ECOS for ProcessorsBrokers

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ECOS for Processors/Brokers

• Linda Hubeny State of CT
• Jeff Rowe East Side Entrees
• Malissa Marsden - Asmussen Waxler Group
• Lisa Glasoe USDA/FNS
• Todd Griffith USDA/FNS

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ECOS

• Who uses the web site
• Basic ECOS knowledge
• How is it set up for processors
• What can ECOS provide processors

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Who uses the ECOS web site

• USDA
• FSA, AMS and FNS have access
• ALL State Agencies
• Must submit commodity orders through ECOS
• School Districts and Food Banks
• Schools Food Banks
• Small, Large, co-ops
• Industry
• Processors
• Warehouses

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ECOS - Basic ECOS knowledge

• WEB based, built off COTS solution
• Target, Office Max, Walgreens, PG
• Over 7,000 users access the site
• Up about 2,000 from last ACDA
• 20 State Agencies utilize at the RA level
• Additional 5 from last ACDA
• 99 Processors registered

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ECOS - How is it set up for processors

• Register with the ECOS HelpDesk
• ECOS-Helpdesk_at_fns.usda.gov
• 703-305-2914
• Hierarchy
• HQ
• Region
• Plant
• Entity Codes drive the Delivery Locations
• Match address to what is supplied
• Daily email to catch new codes

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What can ECOS provide processors

• Reports
• Delivery Order Status
• Recipient Order Status
• Received Shipment
• Exports
• Orders
• N/Ds
• Bulletin Board
• Splits

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• That was the sales pitch, now for what it really
  does..

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ECOS for Processors

• Why would a processor want to use ECOS?
• Recommended method for receiving loads
• A valuable tool to monitor allocations
• One-stop resource to view and plan receipts
  through the year bigger window than PCIMS
• Thoughts to improve ECOS functionality for
  processors

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Why Use ECOS?

• Because USDA asked us to.

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Easy to Use Receipting Shipments
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Easy to Use Receipting Shipments
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Easy to Use Monitoring Allocations

• Use survey calendar to monitor dates orders
  should be in system

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Easy to Use Monitoring Allocations
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Easy to Use Monitoring Allocations
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Easy to Use Monitoring Allocations
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Easy to Use One Stop Shopping

• All shipment receipts show on one screen

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Easy to Use One Stop Shopping
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Easy to Use One Stop Shopping

• Track/view/verify Recipient Agency allocations

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Easy to Use One Stop Shopping
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Easy to Use One Stop Shopping

• Find out status of specific DOs

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Easy to Use One Stop Shopping
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ECOS for Processors

• Thoughts to improve ECOS functionality for
  processors
• Bulletin board list all partial orders
• Add state abbreviation to Delivery Order Status
  Report
• Email copies of Notice to Deliver
• Easier method to verify shipments are in route (a
  la PCIMS)
• Other?

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ECOS For FNS

• Since everyone can see their orders
• --Would like increased communication
• --Between processors and states
• --Between processors and FSA/AMS/FNS
• --Keep close eye on orders, work with states on
  destination or delivery changes early
• --These actions can result in
• 1. less contract amendments
• 2. less confusion for all
• 3.

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ECOS

• From a Brokers point of view

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ECOS A Tool

• Real Time Information
• Can update customers if delays occur
• Can facilitate split trucks with manufacturers
  assistance
• A Communication link between the many parties
  involved RAs, Manufacture's, Distributors,
  State DAs and National USDA

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You the Tool

• Education about ECOS needs to come from the front
  line
• Knowledgeable expert that the RAs will turn to
  for training on ECOS
• Reassurances from the local network that ECOS is
  a positive addition
• Again, a communication link in the web of
  commodities

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Aid to manufacturer's

• Manager your business
• Create your own reports
• Advise manufacturers of real time information
• Saves the manufacturer from doing the region and
  then you cutting your info out
• Information is knowledge
• Real time, Anytime

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Coops

• Will continue to grow
• Will be used by contract managers for control and
  knowledge
• Big improvement over managing many small accounts
• Funnel of information tighter but still the same.
• Will aid us in the formation of coops (so needed
  for small schools)