UPDATE

April 4, 2005

Are you interested in learning about potential savings for your equipment maintenance budget? Then plan to attend a short session with our equipment maintenance contractor, Electronic Risks Consultants, as they discuss how you can potentially save up to 27% on your current maintenance contracts. The program allows you to continue using your existing service provider and save money.

ERC is an outsourcing program that assumes the daily burden of managing equipment maintenance while maintaining continuity with current vendor relationships, assuring a guaranteed annual budget you can rely on.

There will be two 30-minute sessions available. Please email Theresa Watts in Purchasing to reserve your space.

Schedule:

Tuesday, April 11th at 9:00 am

Tuesday, April 11th at 11:00 am

Location:1600 Hampton Street, Training Center, Room 101

This is a great opportunity for departments not currently involved to learn about the program. I encourage you to attend. Besides what have you got to lose, money.

Submitted by:

Theresa L. Watts
Purchasing Manager
Department of Purchasing
777-7776

UPDATE October 21, 2005 The equipment maintenance program is scheduled to expire on December 31, 2005. The Purchasing Department is in the process of evaluating and selecting a new vendor. New program information and implementation processes will be forthcoming. Theresa Watts

UPDATE
DECEMBER 8, 2005

The University of South Carolina, Purchasing Department has selected Electronic Risk Consultants, Inc. (ERC) as our new equipment maintenance management provider effective January 1, 2006. They are replacing the current vendor Specialty Underwriters (Teleserve).

Your department will continue with uninterrupted service if you are currently enrolled in the program with Specialty Underwriters. Please be advised there is a new toll free number to report equipment failure. If you wish to learn more about the program please visit the following link http://purchasing.sc.edu/mc.php .

FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE REVIEW OUR LIST OF FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS.

A. What do I do right now if I’m already enrolled with Specialty Underwriters?
All departments currently enrolled in the program will roll over with no interruption of services. Get the word out! Notify all pertinent personnel with this new information, so they may report equipment failures to the correct contractor. Remember to call the dispatch at ERC after December 31, 2005 at 1-888-372-0555.

B. Who do I call if my equipment fails over the holidays?
Call Specialty Underwriters until December 31, 2005.

C. When does ERC’s contract begin? What is their telephone number?
Their contract begins January 1, 2006. Call their 24/7 toll free number at 1-888-372-0555.

D. Does ERC’s program work like Specialty Underwriters program?
Yes. A dispatch system will remain in place with one central number to call and report equipment failures. You will continue to have your vendor of choice for repairs and preventative maintenance.

E. Will ERC issue a new tag number?
Yes, sometime after the holidays. The same tag number will be used as equipment identification when calling ERC. ERC has agreed to use Specialty Underwriters same number until new tags and training can be issued.

F. What are the savings?
The state Materials Management Office has awarded a contract with several contractors and ERC is one of them. All awarded contractors were instructed to provide a minimum 17.5% savings. ERC has offered a wider range of savings. A minimum guaranteed cost savings of 20 - 27% based on the option selected by USC.

G. What if I want to cancel my service now?
You may cancel your service at any time; however we suggest your department has gone through the proper procurement channels prior to cancellation to prevent an interruption of service.

H. How do I know if my equipment is part of the program?
There are two ways to know.
1- A silver or silver and blue tag with Specialty Underwriters telephone number and tag number will be on your equipment; 2- Or you may view our website for a list of participating departments. The list is in numerical order by department number. (see icon below)

I. What is the equipment maintenance management program?
The program establishes a single contractor to manage a comprehensive management program for repair and preventative maintenance.
- The program eliminates the need to purchase maintenance contracts.
- Includes medical, technical, laboratory, electronic and office equipment.
- Elimination or reduction of administrative paperwork.

J. How do I learn more about the program?
Email Theresa L. Watts, Procurement Manager, at wattsTL@gwm.sc.edu. A training schedule will be introduced after the holidays to offer all aspects of the program. Stay tuned to our website for updated information under the “Contracts” listing.

K. When are the training classes?
After the Christmas holiday, ERC in conjunction with USC Purchasing will establish a schedule for all interested parties. The classes will include instruction from making the trouble call to payment of invoices.

Submitted by:

Theresa L. Watts
Purchasing Manager
Department of Purchasing
777-7776

- USC Equipment Inventory List

---