#Quotation Procurement

[8manage]

Five Steps to Efficient Inquiry and Quotation Procurement

In today’s corporate procurement landscape, inquiry and quotation procurement systems have become vital tools for streamlining processes and improving operational efficiency. Leading platforms like 8Manage SRM enable businesses to automate the entire procurement process, from demand planning to supplier management, introducing a new level of precision and transparency. This article explores the five key steps of inquiry and quotation procurement and explains how leveraging 8Manage SRM can maximize procurement efficiency.

1. Understanding Inquiry and Quotation Procurement

Inquiry and quotation procurement involves selecting the most suitable supplier by comparing various offers and services. This method aims to meet quality and delivery requirements while minimizing costs. Traditional methods often rely on manual operations, which can be time-consuming, labor-intensive, and prone to errors. Advanced tools like 8Manage SRM transform the process by digitizing and standardizing workflows, making the quotation process faster, more transparent, and less susceptible to human errors.

2. The Five Key Steps of Inquiry and Quotation Procurement

Step 1: Define Procurement Needs

Clear procurement needs are the foundation of an efficient workflow. Procurement teams must collaborate closely with other departments to ensure accurate specifications, quantities, and delivery timelines. The demand management module in 8Manage SRM allows businesses to record and track procurement requests, ensuring precise communication and avoiding misunderstandings.

Pro Tip: Standardize procurement requirements to help suppliers respond more quickly and accurately.

Step 2: Select Suppliers

Choosing reliable suppliers is critical to procurement success. This step involves evaluating potential suppliers based on historical collaboration, certifications, and market reputation. With 8Manage SRM, businesses can classify and rate suppliers using the platform’s supplier management module, which also offers comprehensive transaction history analytics for better decision-making.

Recommendation: Prioritize suppliers with proven track records to reduce procurement risks.

Step 3: Issue Requests for Quotations (RFQs)

RFQs are essential documents outlining procurement requirements, including product details, delivery conditions, and payment terms. The move to electronic RFQs in digital procurement environments increases efficiency and clarity. 8Manage SRM simplifies this process with one-click RFQ generation and distribution, while real-time tracking ensures responses from all invited suppliers.

Reminder: Create clear and detailed RFQs to ensure suppliers provide accurate quotations.

Step 4: Compare Quotes and Evaluate Suppliers

Once quotes are received, the next step is to evaluate them based on price, service quality, and delivery schedules. Manual comparisons can be labor-intensive and prone to mistakes. 8Manage SRM automates this process by generating comprehensive comparison reports and using intelligent scoring models based on predefined criteria, allowing businesses to select the most suitable supplier with ease.

Tip: Balance cost with service quality to avoid potential issues resulting from focusing solely on low prices.

Step 5: Finalize Supplier Selection and Contract Signing

After selecting a supplier, the procurement process moves to contract negotiation and signing. Contracts must be clear, enforceable, and traceable to avoid misunderstandings and ensure smooth execution. The contract management feature in 8Manage SRM enables businesses to create, store, and monitor contracts digitally, reducing potential legal and operational risks.

Suggestion: Review all contract details with the supplier before signing to ensure mutual understanding.

3. Why Choose 8Manage SRM for Inquiry and Quotation Procurement?

8Manage SRM offers a unified solution for managing procurement processes with distinct advantages:

1.End-to-End Digitization: Automates the entire workflow, including demand management, supplier selection, RFQ management, and contract signing, reducing manual intervention and enhancing transparency. 2.Smart Analytics: Provides data-driven insights for comparing quotations and evaluating suppliers, helping businesses make informed decisions. 3.Real-Time Collaboration: Facilitates instant communication between procurement teams and suppliers, reducing response times and enhancing efficiency. 4.Cost Optimization: Streamlines processes through standardization and precision, resulting in significant cost savings. By adopting 8Manage SRM, businesses can reduce procurement cycles while leveraging detailed historical data to refine future strategies.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Which industries can benefit from 8Manage SRM?

8Manage SRM is ideal for industries with frequent procurement needs, such as manufacturing, construction, and retail. Its modular design allows customization to meet the unique requirements of different sectors.

Q2: How can a business choose the right inquiry and quotation procurement system?

When selecting a system, consider the following factors:

● Does it cover the entire procurement cycle, including demand management, supplier evaluation, and contract management? ● Is it flexible and capable of integrating with other business systems? ● What level of technical support and after-sales service does the provider offer? Evaluate the system’s reliability and usability through trials or by researching industry feedback.

Q3: Is implementing an inquiry and quotation procurement system expensive?

The cost depends on system complexity and business scale. Small to medium-sized businesses can opt for SaaS solutions with affordable subscription fees. For larger enterprises, custom solutions may involve higher initial costs but provide significant long-term savings through enhanced efficiency.

By integrating advanced tools like 8Manage SRM into the procurement process, businesses can achieve higher efficiency, cost savings, and competitive advantages in today’s dynamic market.

