gateway issue 16
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www.gs1kenya.org
ISSUE 16 : August - October 2013
Traceability in Manufacturing
Deluxe Food Industries
Retail Management Solutions
RETRAK
Open Mind Entrepreneurship
Bhavesh JakhariyaDirector, Deluxe Food Industries
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Gateway is published by GS1 Kenya, it’s distributed through out East Africa. Contributions are highly welcome. The editor reserves the rights to edit, amend or
alter material in anyway deemed necessary. Comments and/or suggestions to be emailed to [email protected]
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Celebrating 40 yearsGeneral Manager's Message
Retail Management Solutions
RETRAK
Verification
Deluxe Industries
FAQ’s Barcodes
Membership
Open mind in Entrepreneurship
Omies Enterprises
GS1 Gateway August - October 2013ISSUE 16
Hello,
A new reality is becoming the basis of uncertainty and
volatility in the business environment. New paradigms
in global supply and demand chains are shaking
established business models and are focusing on all of
us to rethink on the approach of existing standards. Researchers
predict that the centre of gravity for consumers whose habits will
change the markets will shift inexorably towards the developing
world in general and due to the interdependencies, our region
will invariably be under focus.
There is a rise to seek knowledge and solutions on the Internet
resulting in digital consumers, whose habits will change from
the traditional business models and habits. The new consumers
will challenge consumer packaged goods, companies and
retailers in order to understand them more efficiently and exploit
technology to connect with them more often.
Dedicated as we are to the design and implementation of global
standards and solutions to improve efficiency and visibility of
supply and demand chains, it’s therefore critical to appreciate
how these forces will change the supply chains.
GS1 is fundamental especially through collaboration with all
the users. There are robust, user generated scalable standards
allowing companies in multiple sectors and industries save costs
therefore making GS1 system of standards the most widely used
supply chain standard in the world today.
Our plan going forward as outlined in the Strategic plan is to
increase the value of our system of standards so that our users
are ready to meet the challenges of the future.
We will count on the support of all members as well as
collaborators to ensure that GS1 Standards improve the lives
of humanity within and without the country. Our business
model should be based on a win-win situation and continuous
improvements on supply chain with the aim of lowering overall
supply chain costs.
I feel humbled and honored to chair an organization whose daily
focus has such enormous potential impact on the improvement
of everyday lives of our people I thank you all for the support you
have given us as an organization and look forward to even more
support in the future.
Mr. Sospeter Kioko Chairman, GS1 Kenya Board
Message From The ChairmanG
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General Manager’s Message
For over 40 years, GS1 has been bringing
industries together to revolutionize the way
they do business.
As our fellow member organizations celebrate the 40th
anniversary of the use of GS1 bar codes, GS1 Kenya joins
the other GS1 global member organizations in celebrating
one of the most widely used standards for identifying and
tracking goods and services.
You will ask me, why at 40? Whenever I make my routine
visits to manufacturers in this country, they always link
me to a debt collector. “He has come to collect the annual
license fees again”, a whisper goes. I rarely get challenged
by clients who keep the supply chain going. In fact, most
of them do not even know how a bar code is composed.
One day, one of my simple down to earth client asked
me to explain the history of these dark bars on a light
background and the importance of having these GS1 bar
codes on to their product. So I promised to explain this in
our next issue of the Gateway magazine.
Once upon a time on 26th June 1974, to be more precise
at exactly 08.01a.m., it came to pass that
a packet of Wrigley’s Juicy Fruit
chewing gum was scanned
and a beep was heard.
This took place in Marsh
supermarket in Ohio, USA.
The shopper was Clyde Dawson
and the cashier who made that first
scan was Sharon Buchanan. That was how
a bar code came in place.
OODDDHHHIIIAAMMMBBOO
EFFICIENCY SAFETY COLLABORATION SUSTAINABILITY
e to pass that
Fruit
wson
that first
. That was how
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General Manager’s Message
However in
1976, based on
the original GS1
barcodes, a 13
digit bar code
was engineered
allowing the identification system to go global. The
UK had to wait until 1978, when the first product
scanned was a box of Melrose teabags. Today that
beep sounds five billion times a day.
In Kenya, we were endorsed as a Member
Organization in 1999. All companies in this region
had to get their bar codes from GS1 South Africa
who started using the standards in 1982.
Early this year (2013), we did a sample telephone
call to companies operating in Kenya and the idea
was to find out how many users fully understand
the real uses and importance of this very important
standard. The result was amazing and I will reveal
this in the coming issue.
The GS1 bar code briefly has measurable benefits
such as higher invoice accuracy for manufactures,
fewer out-of-stock for retailers, shorter lead
time for warehouse operators and lower cost for
distribution centers.
Different types of barcodes has since then been
introduced such as the outer case bar code (GS1
ITF 14) in 1989. This
type of bar code is
mostly used on the
outer cases such as
cartons.
Then came the introduction of GS1 128 for
logistics units, these bar codes include application
identifiers, which encode a more detailed product
information such as batch number. Lot number,
date of manufacturer/expiry etc.
With the world global focus into new ways towards
a more safety and secure way of living and getting
even better services, GS1 has not been left behind.
We have a traceability system in place that uses the
track and trace process, better and secure ways of
administering in healthcare such as the Barcode
at the point of care (BPOC) using GS1 standards,
these and many others have slightly improved our
lives. Today, you can track and trace your product
and services using the GS1 standards.
To summarize, The GS1 System of Standards
enables visibility to identify, capture and share
information about products, business locations,
and more make it possible for companies to speak
the same language, connect with each other and
move their business forward.
On behalf of the board of directors and the entire GS1 Kenya staff wish to thank all the Kenya companies, especially the first 40 companies that have supported the presence of GS1 Standards here in Kenya since 1999. We owe it to you. Don’t miss the next issue where we will officially publish the first 40 companies to implement these standards in Kenya.
Asanteni sana.
years
celebratingthe barcode story
IDENTIFY CAPTURE SHARE
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Retail Solution
Recent human studies indicate that 61 per cent of Kenya’s top executives are
outsourcing business functions and using up to 46 per cent more temporary
or contractual staff. On the other hand, for some time, the outsourcing
concept has predominantly been applied in the information technology (IT)
field and in areas such as security and cleaning. Today, the concept continues
to gain a footing in other sectors as some employers seek to outsource their
recruitment and human resource function. Gateway Magazine caught up
with Ms. Hasina Ismail, the Country Manager at Retail Management Solutions
(RMS) as she delves into the general employee outsourcing concept from
the company’s viewpoint.
How do you define outsourcing as?
Outsourcing is the contracting out of an internal business process to a
third party organization. The practice of contracting a business process out
to a third party rather than staffing it internally is common in the modern
economy. Outsourcing sometimes involves transferring employees and
assets from one firm to another but not always.
Briefly tell us about RMS?
RMS is a new business opening since we have realized that employers are
finding it difficult to manage casuals. Generally, more and more companies
are considering the option of outsourcing their casuals to HR firms who
will handle recruitment, payrolls, staff benefits, industrial relations and
government regulations as per the new laws.
