preferences and service requirements, as well as the scientific supplies market segment.

Fisher soon will manage four satellite storerooms at the following locations on Purdue's West Lafayette campus: Biochemistry Building, Lilly Hall, Heine Pharmacy Building and Wetherill Laboratory of Chemistry.

On April 6, Fisher began a 12-week implementation to upgrade the storeroom operations. Six Purdue employees affected by this transition have been offered positions with Fisher. Among several new programs designed to benefit Purdue customers, Purdue and Fisher are collaborating on a convenient, updated point-of-sale experience at the storerooms, and Fisher also will be piloting a Chemical Archive program in the chemistry storeroom area. The chemical archive will allow researchers who only use a small portion of chemicals to return unused materials to storerooms for further use and minimizing waste when possible. The archive program also includes container tracking, reporting, and a central chemical library.

The review of the scientific supply commodity began in March 2014, and this 12-month project results in improved inventory management and availability of scientific products. The partnership eliminates the 13.5 percent markup on products purchased through the stores.

Customers will continue to enjoy free freight and significant package discounts on new lab startups. The partnership will offer streamlined purchasing, improved operation of the satellite stores, and consistent pricing which will result in direct cost savings to the departments and Purdue. Savings also will be achieved by consolidating volume with a primary supplier. By making Fisher the first stop for scientific supply needs, faculty and staff will achieve savings that benefit their grants, contracts or University-supported activities.

What customers need to know now:

* As of May 1, customers should see new contract prices in the Fisher Scientific catalog.

* On July 1, Purdue plans to transition management of the storerooms to Fisher Scientific. Storerooms will remain open throughout the implementation.

* The rollout of changes to the storerooms may be phased and will be communicated directly to customers, and via Purdue Procurement and Fisher's customer website.

* Faculty and staff are advised to use Fisher as the first choice for purchases of exact match items (same brand and item).

* Faculty and staff are also encouraged to consider Fisher's top-quality, technically equivalent, discounted products for all scientific supply needs.

* Purdue and Fisher are working in partnership on the implementation, including contacting manufacturers and informing current suppliers of the new partnership.

* Fisher, in conjunction with Procurement and Service Enterprises, will host a supplier showcase on campus in June. More information will be forthcoming.

* Additional information will be provided through eList 39, Purdue Today, and direct communication with customers.

For any questions, contact Rob Wynkoop, managing director, Office of the Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer, at wynkoop@purdue.edu.