[sigzentechnologies]

ERPnext Purchase by Sigzen Technologies: A Simple Path to Business Excellence

In today’s fast-paced business environment, efficient procurement processes are vital for success. ERPNext Purchase, a module within the comprehensive ERPNext suite, offers businesses a streamlined solution for managing their procurement needs. From purchase requisition to vendor management and purchase order automation, ERPNext Purchase simplifies the entire procurement workflow.At Sigzen…

[digitalnewberry]

The Book of Magical Charms

Ever since we asked for help transcribing and translating the Book of Magical Charms (Newberry MS 5017) in 2017, people have been fascinated with and... concerned about this little manuscript.

But what IS this book, really? It's not a spell book of black magic--it's commonplace book! A collection of recipes, quotations, and yes, magical charms copied down by a lawyer and book collector named Robert Ashley in the 1600s. In a time where the magical and mundane seemed to coexist, Ashley collected a variety of guides that may have been able to help him address health issues--some which claimed to have scientific backing, others which are purely magic. (He also copied down some experiments that were supposed to help him win at dice.)

In early modern England, Christianity and magic were closely linked, and this book would not have been seen as blasphemous. However, it's unlikely that Ashley attempted any of these spells himself, as he had little privacy or ability to procure obscure ingredients. You can see a few excerpts of the book here:

If you're interested in summoning spirits yourself*, you will be happy to hear that the Book of Charms has been fully transcribed and translated by amazing volunteers. But wait, I hear you saying, I don't see the transcriptions at that link! I only see a very cool manuscript!

Don't worry, it's only a click away. Simply right click then "view details" on any page that you want to see the transcription/translation for, and scroll down to read. The translation follows the transcription in the same text box. Happy summoning!

*The Newberry is NOT liable for anything supernatural that happens if you try to read the Book of Charms out loud.

–Quinn Sluzenski, Digital Initiatives Assistant

View the Book of Charms and more at A Very Newberry Halloween

for more information:

Satterley, Renae. "Robert Ashley and the Authorship of Newberry MS 5017, The Book of Magical Charms." Manuscript Studies: A Journal of the Schoenberg Institute for Manuscript Studies, vol. 6 no. 2, 2021, p. 268-299. Project MUSE, https://doi.org/10.1353/mns.2021.0017.

[girlactionfigure]

THURSDAY HERO:

Odoardo Focherini 

Odoardo Focherini was an Italian journalist and devout Catholic who rescued 105 Jews between 1942 and 1944 by obtaining false identity  papers for them and transporting them to safety in Switzerland. He was posthumously beatified by Pope Benedict XVI.

Odoardo, known as “Odo,” was born in Modena, Italy in 1907 to a devout Catholic family. At a vacation in Trento in 1925, he met Maria Marchesi, and they fell in love and soon became engaged. Odo was 18 and Maria was 16, so they waited until 1930 to get married. They had seven children.

Odo worked as an insurance agent, but in 1933 he followed his passion and started a new career as a journalist. He became managing director of L’Avvenire d’Italia, a daily newspaper affiliated with the Catholic Church that is still being published today. Odo was such an exceptional journalist that he came to the attention of the highest levels of the Catholic Church, and Pope Pius XI awarded him the Order of Saint Sylvester in 1937.

The situation in Europe grew increasingly darker for the Jews and in 1942, Hitler enacted the genocidal “Final Solution.” Cardinal Pietro Boetta, the archbishop of Genoa, asked the editor-in-chief of L’Avvenire d’Italia, Raimondo Manzini, to help a group of Polish Jews escape from fascist-ruled Italy to safety in Switzerland. Manzini immediately recruited Odo, known for his strong moral compass and devotion to justice, to carry out this lifesaving mission. Odo created a secret network of Catholics who wanted to help persecuted Jews as the Nazi death machine took over Europe. Using contacts he’d met during his work as a journalist, Odo procured a large number of false documents and personally accompanied many Jews over the border to Switzerland. Odo saved the lives of 105 Jews between 1942 and 1944.

Unfortunately, the Nazis found out what Odo was doing when they intercepted a letter in which he wrote that he was helping Jews “not for profit but out of pure Christian charity.” He was arrested by the Gestapo on March 11, 1944 and imprisoned in Bologna. That August Odo was transferred to a work camp in Germany. During his imprisonment Odo sent 166 letters to his beloved wife Maria. Later that year Odo was sent to a concentration camp in Hersbruck, Germany. He developed a leg infection which wasn’t treated and became gangrenous. On December 27, 1944, Odo died from the raging infection. His last words were, “I declare that I die in the purest Roman Catholic faith and in full submission to the will of God.”

Odo was posthumously awarded the title of Righteous Among the Nations by Israeli Holocaust Memorial Yad Vashem in 1969. In 1996, Pope John Paul II declared Odo a “Servant of God,” because he was murdered for saving Jews. This began the lengthy beatification process, and in 2012, the decree attesting to Focherini’s martyrdom was finally signed by Pope Benedict XVI. Odoardo Focherini was the first Righteous Gentile to be beatified. Odo’s letters to his family were published as a book in 1994. The Memorial Museum in Carpi displays a large banner with a quotation from Odo that he said to his brother-in-law who visited him in prison: “If you had seen, as I have seen in this prison, how Jews are treated here, your only regrets would be not to have saved more of them.”