At RMS we deal with supplying and outsourcing of general labor. At the
moment, our concentration is the retailers/supermarkets where we want
to ensure that they have the right staff for general functions such as the
security, shelf packers/pickers, lorry loaders, customer service agents, queue
management agents, packers, trolley agents and chefs. RMS will interview
and train them in readiness for the assignments.
The concept has already been piloted at some retail shops.
Who else can seek the services of RMS?
Anywhere where labor is needed; there are different sectors that could
employ the services of RMS. These include the pharmaceutical, clothing and
the general manufacturing industry.
In cases where a company has been using casuals and your services are
enlisted (at times throwing the casuals into some confusion)
Ms. Hasina Ismail, RMS Country Manager
Retail Management SolutionsAs businesses stretch to find solutions to increase revenue reduce expenses and enhance
profitability, outsourcing continues to be one of the options available. Those charged with
analyzing the benefits vs. the costs of such an undertaking face the challenge of conduct-
ing research, remaining objective and finding the best business solution.
The survival and success of any business is dependent on 3 main factors:
1. Manpower
2. Sales and
3. The Managing of Risk and Losses (Shrinkage)
Retail Management Solutions is a company that offers staffing solutions to all industries
that have a general labor staff function within their organizational structure. Partnering
with RMS assures that the general manpower is attended to in its entirety. This now allows
you more leverage and concentration to increased sales and managing of risk and losses
areas of your business. Further to this; you are now rendered more competitive in your
industry as you will be in the position to channel your resources in increasing sales and
reducing losses than your competitors.
As an option, outsourcing often calls into focus the cost/benefit of such an undertaking.
Before undertaking such an analysis, however, it’s critical to understand the underlying
reasons that outsourcing is under consideration. Is it to reduce costs? Improve processes?
Allow HR to focus on more strategic issues? Being able to objectively answer these ques-
tions is a good start into the journey of outsourcing.
The following list indicates the most common reasons cited.
These objectives suggest a transformation thought process with regards to outsourcing,
however in many cases only transactional activities are eliminated.
At Retail Management Solutions, we place all emphasis on the critical areas by means of
industry skilled knowledge and skilled project managers that stay with the project through
its life cycle helping our clients realize more benefits and also continuously and consist-
ently adapting the relationship where necessary or as external factors change.
what happens?
At such situations, the ongoing casuals should be guaranteed of their job
security. RMS will sign a service level agreement with the relevant Authority
to ensure that the terms and conditions of the contract are as required by all
the parties. It is important to note that RMS will abide by the general labour
laws that govern employment in Kenya.
In addition, RMS is working closely with an Advocate of the High Court who
is well versed with human resource, labor and union issues.
RMS services are able to benefit all company sizes, from one employee to
over 500. Ms. Hasina says the company will help businesses lower costs/
risks and protect them from the increasing number of employment rules
and regulations that all companies need to abide by. If you are looking or
planning to outsource in Kenya look no further that RMS. “Outsourcing
will you to offload work that in not part of your core business. It also saves
money,” she adds.
Retail Management Solutions Your Labour Solution
Business and trade associations are mutual assistance
organizations formed for the purpose of promoting growth
and progress in their particular industries by providing a
central information source about the industry and its issues,
establishing best practices guidelines, lobbying with local and state
government, and promoting the image of the industry through
licensing, membership standards and public service advertising.
Associations differ from one to another depending on the objectives
and purpose they are established for and the benefits their members or
stakeholders acquire from them. Most business and trade associations
are not-for-profit corporations; formed as informal clubs and do not
collect money.
One of the newly registered associations is Retail Traders Association
of Kenya (RETRAK) which seeks to fill in on some of the existing gaps
and address the wholesale and retail sector challenges through one
common platform. Bobby Gadhia, the Chairman of RETRAK explains
that the association is the sector’s central body representative
comprising of various stakeholders. “RETRAK is the sector’s advocate
and seeks solutions for the numerous issues within and out of the
sector,” he explains. Its objectives are;
To be a central representative body putting views of retail
trade companies to Government departments and agencies,
Parliament and other relevant organizations.
To be a research and policy analysis center, aggregate and
publish statistics, and to provide analysis on retail trade and
other relevant market information.
To be a technical center providing commentary, guidance
and advice on all legal and other regulatory developments of
relevance to the retail trade sector.
To provide a forum for the exchange of non-competitive
information by articulating retail trade concerns.
Mr. Gadhia says RETRAK is planning to roll out a massive recruitment
drive. Already the association has attracted membership from the
supermarkets’ fraternity as it further seeks to recruit more members;
those operating and employed in shops and supermarkets, those
in telecommunication and electronic consumer goods’ businesses,
airtime dealers as well as those in the clothing and other related
accessories but not only limited to these.
One of its recent notable activity was the ‘Chomoa Coins’ campaign.
Towards the end of November 2012, the Central Bank of Kenya
partnered with key stakeholders such as the Kenya Bankers Association
(KBA) and RETRAK among others, to promote the re-circulation and use
of coins.
Formed in 2012 spearheaded by GfK Retail and Technology East Africa,
a Nairobi based research company, Mr. Gadhia reveals that RETRAK is
RETRAK
also seeking to tackle the controversial plastic paper
research by the National Environment Managemen
(NEMA), the United Nations Environment Programme
the Kenya Institute for Public Policy Research and Analy
indicates that 100 million plastic bags are handed out
Kenya by supermarkets alone, the vast majority dest
up in the environment, clogging sewers and drains, p
posing a danger to marine life and causing death to live
inadvertently consumed. The report further suggested
bans the common plastic bag that one gets at the till
levy on other plastic bags, to combat the country's en
problems stemming from the bags' popularity.
In 2007, the government banned the use of very thin
(up to 0.06 millimeters thick) commonly used by gro
Controversy aside, RETRAK is seeking ways to put an en
through a drastic approach. “The association through i
is consulting on how to handle the issue as we seek to
re-cycling and re-using among consumers,” Mr. Gadhia
Pilferage or stock shrinkage is another issue that RETRA
The Retailers’ Association Business And Trade Associations
Bobby GadhiaChairman, RETRAK
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RA
“According to industry insiders,
with the formal retail trade market
estimated to be worth more than
KShs. 200 billion, it could well be
losing more than KShs. 3 billion
annually to shoplifters among other
shrinkage avenues.”
working to reduce. According to industry insiders, with the
formal retail trade market estimated to be worth more than
KShs. 200 billion, it could well be losing more than KShs. 3
billion annually to shoplifters among other shrinkage avenues.
Beyond surveillance systems, retailers are of the opinion that
there is need to review existing laws to make them more
punitive both for shoplifters and employees tried under theft
by servant clauses.
“We want to lobby the government to pass punitive laws to
discourage shoplifting,” he reveals. At the same time, RETRAK
seeks to pass a motion that will see members share their
employees’ database aimed at discouraging ‘recycling’ of
employees blacklisted with vices such as shoplifting.
