Background
Choice Hotels Asia Pacific, an expansive hotel franchise across APAC, required an efficient method to manage supplier ordering and procurement operations without overwhelming their existing systems and franchise owners. The challenge was to drive compliance by controlling the catalogues, products and prices and improve operational efficiency while enhancing engagement across their network of franchises.
The Challenge
Managing a diverse range of hotel suppliers—from food and beverages to amenities and uniforms—was a very manual process, done by individual franchises. Head office had no visibility of supplier order, the prices and products from approved suppliers and rebates were don on a goodwill basis. Choice Hotels sought a solution that could integrate seamlessly with their global headquarters’ systems and provide comprehensive management tools without adding complexity.
Procurement needed a flexible solution, tailored to their suppliers and franchises, that would allow their franchise owners to connect with suppliers, purchase both goods and services and complete invoice or credit card payments.
The Solution: Eversource Marketplace
In partnership with Eversource, Choice Hotels implemented the “MyChoice” platform, featuring a tailored procurement Marketplace that centralised supplier management and procurement processes within a single, integrated platform. This solution provided:
Centralised Portal: One-stop access for all franchisees to source supplies, share knowledge, and collaborate efficiently.
Real-Time Supplier Connectivity: Direct integration with complex suppliers for real-time catalogue and product updates, ensuring that franchises always have access to the latest offerings and pricing.
Diverse Supplier Range: Access to a wide variety of suppliers, ensuring competitive pricing and quality across all product categories.
Full Visibility and Analytics: Real-time insights into franchisee spend with approved suppliers, facilitating strategic decision-making based on comprehensive data analytics.
Future-Proofing: Regular updates and new feature releases to keep the platform aligned with evolving franchise needs.
Scalable Pricing Model: An unlimited user license structure encouraged broad adoption and uniform application across all hotels.
Communications Centre: Suppliers details, Procurement Newsletter with supplier and product updates for all franchises.
Results
The adoption of the Eversource Marketplace transformed procurement operations at Choice Hotels:
Enhanced Operational Efficiency: Quick access to suppliers and streamlined procurement processes reduced administrative overhead and improved operational workflows.
Cost Savings: Nationwide procurement initiatives significantly lowered operating costs, enhancing the competitive edge of the franchise.
Improved Compliance and Visibility: Detailed insights into procurement activities helped maintain high standards of compliance and highlighted areas for further improvement.
Danielle Schemer, Procurement Manager at Choice APAC
**The Eversource team grasped the complexities of our franchise model and supplier relationships and tailored their Marketplace and Comms Centre solutions to meet our needs. Deploying their system across our network of 150 hotels in Australia was seamless. More than just a vendor, Eversource has evolved into a partner, continually working with us to refine supplier catalogues and enhance functionality. Their commitment to personal service has transformed them from a mere software provider into the foundation of our procurement strategy. We discovered Eversource through a referral, and I would now recommend them to others.
Conclusion
The implementation of the Eversource Marketplace has established Choice Hotels Asia Pacific as a leader in operational efficiency and cost-effective procurement. The success in the Asia Pacific region has prompted the extension of this solution to the EMEA region, covering over 360 hotels.
To explore how Eversource can empower your Hotel Group, visit https://goeversource.com/for/hospitality