For saving 105 Jews, at the cost of his own life, we honor Odoardo Focherini as this week’s Thursday Hero.

[shares-a-vest]

Part 1

"Oh my god!" Eddie exclaims, "The gas station is closed!"

"What?" Steve leans forward, squinting out through the front windshield.

"Can you not see that it is?" Eddie asks, his voice laced with sheer panic, "Jesus Christ, you need a pair of glasses," he reaches for the steering wheel, "Pull over. I'll drive."

"Get off!" Steve shrieks, elbowing him out of the way.

The car momentarily swerves to the centre line but thankfully, there are no cars about – the world's most obvious sign that the gas station is indeed, closed.

He purses his lips as he slows the car to a crawl as they move through the crossroad and past Ernie's, a cheap gas station that is the go-to place for scoring some booze without being carded and procuring condoms without judgment.

He has no idea why the gas station would be closed but, considering the universe hasn't exactly been on their side today, Steve checks his mirrors and turns the Beemer around, resigned to an afternoon of everything but sex.

"Wait!" Eddie says, slapping him on the shoulder, the chain of his leather jacket tinkling with each motion.

Steve looks over and they both nod at the same time.

"Melvad's."

– 🍌🍌🍌 –

"Steve," Eddie spits through gritted teeth.

"No."

"Stevie!"

"Dude, you go."

"Steve..." Eddie steps in front of him and raises his hand, balling up his fist with frustration – he even throws in a nose scrunch in an attempt to make his point, "After everything that has happened over the past six months, there is no way in hell I am walking up to that pharmacy counter and buying a box of condoms in full view of half of Hawkins' housewives."

Steve folds his arms, "And I'm not buying condoms right in front of Claudia Henderson!"

He glances at the woman browsing three aisles over, terrified she will soon feel her ears burning and look up from the overpriced tomatoes.

Eddie scoffs, "Oh please, everyone knows you saunter that tight ass all over town. Anyway, I'm sure she'll find it 'so responsible' you use protection."

He uses air quotations and rolls his eyes with such condescension that Steve can't help but reach forward to snatch at his boyfriend's ringless hand and squeeze.

"Come on," he says, tugging him back in the direction of the entrance – they need to get a move on before anyone sees them.

He's sure Dustin will be lurking somewhere, ready to pounce and ask questions and be a goddamn nightmare and do everything he possibly can to make their afternoon even worse.

– 🍌🍌🍌 –

"Forget it," Eddie sighs as he slams his car door shut.

Steve is about to chide him but Eddie's shoulders slump and he sucks back a sniffle.

"What's wrong?" he asks, already knowing the answer.

"Let's just..." Eddie begins, looking forlornly out at the street, "I dunno – go back to your castle and I'll suck you off, or some shit."

"Wow, such a romantic," Steve quips as he fires up the car, feeling a flush creep up his neck nonetheless.

Eddie remains silent, flitting between huffing and sighing as he peels out and heads down the street, ready to scour the town in search of a solution.

The sun is setting now. A warm afternoon perfect for ahem, fucking one's boyfriend for the first time gone – wasted!

"What if I just..." Steve begins, distracted by the large sign showcasing several stores one street over from Melvad's, "I could just ask someone to buy them for us?"

He blinks up at the green and orange Family Video sign and smiles.

"Jesus Christ," Eddie mutters, sinking in his seat.

– 🍌🍌🍌 –

"Absolutely not."

"But Rob!"

"This is why you called in sick today?"

Steve runs a hand through his hair. He knows it's no use lying, or avoiding eye contact with his best friend because Robin knows that he is finally going to do it with Eddie.

... It's just that he had failed to mention that they set a date that also ended up being a perfect summer's day.

He looks around the empty store – it's not like he is needed here, anyway.

"Why could you just – " she makes a scissors motion with her fingers, " – Cut the wrapper open?"

Steve's jaw drops.

"Oh..." he hums barely above a whisper, "I didn't... we..."

He can feel Eddie shrug next to him and murmur, "We didn't... think of that. I... I don't even think Steve owns... a pair of scissors... His... Y'know his desk is pretty... bare."

Steve slowly turns his head as Eddie rambles, catching him making some weird swish motion he supposes is supposed to represent his empty student desk.

But soon they make eye contact and –

Eddie moves first, turning on his heel at break-neck speed. Steve quickly follows, the two of them scrambling for the front glass door with such force that the bell sounds like it could knock straight off its hinges.

"Hey, at least you kiddos seemed to have paid attention in health class!"

Conclusion here

[christiansorrell]

Play-By-Blog #7: The Isle by Luke Gearing

Welcome to my ongoing play-by-blog of The Isle by Luke Gearing! We are playing this adventure with its original system, The Vanilla Game (adjusted somewhat to fit the format). You can check out the Play-By-Blog Repository to get all caught up if you wish.