RETRAK is also seeking to address a brewing row between
retailers, the Kenya Copyright Board and Music Copyright
Society of Kenya with regards to playing music as well as
collection of royalties.
With all formal systems is place, Mr. Gadhia notes that RETRAK is
geared to work for the betterment of the retail sector.
RETRAK’s executive committee is comprised of Mr. Bobby
Gadhia of PC World (Chairman), Mr. Anil Dhingra of Ukwala
Supermarkets (Vice Chair), Mr. Sameer Shah of Nakumatt
Holdings (Treasurer), Mr. John Wanjohi of Hippora Business
Solutions (Ass. Treasurer), Mr. John Muthee of GfK (Secretary),
Mr. Willy Kimani of Naivas Supermarkets and Ms. Hasina
Ismail of Hippora/ Retail Management Solutions handing the
association’s public relations issues and Mr. Madhav Bhalla of
Taibjee & Bhalla Advocates as the Legal Officer.
Retail Association
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The Ideal Colour Combination is Black Bars on White Background
Other Suitable Colour Combinations:
Dark Bars : Blue / Green / Purple
Light Bars : Red / Orange / Yellow
COMING SOON
Technical
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VerificationBy: Paschal Kasimu,IT / Verification Executive
A barcodes primary function is that of carrying data from
the point at which it is originated to the point at which
the data has to be captured. So a barcode is a vital link
in the data communication chain of any application. If it
fails, the chain breaks.
A barcode which does not scan often causes more problems to
trading partners than no symbol at all. Verification of barcodes
is, therefore a useful tool to add to quality control procedures in
order to ensure that the barcodes will scan correctly throughout
the supply chain.
Verification aims to check that the symbol is able to fulfil its
function, by performing two principal tasks:
Enabling the symbol producer to measure his output and to apply
feedback in order to control his process; Predicting the scanning
performance likely to be achieved by a symbol
What Is A Verifier?
A verifier is a precision instrument that is made to predict how
well the bar code will be read by the typical scanner, any bar code
scanner. It should decode, measure and check formatting of even
the most inferior symbol and indicate areas that are deficient so
that corrective action may take place. Barcode Verification is the
most certain way to ensure that you are printing good barcodes.
In today´s world we cannot find a single product without a
barcode associated with it. Bar Codes are the least expensive and
reliable way of entering data. Barcode Verification is the best way
to ensure 100% scannability.
Verification should be done to ensure that any faulty bar codes
do not enter the system to avoid faulty scanning. If a bar code
does not scan at all then the data has to be entered manually
thus increasing the risk of making mistakes and amount of time
taken which may cause bottlenecks or may even stop critical
applications.
Verification aims to check that the symbol is able to fulfil its function
616411 0
Technical
You therefore need to bring samples for every run of
packing material to GS1 Kenya for verification and also
note that we have designed special yearly rates for
verification.
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The GS1 Standards are able to bring success to your business by delivering the right solution to overcome business challenges by;
Improving Supply Chain EfficiencyEnsuring Product Security and Consumer SafetyEnabling Sustainable Supply Chain
Automating business and saving on costs: GS1 uses Electronic Data Interchange (eCom) to provide global standards for electronic business messaging which allow rapid, efficient and accurate automatic electronic transmission of agreed business data between trading partners. Business which employ eCom are able to automate transaction processes such as orders, dispatches, shipping , receiving, invoicing thus improving speed and accuracy in the exchange of information and eliminating costly errors and duplication.
Increasing customer satisfaction through better inventory management: GS1 Standards help in providing better accurate inventory views, ensuring reduction in inventory all along the value chain, as well as on-time delivery and increasing product availability at the point of sales.
Reducing costly shrinkage: GS1 DataBar symbols can carry more information and identify small items than the current EAN/UPC allowing companies to track produce, manage sell-by-date and reduce food spoilage creating solutions to support product authentication and traceability for fresh food products and couponing.
Saving further costs by improving the quality of the data shared: The GS1 Global Data Synchronization Network provides a single and reliable source to upload and share product attribute information, thus contribute to the elimination of errors and facilitate the process of data exchange.
Improving consumer confidence by tracking and tracing the origin of raw materials and fresh produce: GS1 Standards allow companies to follow-up on their products throughout the value chain, in particular through the process described by the Global Traceability Standard.
Ensuring secure recalls of defective products or unsafe food by using GS1 Standards to identify products and exchange recall notification between trading partners.
Reducing carbon footprint and wasted resources in the supply chain: GS1 Standards allow the reduction of inefficiencies in multiple areas; paper trails in orders/deliveries/invoices’ processes, unnecessary returns due to miscommunication between partners or discrepancies in data, food spoilage.
Lastly, Barcodes lead to an annual saving of 5.64 percent of retail revenue. These savings are related to the reduction in time at the checkout, fewer errors, better use of the cashier operators’ time, the increased in sales due to better customer service, better tracking of stocks and store flows and the reduction of unknown markdowns.
Barcodes in Business
How GS1 Standards could lead to Success in Business
PRICE COMPUTING SCALES
LABEL PRINTING SCALES
RECEIPT PRINTING SCALES
HEAVYDUTY RECEIVING PLATFORM SCALES
POS CONNECTING SCALES
BARCODING LABELING SCALES
Supply scales to the Retail industry including Barcoding
ELECTRONIC SCALES & WEIGHING SYSTEMSFOR INDUSTRY, AGRICULTURE, MEDICINE AND COMMERCE
Tel: +254 703 55 77 64, 0733 55 77 64email: [email protected]
“Accuracy, quality & service”
WEIGHING SOLUTIONS
Weighing solutions at: Engineering Development Ltd
As a world food, potatoes are second in human
consumption after rice. In Kenya, potato ranks as the
second most important food crop after maize. Various
published research, the potato crop is the second
most important staple crop in the country boasting a national
farm-gate value of over KShs. 5 billion and a retail value of KShs.
10 billion. This sub-sector employs over 2.5 million Kenyans
as farmers, market agents, transporters, food industry, agro-
businesses, and sellers of finished food products.
Furthermore, the statistics indicate that 73.9 percent consume
potato crisps on average once a week. Other than gender, the
frequency of purchasing crisps is also influenced by factors such
as occasions, seasons and availability of money. The crisps come
in various flavors-plain, barbecue as well as cheese and onion.
On the other hand, many a Kenyan; those of the Indian descent
and the general lovers of snacks are familiar with chevdo or
chevra; also referred to as Bombay Mix in the United Kingdom
and Ireland. Chevra often consists of waste potato pieces, fried
lentils, peanuts, chickpea flour noodles, corn, vegetable oil, flaked
rice and fried onion with some sugar sprinkled in or flavored
with salt and a blend of spices that may include coriander and
mustard seed. This traditional Indian food can be eaten as part
of a meal; as a standalone snack, though, it is usually consumed
with the hands
These are just some of the products that Deluxe Food
Industries Limited has been processing and packaging over
the last two decades.
