Frequently Asked Questions
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FAQ: Program Information
How does Supply Chain Solutions’ (SCS) differ from a Third Party Logistics provider (3PL)?
SCS is a transparent transportation management provider. We share our discount, by service as well as all surcharges, so you have complete visibility to the actual make-up of your transportation spend. We then take a gain share based on what our program saves. This allows an organization to effectively manage their transportation spend.
A traditional 3PL, does not pass along their total discount and hides surcharge spend within the total price so you are unable to have a clear understanding of your specific charges. The difference between the discounts they receive from their transportation provider (FedEx, UPS) and what they pass along to you becomes their revenue stream. This is all hidden to the participating member.
What is a gain share?
Gain share is the model Supply Chain Solutions uses to drive performance in our Logistics Program through involvement and participation. In other words, our service fees for the program are a share of the improved performance by the client.
Our gain share model compares your previous discount rates, by service, to Supply Chain Solutions’ current discount rates, by service. The difference between these two rates is calculated and then your qualifying tier gain share split percentage is applied to determine the amount to be shared with Supply Chain Solutions. The gain share model creates complete transparency to the discounts you achieve on the program.
Are there any extra fees I have to pay SCS?
No, the gain share covers the entire cost of participating in the program.
Do you have a set supplier list limiting the number of my suppliers who may participate?
Part of the Supply Chain Solutions’ difference is we do not work off of a certified list. If your organization does business with them, they will be contacted to participate. Your top spend vendors will be targeted with the SCS Supplier Conversion team. Your remaining vendors are targeted through global PO term changes.
Do you charge a fee to convert a supplier to the program?
No, there is no fee associated with this service.
I have import and export shipments as well; does this program handle international shipments?
Yes, because we collaborate with FedEx, we are able to handle all international shipments.
What does your back-end auditor audit?
The back-end auditor (Intelligent Audit) audits for service failures, correct rates, incorrectly applied freight surcharges, and identifies potential fraud. They also perform audit checks specific to your organization utilizing rules in which the Supply Chain Solutions Logistics team will help you create.
FAQ: Customer Service
How do I contact SCS?
We may be contacted via email at SCSLOGISTICS@mayo.edu, via phone at 855-875-4862 (toll free) or with this contact form.
Where is Supply Chain Solutions located?
Supply Chain Solutions developed by Mayo Clinic, is a d/b/a of Mayo Clinic. Our main campus is located in Rochester, Minnesota.
What type of communication do you provide about my performance in the program?
We provide quarterly business reviews to each member highlighting savings on the program, vendor compliance, and services utilized, to name a few.
FAQ: Change Management
Am I able to monitor what services are being used by my organization?
Yes, there are reports available which will help you to manage a more “just in time” shipping philosophy.
I currently have a UPS account; could I still join the program?
Our program is a collaboration between FedEx, SCS, and the client. In order to drive the most value to your organization, you would want to convert as much volume to FedEx as possible to achieve lower costs. This consolidates your transportation expense and allows for easy reporting.
I have a department who wants to ask questions about your program; will you meet with them to discuss the benefits?
We understand this program involves a change in your organization and we are happy to help explain the benefits of this program.
Our organization allocates expenses; will your program allow us to continue?
Yes, we do have the ability to set-up cost allocation through our back-end auditor. Cost allocation is the ability to directly charge the end users incurring the services as opposed to an overhead account. This involves the client sending a PO file feed to the back-end auditor, which then creates GL coding for cost allocation.
I require purchase order (PO) numbers to be put on the air waybill; will your auditor record the PO number electronically for invoicing purposes?
As long as the supplier enters the PO number in the remarks section of the air waybill, the PO number will be captured electronically and may be used for data analysis.
FAQ: Billing / Invoicing
How does the invoice process work?
All FedEx transactions are fed via EDI (Electronic Data Interchange) to the back-end auditor, where the invoices are audited against specific parameters and rules. Once the audit is complete, the member will receive an electronic remittance file from the back-end auditor for the shipment charges incurred with FedEx. The client pays Supply Chain Solutions for those FedEx charges and Supply Chain Solutions in turn pays FedEx.
I have several shipping and receiving locations; will this program be applied to all of them?
Yes, as long as there is one payer then you may have multiple locations.