How Play-By-Blog works:

I write up the situation, NPCs, and more, just like a DM.

You vote in the poll to help decide the character's course of action.

I roll the dice, resolve actions, and write them up next week.

So on and so forth for the rest of the adventure!

Notation:

[Text in brackets is out-of-character/GM text!] "Non-italicized quotes denote text from the original adventure!" "Italicized quotations denotes NPC dialogue."

Our character: Medon Girou - Magic Cutpurse

Our map: The Isle

[You can use the link's above to find Medon's Character Sheet and map of the Isle. On the map, you are currently at B.]

Now, back to the adventure!

The dead monk's medallion hangs heavy around your neck as you pick yourself off and leave this place. If there was silver to be found in those ruins to the north and peace may be difficult to procure with the monks (based on this last interaction anyway), you figure it best to explore what else of interest my lie outside the monastery's walls.

To the north, there was a large graveyard, butting up against the sea. You head there. Grave robbing has never been your preferred style of theft, but you aren't above it. If these monks are godly men than it will do them no harm either way. Their souls are safe in their lord's heavenly domain, after all.

It takes an hour or so to reach the graves [1 on the map]. You pass over the collapsed building once more and, keeping your eyes peeled, don't see any other monks out and about. To the south, the flame still burns atop the monastery's tower.

"Low pilings of rock--the traditional drystone cairns of the mainland. There are seven, currently. The graves are neither named nor marked." The seventh shows some sign of being more recently dug than the others, albeit still a considerable time--many months at least.

The sea crashes against the cliff face over the edge and far below. The graves cast almost no shadows in the high, midday sun. To the west, you can see an ancient auld tree, warped by the wind [2, on the map] but with little else nearby. To the west, the 30 some foot high formation of stone stands in stark contrast with the oceanic horizon beyond [3, on the map]. It looks climbable, if you are careful. The birds certainly seem to perch their regularly.

[A short little transition entry this week. Lots of options still, and we haven't even hit the monastery itself (where the vast majority of the adventure lies)! If I find the time, I may do a midweek update as well to help us make a bit more progress. Thanks, as always, for reading and voting! - Christian]

[tradekey-b2b]

The Rise of B2B Marketplaces

B2B marketplaces serve as digital meeting points for buyers and sellers. Over the last decade, they have gained traction due to the convenience, speed, and efficiency they offer to businesses looking to trade internationally. Traditional methods of sourcing and procurement, involving in-person meetings, trade shows, or middlemen, are increasingly being replaced by digital platforms like TradeKey.

TradeKey, launched in 2006, is one of the pioneers in the B2B online space, providing a platform where manufacturers, suppliers, importers, and exporters can interact seamlessly. The platform caters to various industries, including electronics, machinery, agriculture, textiles, chemicals, and more. With its headquarters in Saudi Arabia, TradeKey has a strong presence globally, particularly in emerging markets across Asia, the Middle East, and Africa.

TradeKey’s Unique Selling Proposition (USP)

What sets TradeKey apart from other B2B platforms is its focus on trust and verification. Given the rise of fraudulent activity and scams in international trade, buyers and sellers alike require a platform that ensures safety and reliability. TradeKey addresses this need through its Verified Buyers Database, a unique feature that guarantees that the buyers listed on the platform have undergone a rigorous verification process. This verification process helps in minimizing the risk of fraud and instills confidence in businesses using the platform.

This Verified Buyers Database is particularly valuable for suppliers and exporters looking to tap into global markets without the fear of encountering fake buyers or fraudulent transactions. TradeKey’s platform also allows businesses to verify potential buyers, ensuring that both parties involved in a transaction can trust each other, which is a significant advantage in today's interconnected global trade environment.

Navigating TradeKey: Key Features and Benefits

Global Reach and Industry Focus: TradeKey’s platform is vast, covering more than 9 million registered users from 240 countries. Its global network spans a wide array of industries, allowing businesses to find partners from virtually any sector. The platform's design allows suppliers and buyers to search for products based on industry categories, making it easier to find the right match.

Verified Buyers and Suppliers: As mentioned earlier, TradeKey’s verification system is one of its most crucial aspects. By focusing on transparency, the platform enhances trust among users. Verified buyers and suppliers can negotiate with greater confidence, reducing the risk of scams or unreliable business deals. This feature is particularly beneficial for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which may lack the resources to conduct extensive background checks on potential partners.

Trade Shows and RFQs: TradeKey provides access to global virtual trade shows, allowing businesses to showcase their products to a global audience without the costs associated with physical participation. Additionally, businesses can post Request for Quotations (RFQs), making it easy to receive proposals from multiple suppliers or manufacturers. This feature streamlines the procurement process, especially for buyers looking to compare offers and select the best deal.

Digital Marketing and Branding Support: Beyond merely connecting buyers and suppliers, TradeKey also offers digital marketing and branding solutions. The platform provides tools to help businesses optimize their listings, making them more visible to potential buyers. Through effective SEO techniques, businesses can ensure their products appear at the top of search results, increasing visibility and lead generation.