Tucked off the busy Enterprise Road in Nairobi’s Industrial Area,
Deluxe Food Industries continues to wade off the ever rising
market competition to remain relevant in a market saturated
with both informal and formal food processors. “There are
over 20 crisps brands in the market but Yankee Doodle has
remained strong and is still doing well in the market,” explains
Bhavesh Jakhariya, one of the company’s directors.
Other than crisps and chevda, the company processes
and packs groundnuts/peanuts, Ghathiya/Ghatia; crunchy
and spicy deep fried strands made from gram flour dough,
popcorns and cashew-nuts. The company also packs various
culinary spices. The use of packed spices has over time
increased as a result of modern households evolving to
appreciate the value added to cooked food through spices
and herbs. Kenyan dishes use a variety of spices such as chilies,
garlic, ginger, cloves, pepper and turmeric. Mr. Jakhariya notes
that all the spices and seasonings packed in 50 and 100 grams
bottles and pouches are aimed at a wide cross-section of
consumers who prefer fresh, natural, hygienically prepared
quality spices sourced from well-known and reputed regions
of the world.
Deluxe Food IndustriesDeluxe Food Industries continues to wade off the ever rising market competition to re-
main relevant in a market saturated with both informal and formal food processors
Cover Story
Bhavesh Jakhariya Director
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Deluxe Food Industries has further diversified into the packing
of grains such as green grams, black beans, beans as well as
raw groundnuts pop-corn. “Every day we are able to pack up
to to 500 kilograms of crisps, groundnuts and cashew nuts. Our
factory has a capacity of processing and packing up to three
tones daily,” he explains. Business as Usual
Deluxe Food Industries has defied all odds to remain focused
on its business. Mr. Jakhariya is quick to point that the myriad
business challenges that entrepreneurs face have not pinned
them down whatsoever. “Issues such as security and other
operating challenges remain just ‘challenges’ and we have no
control over them,” he adds
To keep up with the market demand, the company has invested
in what he terms as a laminated polythene bag which ensures
freshness of the products. At the same time, Deluxe Food
Industries has entered into various contracts with farmers to
ensure that they always have a rich supply of the raw materials.
“We are also KEBS (Kenya Bureau of Standards) certified with
regards to the quality and hygiene of our products,” he adds.
Mr. Jakhariya notes that the Yankee Doodle brand is among
the few products whose presence is in the upcountry towns
boasting of up to 60 percent of the market share. This, he says has
been made possible thanks to investing in a reliable transport
and distribution system as well as salesmen. In addition, the use
of barcodes on their products has made it easy for supermarkets
where the products are present to scan accurately. The Yankee
Doodle brand of products are available in all leading local retail
chain of supermarkets; Nakumatt, Tuskys, Uchumi, Naivas and
Ukwala.
Recent long-term studies have linked potato chips/crisps as
the greatest contributor to weight gain while the starch in
potato chips is known to cause tooth decay. Some potato chip
companies have responded to the criticism by investing in
research and development to modify existing recipes and create
health-conscious products. Mr. Jakhariya says the opportunity
to diversify into arrow roots, cassava and banana crisps will be
dependent on the demand from consumers.
Otherrr thann crisppps anddd cheeevdaaa, theee coompaaany proceeesses and ppacksss grouuundnnnutsss/peaaanuttts, Ghathhhiya/GGGhatiaaa; cruunchy anddd spiiicy dddeeppp
popccoorns aaand cccasheeww-nutts. TTThe ccommmpannny also pppacksss variooous cuulinarrry spppicesss.
Mr. Bhavesh displaying his products
Mr. Bhavesh at the factory with his staff Mr. Bhavesh at the factory warehouse located in Industrial Area, Nairobi.15
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Global Standards could be a critical enable to improving the
safety and quality of patient care in a cost effective way. The
analysis shows that these standards have greater potential
to improve care and save resources if they are truly global
and adopted by all stakeholders. Including manufacturers, distributors,
wholesalers, pharmacies and providers.
Universally accepted methods for identifying products and locations
and exchanging data could enable organizations to share vital
information along the entire value chain, eliminating today’s broad
array of custom data configurations, while improving compatibility and
interoperability, reducing redundancy, preventing mediation errors,
enhancing visibility, and enabling seamless, automated information
exchange among supply chain partners.
The “five Rights” are the cornerstone of safe medication practices. A
complete and uniform definition for the “five Rights” does not exist, but
healthcare practitioners generally understand the essential meaning
in the following way:
1. Right Patient: The patient’s identity must be verified against
the prescription to ensure the right patient is receiving treatment
2. Right Medication : The provider must verify the right medication
is used
3. Right Dose: The right dose should be confirmed against the
prescription
4. Right time: Medications should be given at the right time and
5. Right Route: Medications that can be given in the different ways,
such as intramuscularly or intravenously, must be given via the
right route
Global Standards could enable industry-wide applications and
processed that support the five rights, improving patient safety and
supply chain efficiency:
scan barcodes on medications, patient wristbands, and their staff ID
badges to conduct an automated five rights checks. This simple process
could eliminate thousands of errors and help prvent the sue of expired
and recalled medication and medical devices.
at mediation dispensing points and operating rooms could use unique
identifiers. Pharmacists, operating room staff, and caregivers could record
the production identifiers associated with medications and medical
devices administered to each patient. In the event of a recall, providers
could promptly identify and contact each patient who received the
product and remove every recalled product from inventory.
barcodes to track medical devices through the supply chain according
to their risk category, and for the appropriate class of products, full
traceability of medical devices could further enhance the processing of
recalls and facilitate inventory management.
hospitals could use barcodes to track and validate all medications against
data from manufacturers and potentially other supply chains points,
making it significantly more difficult for counterfeit and compromised
products to each patients.
and manufacturers could seamlessly exchange medical device or
medication usage, location and product availability information.
Inventory planning and forecasting programs could analyze the data
to optimize inventory levels, improve medication and medical device
availability across the supply chain, and ensure that medical products are
available at critical moments of treatment.
eliminating most of today’s manual data entry, validation and correction,
medication and medical device administration could be captured
through barcode scanning and automatically fed into logistics , billing
and procurement systems that connect all stakeholders, including
payors and registries.
Global Standards Could Help Save Thousands Of Lives And Billions Of Ksh. Each Year
Healthcare
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With GS1 we shall provide a single traceability
process for trade items using the GS1 system
standards that will meet compliance needs.
The intention is to create a framework that is
expected to be used by any business in any industry sector.
We shall issue a process standard describing the traceability
process independent from the choice of enabling
technologies. Our implementation guidelines will take
into consideration the scope and traceable item hierarchy
specific to the business needs.
The GS1 standards to be used will be the GTIN, SSCC,
GLN and GS1-128. Why this standards?- because they will
enable unique identification of a traceable item, describe
the establishment of appropriate and effective records of
events and provides for accurate communication about
the traceable item between trading partners. With this we
shall be able to track forward and trace back at any point
along the full supply chain no matter how many trading or
traceability partners and business process steps are involved.
Why us?