Buyer and Seller Communication Tools: Communication is key in B2B transactions, and TradeKey has built-in communication tools that allow for direct messaging, inquiries, and real-time negotiations between buyers and sellers. This reduces the time typically involved in email exchanges or delayed responses, helping to speed up decision-making and order placement.

Market Insights and Analytics: TradeKey also offers access to valuable market data and analytics, which can guide businesses in making informed decisions. By understanding market trends, buyer preferences, and pricing strategies, businesses can fine-tune their offerings and enhance their competitiveness in the global market.

Security and Trust: Overcoming B2B Fraud

One of the biggest challenges in the B2B space is the prevalence of scams and fraud. Many businesses, especially smaller ones, are wary of international trade due to the risk of dealing with unknown or unverified parties. TradeKey addresses these concerns by offering TradeKey GoldKey Membership and TradeKey TrustPass Membership, which provide additional layers of security and credibility for businesses. These memberships allow companies to display their verified status, making them more attractive to potential buyers.

TradeKey also actively educates its users about B2B safety, offering guides on how to avoid scams, identify red flags, and ensure secure payment methods. The platform's dedication to transparency and security has made it a trusted name in the industry, particularly among SMEs looking to expand globally.

The Role of TradeKey in Global Business Growth

In the context of the global supply chain, TradeKey has become a significant facilitator of cross-border trade. Its role is particularly important for businesses in developing regions, where access to global markets might otherwise be limited. By providing a safe, efficient, and user-friendly platform, TradeKey is not only helping businesses find international buyers and suppliers but also contributing to global economic growth by fostering trade partnerships.

Conclusion

As the world becomes increasingly connected, platforms like TradeKey will continue to play a vital role in enabling international trade. With its focus on trust, verification, and ease of use, TradeKey has positioned itself as a go-to platform for businesses looking to expand their global footprint. Whether you are a buyer seeking reliable suppliers or a seller aiming to reach new markets, TradeKey offers the tools, resources, and support needed to succeed in today’s competitive B2B landscape.

By emphasizing security and fostering transparency, TradeKey ensures that businesses can engage in global trade with confidence, making it an invaluable resource in the modern business world

[udhhyog2]

About Udhhyog

Welcome to Udhhyog, where industrial procurement meets efficiency and innovation. Founded with the aim to simplify and enhance the procurement process for Micro Enterprises and MSMEs, Udhhyog stands as a leading platform dedicated to delivering top-quality industrial products and services across India.

Our Vision

Our vision is to become the foremost platform for industrial procurement, revolutionizing how businesses access and purchase essential products. By leveraging technology and a customer-focused approach, we strive to make industrial procurement straightforward and efficient for all our clients.

Our Offerings

At Udhhyog, we provide a comprehensive range of industrial products tailored to meet diverse needs:

Flanges: Explore our extensive selection of flanges, including MS flanges, GI flanges, SS 304 flanges, and SS 316 flanges. We offer both standard and custom sizes to fit a variety of applications, ensuring you find the perfect match for your project.

Pipes: Our inventory includes high-quality MS ERW pipes, MS seamless pipes, and GI ERW pipes. Each type is selected for its durability and performance, adhering to industry standards for reliable use in various industrial settings.

Valves and Fittings: Udhhyog provides an array of valves and pipe fittings designed to complement our pipes and flanges, ensuring seamless integration and optimal performance.

Why Udhhyog?

Top-Notch Quality: We prioritize quality in every product we offer. From our MS ERW pipes to our MS seamless pipes and GI flanges, all our products meet rigorous industry standards, ensuring durability and reliability.

Competitive Pricing: Our pricing strategy is designed to offer exceptional value. Whether you're looking for MS flanges, GI flanges, or other industrial products, we provide competitive prices without compromising on quality.

Diverse Product Range: We cater to various industrial needs with our extensive product range. Whether you need MS flanges of different sizes or specific types like MS slip-on or threaded flanges, we have you covered.

Customer Focused: At Udhhyog, we believe in putting the customer first. Our team is dedicated to providing personalized support, assisting you with product choices, pricing queries, and ensuring a smooth procurement experience.

Streamlined Procurement: Our technology-driven platform simplifies the procurement process, making it easy for businesses to find and purchase the products they need quickly and efficiently.

Our Commitment

We are committed to supporting the growth and success of Micro Enterprises and MSMEs by providing high-quality industrial products and exceptional service. Our goal is to be your trusted partner in industrial procurement, helping you achieve your operational objectives with ease.

Get in Touch

For inquiries, quotations, or more information about our products and services, feel free to contact us:

Email: support@udhhyog.com

Phone: +91 9311120784

Address: 2796 A Shop No. 3 Ground Floor, Chhatta Sufi Gali, Central Delhi, Chandni Chowk, New Delhi-110006

Visit our Website: Udhhyog

Simplifying Industrial Procurement

Discover the difference with Udhhyog – where quality meets convenience and customer satisfaction is our top priority.