Be it for quality management, inventory management,
safety or regulatory reasons, organizations require
traceability solutions all along the supply chain. Using the
GS1 Global Traceability Standards it enables interoperability
between traceability systems across the supply chain
while accommodating specific business, industry sector or
regulatory requirements.
Target audience
Our target audience is traceability in the food industry,
healthcare and transport and logistics.
In a world where consumers are becoming more insightful,
organizations are under more pressure to innovate and
address the increasing demand from consumers and
legislators. There is a need for traceability and GS1 has the
standards to implement the traceability process regardless
of industry or business process.
Traceability is a system of tracing back and tracing forward the movement of goods, services or business
processes all along the supply chain. There is need for consistent traceability solutions spanning the full
supply chain regardless of industry sector or country.
GS1 and Traceability
Traceability
By: Corazon BarazaTraceability & Training Executive
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Most fish are low in fat and
cholesterol and a good
source of protein, making
them a good choice for a
healthy diet. In addition, fish is a good
source of Vitamin B, able to convert
food to energy in cells and also help to
build healthy nerve tissue.
At the Lake Victoria region, the fisheries
industry continues to play a very
important role in terms of employment
and nutrition. Here, among the most
important commercial fish species
is Rastrinobola argentea; Luo for
Omena-a type of a fish many a Kenyan
will easily identify.
Omena is a small 2-inch silvery, sardine-
like fish usually sold dried. Omena
plays a significant role in the livelihood
of more than four (4) million people
in terms of employment, income
and nutritional needs – making it an
important contributor to the regional
lakeside economies and lifestyles.
According to the Kenyan Ministry of
Fisheries Development, the value of
the Omena fishing industry in East
Africa is a whopping US$ 200 million
when both the local and export sales
values are considered.
Omena, though a common delicacy
among the Luo community, the
culture of serving this fish continues
to spread to the urban centers due
to its food value. When cooked
properly, Omena makes a very great
accompaniment for Ugali while
served with some vegetables leaving
one licking their fingers after the
meal. Ugali, also sometimes called
Sima in Swahili is a dish of maize flour
(cornmeal) cooked with water to a
porridge- or dough-like consistency.
It is the most common staple starch
featured in the local cuisines of the
Eastern African Great Lakes region and
Southern Africa.
Anita Kilunda is one such entrepreneur
whose livelihood depends on the
Omena trade. While many of the
entrepreneurs have ventured in the
trading of sun-dried ready to cook
Omena, Mrs. Kilunda has opted for
At the Lake Victoria region, the fisheries industry continues to play a very important role in terms of employment
and nutrition. Here, among the most important commercial fish species is Rastrinobola argentea; Luo for
Omena-a type of a fish many a Kenyan will easily identify.
deep fried Omena under her company
Omies Enterprises.
“Initially, my sister (Sheila Oyugi) was trading
in deep fried Omena on a casual and
informal which was indeed very unique,”
she explains. With her eyes cast on making
this a lucrative venture, Mrs. Kilunda quit
formal employment, teamed up with Ms.
Oyugi and registered Omies Enterprises in
February 2012, went ahead to obtain the
all-important Health and Safety Certification
required by anyone trading in foodstuff.
“We also got the Kenya Bureau of Standards
(KEBS) Standardization Mark, a mandatory
product certification scheme for locally
manufactured products provided for under
section 10 of the Standards Act Cap 496,
Laws of Kenya as well as a Barcode from
GS1 Kenya, another vital requirement for
anyone wishing to have his goods at the
supermarket level,” she explains.
Since then, Omies Enterprises has not
turned back. Mrs. Kilunda explains that
Omena is said to boost immunity among those
suffering from various chronic illnesses and is
also a source of Calcium for the formation of
bones and teeth especially for toddlers
Small FishBig Business
Entrepreneurship
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unlike sun-dried Omena which do not require thorough
cleaning, a detailed process of cleaning the fish before
they deep-frying is key. “Even before undergoing the
latter processes; cleaning and deep frying, the Omena
is also dried for about 20 minutes once from the Lake,”
she adds. Afterwards, only liquid cooking oil is used and
later on the product is ready for transportation to Nairobi
where packaging and distribution is done.
Currently the deep-fried Omena is sold in packets of 150
and 300 grams. Mrs. Kilunda is categorical that this type of
pre-cooked product is not only unique but also gaining
momentum. Generally, pre-cooked packaged foods are
not new at the retail stores. Today, entrepreneurs have
ventured in areas that make it easy for many a Kenyan
who do not need or want to avoid the hassles that come
with meals’ preparation. On the supermarket shelves but
under refrigeration, one can find pre-cooked Chapatti,
Peas, Beans and Maize as well as a combination of Beans
and Maize popularly known as Githeri.
With an 8-months shelf life, Mrs. Kilunda notes that the
deep fried Omena is easy to prepare. One can enjoy
them as they are or add some ingredients to make them
tastier. This includes further frying them in some Onions
and Tomatoes. The product is currently available in the
various local retail stores mainly located within the city’s
residential areas. Omies Enterprises seeks to penetrate
into the larger retail stores based on the substantial traffic
they boast of. She notes that the smaller retail stores have
in a way contributed to the popularity of the product.
“We are also able to do deliveries to clients not within
reach of the product,” she says.
Generally, the dried Omena product has various
advantages over other fish species because of its long
shelf life, divisibility into smaller portions (making it
affordable) and its high nutritive value. Omena is said
to boost immunity among those suffering from various
chronic illnesses and is also a source of Calcium for the
formation of bones and teeth especially for toddlers
Challenges
Mrs. Kilunda notes that while getting into the Omena
business requires a relatively lower start-up capital
compared to all other Lake commercial species Omies
Enterprises is faced with the daunting task of marketing
its product to a more potential clientele. “Omena’s nutritive
value speaks for itself but we still have to convince
the doubting Thomases,” she adds. Secondly, the ever
fluctuating prices of cooking oil as well as transport costs
coupled with delays in the arrival of the product from the
Lake-side further pose major challenges to the business.
The company is seeking to increase the popularity of the
product not only through retail stores but also in areas such
as hospitals which she admits requires a lot of nutritional
education.
That aside, Omies is also in the process of setting up a
physical office as well as acquire a sizeable store which
could minimize the back and forth transportation of
Omena from Kisumu to Nairobi as demand continues to
rise.
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5
9
6
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6 Members networking during the cocktail
7 Members dancing during the cocktail
8 Members networking during the cocktail
9 Kayamba fiesta group entertaining members during the cocktail
10 Members dancing during the cocktail
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FAQs
What is a bar code?A bar code (also barcode) is a machine-readable representation of
information in a visual format on a surface.
Originally Bar Codes stored data in the widths and spacing’s of
printed parallel lines, but today they also come in patterns of dots,
concentric circles, and hidden within images. Bar codes can be read
by optical scanners called barcode readers or scanned from an image
by special software.
Bar codes are widely used to implement Automatic Identification &
Data capture (AIDC) systems that improve the speed and accuracy of
computer data entry.
What is the GS1 bar code commonly used for trade item
The EAN-13 is the most widely used for trade item identification.
The encoded barcode is composed of:
– Issued by the GS1 Kenya to a user company
Item Reference – each item will receive a different item reference, ,
according to the variations of model, colour, size, fragrance, weight,
presentation, etc
Check Digit – Ensuring the integrity of the number, it is calculated
according to the GS1 Check Digit Algorithm.
FAQs for Bar CodesAnswers to your most common questions
Are all Barcodes Unique numbers?Yes. All Barcodes are unique.
Are the description and price of the item included in the barcodes?Generally no. the barcode represents the number that simply
identifies the item uniquely. All the information about a product
is held in a computer database. By scanning the barcode, this
information (also description and price) may be retrieved from
the database.
Becoming a GS1 member and obtaining a GS1
When you need a bar code number, you must contact a GS1
kenya for (log in: HYPERLINK “http://www.gs1kenya.org” www.
gs1kenya.org).after subscription, we will provide you with a GS1
Company prefix and a list of barcodes for the products to be
barcoded.
Can the GS1 System be used to support internal applications?The main benefit of the GS1 System for trade items is that it
provides a unique and unambiguous identification number
for every trade item, which is applicable worldwide in open
environments. In addition, the system provides for other number
series that may be exclusively used for restricted distribution e.g.
Company internal use, National use
22
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3 Magazines Annual Reports Catalogues Newsletters Flyers Brochures Posters Wall, Table and Shipping calendars Note Pads Desk Diaries Book printing Labels.
For high quality and maximum efficiency in all kinds of commercial printing...
Our second and third Impressions are as good as the fi rst
Colourprint Ltd.
Year after Year“Producing New Impressions of Excellence”
[email protected] | www.colourprint.co.ke
P. O. Box 44466 - 00100 - GPO, Nairobi, Kenya. Tel: 2101740 / 2101741 / 2101742
Inventory
Barcodes are (everything in business) the ubiquitous
business standards used, (with GS1 barcodes as the world’s
most familiar business standard) for the visual capture of
information at retail point of sale and in business, and other
supply chains. Barcodes are used regularly by consumers when
scanning items at supermarket checkouts. But the barcode is far
more than this. GS1 barcodes and related standards have become
indispensable tools for the management of global supply chains,
providing previously unimagined transparency about the location
and progress of goods and materials. It plays an essential role in the
safe and effective delivery goods and services.
GS1 Kenya has been conducting physical survey on trading
techniques and proofed that, GS1 bar codes’ economic benefits
to businesses are so immense that it is necessary to be as a major
requirement to any retailer / trader who wish to succeed and rise to
a higher level in trading cycles. Inventory costs can be a significant
part of any company’s expenditures, but many business owners
struggle to discover how to get control of inventory in a way that
maximizes profit while reducing waste, spoilage and theft.
GS1 KENYA IN PARTNERSHIP WITH SME RETAILERS
After contacting and visiting SME retailers, among others, I noted
that there have been weak private adoption incentives, especially
when standardization lowers barriers to entry, the challenge of
coordinating change across the industry, and an apparent cultural
bias against investment that cannot be justified by an immediate
impact on the bottom line. Instituting an effective use of GS1
barcodes in the inventory control system can give a company
a boost in competitiveness and translate into a heftier bottom
line. It is therefore necessary for all products on the shelves to be
barcoded. This include: own packaged commodities like sugar, rice,
cereals and other own purchased products which may not come
with barcodes. However retailers are encouraged to advise all their
suppliers to acquire their own barcodes from GS1 so that all goods
received at the purchasing department have barcodes.
Advantages of barcodes to retailers
An accurate efficient source of sales data
Save cost by automating business processes
Few products out of stock
Faster, more efficient service at POS
Accurate pricing without human intervention
No missing or illegible price tags
No in-house barcode & no Sharing of barcodes
Ensure better inventory
Reduce costly shrinkage
Manufacturers and suppliers also will experience among
others the following:
Automated counting & sorting of products
Retailers globally will accept your products
Improve product planning-Just in time
Ability to track products through manufacturing and delivery
Ability to obtain real sales data
Provide safe products to consumers
The Rise and Success of Retailers by use of Barcodes
Inventory Control as a major challenge to retailers
GS1 Bar codes provide a rapid, accurate,
and efficient means to collect, process,
transmit record and manage data in a variety
of industries. This include: Retail, package
delivery, warehousing and distribution,
manufacturing, health care, Asset tracking, and
point-of-service applications.
A barcode is described as an “optical Morse
code”. Series of black bars and white space
of varying widths are printed on labels to
uniquely identify items. The barcode labels are
read with a scanner, which measures reflected
light and interprets the code into numbers
and letters that are passed on to a computer.
These are just a few examples to get you started thinking
about what you can do with bar codes. Barcode systems
routinely save companies money while improving
quality, on-time performance, and other key business
factors. It is necessary to have barcodes from a valid
source
Gerald Nyamboga,
Barcode Executive.
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Events
6160221-230 S.C. JOHNSON & SON KENYA LTD
6160231-240 INFUSION MEDCARE (K) LTD
6160241-250 NEW KCC LTD
6160251-260 BLUE RING PRODUCTS LTD
6160261-270 SBC KENYA LTD
6164002754 NAI-TEA ENTERPRISE
6164002755 SAMAK COMMERCIAL AGENCIES
6164002756 HONEST INVESTMENT
6164002757 COMMERCIAL GRAIN SERVICES LTD
6164002758 CENTRIC HOLDINGS LTD
6164002759 BUGISU FARMERS AA COFFEE LTD
6164002760 ZURI FOODS
6164002761 SANPOA LIMITED
6164002762 ROMWAKULE ENTERPRISES
6164002763 SAHARA FRESH WATER LTD
6164002764 KENYA GIN MANUFACTURERS LTD
6164002765 NYUKI AFRIQUE PRODUCTS
6164002766 AVAYA CONNECT LTD
6164002767 DOMINION SPRING WATER LTD