[occasionaltirades]

Excerpts and Summaries of “From the Heart of Hell: Manuscripts of a Sonderkommando Prisoner“

Dear reader, I write these words in the moments of my greatest despair. I do not know, I do not believe that I will live to read these lines again, ‘after the storm’… It may be that this, these very lines I am writing, will be the only witnesses to what was my life. But I will be happy if my writings reach you, free citizen of the world. Perhaps a spark of my inner fire will ignite in you, and you will fulfill at least a part of our life’s desire: you shall avenge, avenge our deaths!

_______

Four years ago, I read an article. It was titled, “Becoming Anne Frank”, by Dara Horn, and appeared in the November 2018 issue of the Smithsonian Magazine, which is a fantastic publication that I highly recommend. You can find it in any library and subscriptions are very affordable. The older issues and articles (including the aforementioned) are also typically available online. Most people are familiar with Anne Frank and her diary, which was published by her surviving father and has been translated into 70 languages and sold more than 30 million copies. However, this post will not be about Anne Frank, because this article piqued my interest with the following paragraph:

The line most often quoted from Frank’s diary— “In spite of everything, I still believe that people are really good at heart”—is often called “inspiring,” by which we mean that it flatters us. It makes us feel forgiven for those lapses of our civilization that allow for piles of murdered girls—and if those words came from a murdered girl, well, then, we must be absolved, because they must be true.

It posits that part of the popularity of the book is that it predates the time when Anne’s family was presumably sold out, and by people who probably received a reward of approximately $1.40 per Jew. It continues:

Readers know that the author was a victim of genocide, but that does not mean they are reading a work about genocide. If that were her subject, it is unlikely that those writings would have been universally embraced.

The article mentions other writers, but the one that has compelled me is Zalmen Gradowski. He was a writer that they correctly bet I had never heard of, and whose work I was luckily able to obtain, but only by ordering it from the Auschwitz-Birkenau State Museum, paying for postage from Poland, and hoping it wouldn’t get lost in a lengthy transit. A far cry from a trip to a bookstore or library, where you could hopefully still easily procure a copy of one of the books that many of us may be familiar with from our time in school. In addition to the quotations at the top, Gradowski wrote the following:

This is the real reason why I write – that my condemned life may attain some meaning, that my hellish days and hopeless tomorrows may find some purpose in the future.

Having read these words, I wished to share with you some of what he wrote so that they may reach more people. So that his words may be immortalized in more minds. So that you too can bear some witness to what he says is, “merely a small part of the hell of Birkenau-Auschwitz. It is for you to imagine the reality[…]” “[so] that you will be able to form an image of how the children of our people perished.”

First, let me warn you that the following will not be pleasant. Zalmen Gradowski was forced to work in the Sonderkommando, made to escort prisoners and process bodies. He did not survive, dying in a courageous but unsuccessful prisoner revolt. He wrote on what he could and buried his writings in cans in the camp. His writings were retrieved by a surviving friend, but were damaged, and there are gaps in the text where parts were lost or unreadable. As such, most of what follows will be direct quotations, but may include some guessed words on the part of the compiler or myself. In some places [--] will denote a gap in the text. In parts where I have chosen to skip forward, the ellipses will also be in brackets. This is another reason I wished to post this; the book can be as physically difficult to read as it is emotionally, and I want people to be able to experience at least some of it. For both his sake, and for all our sake in this new year. If you’re interested in that Smithsonian article, here is a link:

https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/becoming-anne-frank-180970542/

___________________ Zalmen spent just shy of two years in the Auschwitz-Birkenau camp. He and his family had been considering emigrating to Palestine before war broke out, but after the outbreak of war, Poland was quickly occupied and he, his wife, parents, and two brothers and three sisters were all trapped. During the initial occupation, Zalmen did what he could to help his fellow Jews as the head of the medical and health department of the ghetto's Judenrat ("self-administrating" groups coercively formed by the Nazis to administer the closed-off Jewish populations). He continued to try and help as a member of a health group when they were initially moved to a transit camp where they were held without electricity or heating, and epidemics naturally raged. On December 8, 1942, they were moved to Birkenau where the SS carried out a selection wherein his wife, his mother, sisters, as well as his father and a brother-in-law were immediately murdered. Due to his physical condition, he was selected as a member of the Sonderkommando on December 9, in order to replace the 400 Sonderkommando that had been murdered that same day in the gas chamber of Crematorium I. Being a member of this group allowed him (and others) some ability to smuggle goods such as food to other prisoners, and to bribe guards with personal effects left behind by those murdered in order to lessen the suffering of those guarded. It is, however, also the reason he bore witness to so much hell and was able to record it for us. He worried that the world would not believe what was happening in camps like Auschwitz. That it would be dismissed as "horror propaganda" (which is precisely what the German state claimed it to be). He provides the following reason for his writing:

I write so that at least a tiny fraction of the truth may reach the world[...] This is the only goal; this is the sole purpose of my life. I live here with the thought, with the hope that my writings may reach you, and that at least a part of what I and all of us still alive here strive for, the final will of the murdered sisters and brothers of my people, may be realized in this life. ___________________ Come here to me, you free citizen of the world, who have had the good fortune not to know the rule of the cruel [--] two legged beasts, and I will tell you by what sophisticated, sadistic methods they have murdered millions of human beings from the defenceless, suffering Jewish people, protected by none. [...] If you do not return from your journey, it will be because your human heart was too weak to bear the strain of the gruesome, bestial deeds which your eyes beheld. [...] For you will have fled the world of men to seek comfort among the wildest, most savage beasts, rather than live among cultured demons.