6164002768 DECKA LTD
6164002769 KARSANDAS INDUSTRIES
6164002770 CRANO ENTERPRISES
6164002771 BOTANIC TREASURES LTD
6164002772 BUDALANG'I SMALL SCALE FARMERS
MARKETING CO-OPERATIVE LTD
6164002773 QUINCY BAKERS AND EVENT MASTERS
6164002774 METRO DRINKING WATER
6164002775 KENYA CO-OPERATIVE COFFEE DEALERS LTD
6164002776 NYUMBANI DEPOT LTD
6164002777 ALYMA SUPPLIERS
6164002778 PAN AFRIC COMMODITIES LTD
6164002779 LIMOWISE INVESTMENT
6164002780 RUWA AGENCIES
6164002781 KEYSHIA JEWELLERIES ENTERPRISES
6164002782 GROWING MARKET SOLUTIONS LTD
6164002783 INTERSTATE BEVERAGES ENTERPRISES
6164002784 BATHES AGENCIES
6164002785 BAYCHEM KENYA LTD
6164002786 A.O.S.K CHEMI CHEMI YA UZIMA
6164002787 POP PARADISE
6164002788 PENKAR SPRINGS
6164002789 HI MI LAYA LTD
6164002790 HANS FOODS KENYA LTD
6164002791 ITHITHINI ENTERPRISES
6164002792 KAHAWA NA KADHALIKA
6164002793 CONTRAST-TEA
6164002794 KEMMIE DISTRIBUTORS
6164002795 FABULOUS CREATIONS LTD
6164002796 KAZINGA FOOD & JUICE FACTORY LTD
Membership
GS1 welcomes these Organisations
who have attained Membership as
from October 2012 to March 2013
6164002797 NICE FOODS AFRICA
6164002798 THOYA AND THOYA COCONUT PRODUCTS LTD
6164002799 SIGMA SUPPLIES LTD
6164002800 MIRIANAH SNACKS
6164002801 ABALEN FOODS
6164002802 JEMMY'S HILL ENTERPRISES
6164002803 PROGRESSIVE INNOVATIONS
6164002804 MUTHIRU ENTERPRISES
6164002805 TSWANAPRIDE LTD
6164002806 MWAGANZO MUSIC & FILM PRODUCTIONS
6164002807 GEOMAX PRODUCTS ENTERPRISES
6164002808 MWANAINCHI BAKERS AND CONFECTIONERS LTD
6164002809 GREENHOUSE-PRIDE DISTRIBUTORS
6164002810 HALDA TRADING COMPANY
6164002811 BALIKKA PRODUCTS
6164002812 PEARL DAIRY FARMS LTD
6164002813 JOEVIC ENTERPRISES LTD
6164002814 MAGNUM PLANNING & INTERIORS LTD
6164002815 NEW YALA DAIRY FARMERS CO-OP SOCIETY LTD
6164002816 TIFFANY (K) LTD
6164002817 LIMURU ARCHDIOCESAN FARM- ARCHDIOCESE OF NAIROBI
6164002818 GREEN BIO ENERGY LTD
6164002819 SILZANN ENTERPRISES LTD
6164002820 BUGISU CO-OPERATIVE UNION LTD
6164002821 VANILLA VALLEY
6164002822 CHAI BORA LADHA SAFI TEA PACKERS
6164002823 KITALE NATURAL HONEY LTD
6164002824 SHIJEVINCE INTERNATIONAL (K) LTD
6164002825 DIOPEX TRADING COMPANY LTD
6164002826 MASTERSTOUCH BAKERY
6164002827 JAPALA ENTERPRISES
6164002828 NEWTONS CONFECTIONERS
6164002829 GARVIN ENTERPRISES
6164002830 AGF GENERAL TRADING LTD
6164002831 MODERN SOAP FACTORY LTD
6164002832 ASSURANCE AFRICAN TEA EXPERTS (ATECO)
6164002833 JULIJO INVESTMENTS LTD
6164002834 ROYAL MILLERS LTD
6164002835 NUTRINE CORPORATION S.P.R.L
6164002836 BROADWAY BAKERY
6164002837 SHIRUHZ FOODS
6164002838 MEENA MULTI-PURPOSE CO-OP SOCIETY LTD
6164002839 TAI MAIZE FLOUR
6164002840 JOYLITE FOOD
6164002841 KENFINE FOODS LTD
6164002842 TRANSMARKET TRADING (U) LTD
6164002843 RAHMA ICE WATER
6164002844 SALLEX ENTERPRISES
6164002845 ANKY ENTERPRISES LTD
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6164002846 NAMUGONGO MILLERS
6164002847 KOMUNKA SUPPLIES COMPANY LTD
6164002848 NAVIDA NATURAL FOODS LTD
6164002849 CENTALINE SUPERMARKET LTD
6164002850 CAFFE DEL DUCA LTD
6164002851 TRAD-J KENYA
6164002852 ROYAL MANUFACTURERS LTD
6164002853 ERDEMANN SAFARIS LTD
6164002854 NEW VESTAN ENTERPRISES
6164002855 GOTTARD ENTERPRISES LTD
6164002856 CLEAN POWER DETERGENTS CO. RWANDA LTD
6164002857 BRADE GATE HOLDINGS LTD
6164002858 CHERISH FRUIT WORLD LTD
6164002859 JERSEY FARM PRODUCTS
6164002860 GEE GLOBE COMPANY LTD
6164002861 BLUE NILE DISTILLERIES LTD
6164002862 SAWA BEVERAGES (SBL) LTD
6164002863 OLOBOROSAT WATER COMPANY
6164002864 BERMACO ADDISALES COMPANY LTD
6164002865 PROFARM TWO SUPPLIERS
6164002866 PIECE OF CAKE
6164002867 KIPIRASH HOLDINGS LTD
6164002868 MARERE OASIS FOODS LTD
6164002869 SPICE & HERBS
6164002870 GALAXY DISTRIBUTION LTD
6164002871 DEMKA DAIRY
6164002872 JJASM MINI DISTILLERY
6164002873 KIRWAI ENTERPRISES
6164002874 DORINA SUPPLIES AGENCY
6164002875 ZESTY DAIRIES
6164002876 MIKELINE DERTEGENTS
6164002877 KEDSTA INVESTMENT
6164002878 ROYOLTY SUPPLIES ENTERPRISES
61660000647 MAKIT EAST AFRICA LTD
61660000648 KUSCO LTD
61660000649 DS MAX FOUNDATION
61660000650 NDUMUNYA INVESTMENT SOLUTIONS
61660000651 SABERO AGENCIES
61660000652 OMIES ENTERPRISES
61660000653 WEMA CENTRE TRUST
61660000654 SIMBA-MART
61660000655 GOOD BRANDS
61660000656 HAWAMWA MANUFACTURERS
61660000657 JUMEDICY ENTERPRISES
61660000658 SANJEMU TRADERS LTD
61660000659 MARYFAN FRESH FARM PRODUCE (K) LTD
61660000660 MASAI STORE LTD
61660000661 PEALAH SERVICES LTD
61660000662 LIVING FAITH INTERNATIONAL
61660000663 INTERGRITY ONE LTD
61660000664 INTERGRITY ONE LTD
61660000665 INTERGRITY ONE LTD
61660000666 MAKADADAS INDUSTRIES LTD
61660000667 CHRISM ENTERPRISES
61660000668 TEKNON DAIRY
61660000669 SEVEN FALLS LTD
61660000670 JAMBO AGENCIES
61660000671 SPECIAL WAY INVESTMENTS
61660000672 CANNAN NATURAL FOOD PRODUCTS
61660000673 FOUNTAIN MEDIA LTD
61660000674 VEMAVET SUPPLIERS
61660000675 CHEWELE AGRI-BUSINESS INVESTMENT
61660000676 KANSAS STATE BAKERS
61660000677 VEEKAY LTD
61660000678 INFRASTRUCTURE EAST AFRICA PUBLICATIONS
61660000679 KITENGELA CHILLIES LTD
61660000680 STATERI ENTERPRISES
61660000681 NGENYILEL ANIMAL FEEDS
61660000682 THE MUSHROOM FAMILY LTD
61660000683 VACAVILLES FINEST
61660000684 VOORTREKKERS LTD
61660000685 BIG BITE BAKERS & CONFECTIONERS LTD
61660000686 LE CAPITAL FOODS LTD
61660000687 GENERICKS KENYA LTD
61660000688 MACHERO AFRICA TRAVELLER
61660000689 HOPE COMMUNITY MENTAL SERVICES
61660000690 GREEN PENCILS LTD
61660000691 EXPAT GLOBAL LTD
61660000692 RACHE FOODS
61660000693 KIMOSH SUPPLIES
61660000694 MBOYASPEAR INTERNATIONAL LTD
61660000695 SIZON GENERAL SUPPLIES
61660000696 BUSINESS JOURNAL AFRICA MEDIA LTD
61660000697 WELL SPRING PRODUCTS LTD
61660000698 ST. JOSEPH SHELTER OF HOPE
61660000699 CENTAUR MILLING ENTERPRISES LTD
61660000700 AUTHENTIC LIVING INTL. COMPANY LIMITED
616110960 AIYUE (K) LTD
616110961 SYNERGIA LTD
616110962 FOREFRONT INDUSTRIES LTD
616110963 HILLSIDE GREEN GROWERS & EXPORTERS CO. LTD
616110964 WIRE PRODUCTS LTD
616110965 TASCO INDUSTRIES (U) LTD
616110966 SONIC FASHIONS LTD
616110967 TUMAINI SELF SERVICE LTD
616110968 TRUCKS DIRECT LTD
616110969 ALPHA MEDICAL MANUFACTURERS LTD
616110970 AKWALI ENTERPRISES
616110971 BALAJI GROUP (E.A) LTD
616110972 UNILEVER KENYA LTD
616110973 JIGEILI LTD
616110974 SANTOSH ELECTRONICS (E.A) LTD
616110975 HETMATT ENTERPRISES
616110976 CORUM AGENCIES
616110977 OFFICE MART LTD
616110978 REVIN SPRL
616110979 ROSAKIND (E.A) LTD
616110980 LEISURE QUALITY FOOD PRODUCERS
616110981 STYLE INDUSTRIES LTD
616110982 CONTINENTAL BRANDS LTD
616110983 MAGIC ENTERPRISES
616110984 RECORDEZ LTD
616110985 PANDORIA ASSOCIATES
61620051 ELBURGON FLIES SUPPLY
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Open Minds In Entrepreneurship
We all have heard great speakers & thinkers talk about “Thinking Outside the Box” with some genius writers going ahead and replacing the word “Outside” with “Without” to read “Thinking Without the Box. I can’t resist asking, How many of us have ever used or applied this philosophy in our entrepreneurship? Since its inception, this philosophy has always had different meaning to entrepreneurs. Some of them interpret it to mean locking yourself in a room to think of things that have never been tried or implemented in the world. But thought alone is never enough; however positive it may be; thought has to be mixed with action for you to get results.
I am in agreement with thinkers that say; Thinking outside the Box is to step aside from your habits. It is true that human beings are creatures of habits. Once they are made aware of achieving certain results in a certain way they tend to cling and stick to those ways or methods and end up with same results for a long period of time.
Companies struggle in their initiation phase and after break even, they gain growth up to a certain limit where they hit a plateau phase by getting same results for a long period of time. I call this phase “The Closed Minded Phase” and most of our companies have reached here. They need a new philosophy of walking away from their daily routines. This is the philosophy of open minds and not thinking outside or without the box.
Open Minds is simply stepping outside your industrialist norms to participate in an activity or learn a function or acquire a new skill that is inline with your entrepreneurial activity. Many people often slip backwards and misunderstand this philosophy. They perceive it to mean doing so many things at the same time. This is not true; you will find an entrepreneur being engaged in different business industries at the same time or a business man selling products and services from different industries at the same time. In the science of electricity and physics a metal that has its positive and negative electrons roaming in different directions is normally called a confused element. And doing so many things at the same time creates confusion to the individual or company.
When leaders and managers of companies & organizations have performed their staffing function; they usually end up with competent workers who function well within their job descriptions.
The marketers deploy their marketing functions, the accountants executing their financial analysis & reporting functions with the ICT officers working on the business information systems etc. These separations of tasks and functions often lead to specialization within the company, which births closed minded workforce that only function productively in their restricted areas of interest.
In order to achieve the objectives of the organization - the mission and vision; then departmental functions can not work in isolation.
Organizational departments are normally interlinked by the organizational chart/structure which provides the instrument for departmental employees to interact within the links. Interaction leads to learning within ones surrounding and knowledge grows peoples intellects which is the habit of open
minded employees. An IT executive should be able to offer after sales services to a customer who came to the office when all your sales team is out for the market place. Likewise, an accountant should be able to fix a small printing problem like a printer cable that was accidentallyunplugged from its socket by the floor cleaner, and save time by continuing with printing of his financial statements, instead of waiting for the IT executive; who could be held up in the boardroom meeting. This example shows an open minded IT executive stepping out of his domain of specialization to get some skills in customer care services: And an open minded accountant who leaves his domain of study to acquire some knowledge in IT.
When employees function in one department only, they normally develop a habitual way of executing duties as a result of continues repetition of tasks in the department. These often lead to on going negative thinking at the workplace commonly known as boredom and its related feelings. To control this negative thoughts and sluggish execution of assignments, employees need training onopen minded philosophy to positively step out of their working habits while creating room for creativity.
Some employees have their minds closed to their job description to the extent that they refuse to switch tasks when asked, and become reluctant or resistant to change; especially when asked to switch departments or branches. These employees have conditioned their minds to only think and function in just onedimension and often stage demonstrations when asked to function outside their norms. When dissatisfied with their norms, they incite others towards negative activities like employee strikes. Closed minded is the root cause of striking employers for reasons like pay rise; open minded employees open’s up to other income generating activities when not happy with their present activities.
When your company demands for the extra service from its employees, you need employees to give up on excuses, like; it is not part of my job, I am not being paid for doing that extra work, who’s paying for the extra time etc. You need open minded employees who can easily go beyond their job descriptions andaccommodate the additional duty for a while or extent a helping hand to a stranded colleague.
Our organizations need Open Minded Philosophy; this is what physicians call a magnet since its electrons are aligned in one direction: Magnetic force pulls in one dimension and magnetic employees are a force that pulls organizational functions towards the Vision and Mission of the company. Their minds open up and acquire knowledge that is inline with the organizational functions.
Entrepreneurship
By: Ephantus Achebi
Ephantus Achebi is a consultant in the finance industry and he teaches people on achieving their financial goals, walking them through the road to financial success & freedom. He is the author to the book title: “ Harnessing the Honey & Power in You” and a speaker: He talks on financial and motivational topics.
You can reach him on the folowing contacts;Ephantus AchebiP.o. Box. 100426 – 00101, Nairobi.Mobile: +254 721 705 881Email: [email protected]
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