From a section on transport to the concentration camp:

See, my friend, how they march in line as if turned to stone. No weeping, not a cry from a child is heard. Do you know why? Because all weeping by a child is stifled by a blow, both to the mother and the child. Such was the order given by the young wild animals [(Nazi guards)], such was their will. Their bestial instincts have been given free rein, and they are looking only for victims to sate their murderous souls, thirsting for warm Jewish blood. This mass of human beings must comply with their dreadful orders, since their lives are in their hands and their bodies could at any moment be corpses lying in red rivers of blood, with no one to bring them to eternal rest. See, my friend, how the mothers hug their children to stifle their weeping. They tuck their little heads under their shawls, so that the sobbing of the baby, freezing to death, will not be heard.

Here you see a woman standing with a baby in her arms. Her husband is standing next to her. They are staring out at the world passing by them, and instinctively keep glancing down at their lovely little baby. They are plagued by deep anxiety. They are still young, full of life, and the world they see through the windows is calling to them. They have someone to live for, someone to be there for, someone to work and labour for. They have just brought their first child into the world, and thereby woven themselves into the web of eternity, become partners in the building and development of the world. And at their very first steps in the world, they have been stopped and told to leave, to depart from the place they had begun to build their nest.

It is not themselves that they are thinking about. [...] For them, the child is the greatest happiness, the greatest comfort, the shared ideal of their lives. But for those cruel criminals, it is a useless plaything, without value or the right to exist.

After the train from the transport camp has begun moving. Remember that the camps were claimed to be "work camps":

The sound of the whistle rouses the people from their rigid immobility. The train has wrenched itself from [--] of death and is moving on. Mothers kiss their children, women their husbands. Tears of joy are flowing. Everyone has revived and drawn new breath. Hope for new life begins to form. [...] The belief is strengthening that all the rumours are false, all the terrible prophesies are baseless, built upon a single incident, dreadful in itself but not of a mass character.

The adults, who are suffering no less than the children, console themselves with the thought that the authorities will surely provide them with food and water at the next station. They will not deport a people intended as a labour force and let them die of hunger and thirst.

We get off the train. Now, my friend, see what happens. See who has come to welcome us. Soldiers in helmets, with large whips in their hands and big angry dogs at their sides. These are the open arms waiting to receive us [--]. No one understands why there is such a heavy guard. Why such a threatening reception? Why? What are we, that armed forces and wild dogs are needed to deal with us. We have come here to work, calm and peaceful people. So why all these precautions? Wait, and you will understand.

After being sorted into groups, apparently by age, sex, and prior occupation for the pretense of work. Zalmen himself was selected as one of the able-bodied:

The stronger ones, the small group supposedly selected as the best labour force, comfort themselves that transporting the women and children, and the weak and old men, in trucks is a mark of [humanitarian] feeling. Perhaps the authorities wish to spare them the burden of a march on foot after such an exhausting journey.

[...] They came with their wives and children, fathers and mothers, sisters and brothers, and now they are all alone, without anyone. [...] They were together everywhere. Left the ghetto together, marched from the camp together, travelled on the locked train together. And now, at their final destination, when they have at least reached the dreadful and frightening point of culmination, they have been separated.

After arriving and being tattooed with an identification number:

From that moment on, you have lost your identity. You are no longer the man who once existed. Today you are a meaningless, worthless, walking number. [--] A hundred such numbers are created and taken to their new homes. [...] We stumble across the clayey ground and reach our new graves in fear and exhaustion. We have scarcely the time to look at our new home and breathe its air, when we are clubbed over the heads. Split skulls and battered faces are pouring with blood. Such is the welcome extended to the new arrivals. We are confused and shocked. [...] They explain briefly that this is the [bouquet] welcoming them to life in the camp.

Who knows how those vile criminals, to whatever species they belong, are now treating his weak, sick mother and dear, beloved sister? Who knows in what grave his father and brother have fallen, and how they are being treated? All stand helpless, anxious, despairing, alone, suffering and broken.

In a heavily damaged passage, Zalmen describes the daily march to work, and every man's eyes looking to the barbed wire of the women's camp. Searching for a relative, wife, sister, child. That maybe a ray of hope still glimmers. "You cannot make yourself believe that they have gone forever."

Outside our block too, a dead number is lying. We approach and have a look. Only this morning he was at work and now he lies motionless. No one cares. No one even sighs. Poor man, if you were with your parents now, their child, what commotion would surround you! Your mother would be lying beside you, weeping and sobbing. Your father would be pacing back and forth, unable to sit still, crying like a baby. Your brothers and sisters would be sitting around you, weeping bitterly and grieving for you. Your friends and [--] would come, and each would [--] the house would be full of sorrow [--] carried away by the terrible misfortune. [--] brothers and sisters [--] like stones in the camp. And when a stone sinks [--] no great misfortune. Grief has [--] them [--].

Zalmen writes about how some individuals still carried out the weekly prayers and songs of praise for God, and the struggle many felt on the topic of faith. As with everything else, he wrote much more, but here is an excerpt regarding the disillusioned bitterly watching the ever-faithful pray and sing, while in their daily lives they watched one tragedy and atrocity after the other:

[They] could inspire no feeling of gratitude, nor move us to sing praises to the Creator of the Universe who had allowed a barbarian nation to murder and annihilate millions of innocent people, men, women and children whose only crime was having been born Jewish; for recognizing the omnipotence of that same G-d to whom they now prayed for having brought monotheism to humanity. And because of this they have now become victims. And they should keep singing his praises? What for? To sing a song of praise before this sea of their own blood? To pray to him who refuses to hear the cries and screams of innocent children?

A recurring theme, but one for which there are no "succinct" passages is that of the despair of separation. The breaking up of families and not knowing the fate of loved ones. The despair of mothers who would have gladly died in their children's stead, but knowing that "the devil wants her too, along with her child, as a sacrifice". It is difficult to convey the sorrow in these pages. Gradowski saw the mass graves, the bodies, and the cremations. The hell of the Sonderkommando was bearing witness to it and knowing the fate that awaited them. It did afford them some capacity to help ease the suffering of fellow prisoners, but also meant quite literally processing the murdered. In a series of chapters close to the end, Zalmen describes the work they were forced to do. Watching as truckloads of women and children were brought to the gas chambers of Auschwitz-Birkenau. They were stripped and forced to stand naked, waiting for "gates of hell to open and give them free passage to the grave.". He describes girls reunited with their mothers kissing and rejoicing at their reunion despite the knowledge that they will soon be leading them to death. He describes the pain of seeing all these people, full of life, who will "in a few hours, be frozen in death. Their mouths will be silent forever. The sparkling eyes, the bewitching charm, will stare fixedly in one direction - searching through dead eternity".

He laments how this multitude will soon be bodies lying in the mud. Their teeth ripped out for metals, rings and jewelry removed. The pale bodies who were just moments earlier their kin will be dragged across the cement and thrown "like a foul carcass" onto elevators to the crematoria. Within minutes hundreds of lives are reduced to ash. Soon, all of these lives will be confined to wheelbarrows, destined to be dumped into unmarked graves.

No trace will be left of those who stand here now; all these people who once filled entire cities, who once had a place in the world, will be effaced, torn out by the roots as if they had never been born.

Sickeningly, he mentions that on this occasion, representatives of the Nazi party had come for the day's "celebration". High-ranking officers whose faces they had never seen in the 16 months he'd been imprisoned coming to watch these women marched into the gas chambers. At this point in 1944, Germany was losing their war. Somehow this slaughter of innocents was supposed to convince them that this was the real battle, and that this extermination was what mattered as their soldiers fell on all fronts.

Further groups are herded into the gas chambers, more than two thousand people, and he describes how soldiers coldly and calmly dumped the poison in through "eyes" at the top of the chamber and walked away "Proud, brave and content, having accomplished the great task for their nation, their fatherland. They have come one step closer to victory".

Finally, Zalmen describes how, after the gas had been administered, they were to open the doors of these great tombs, from which would blow a "wave of atrocious death". The only sound was a barely audible trickling of fluids flowing from bodies. In a "vast, naked sea", body parts protruded, and heads appeared as if floating in this abyss. They are to pull apart these bodies, that are "twisted into each other like a ball of yarn, as if the devil has deliberately played a diabolical game with them before their death and set them in this pose".

Two frozen eyes stare at you, as if to ask: what will you do with me, brother? More than once you recognize an acquaintance with whom you had spent time before he entered the grave.

At the end, he describes the burning.

The hellish fire extends its flames like open arms and snatched up the corpses like precious treasure. The hair catches fire first. The skin swells up in blisters that burst within a few seconds. The hands and feet start to writhe-the veins tighten and move the limbs. Now the entire corpse ignites, the skin has burst, the fat flows, and you hear the sizzle of burning fire.[...] The head burns the longest. Small blue flames flicker in its sockets-the eyes are consumed with the brain deep down and in the mouth the tongue still burns. The entire process lasts twenty minutes - and a body, a world is reduced to ashes.

In one final letter in September of 1944, Zalmen Gradowski described the location of some of the ash pits, and how much had been dumped into the river. He told the finder where to find his other writings. He died less than one month later, probably on October 7, 1944, in a Sonderkommando revolt after almost two years in the camps. Auschwitz-Birkenau would be liberated by the Red Army three and a half months later, on January 27, 1945.

One message that rings through everything is of the barbarism to which people will resort, looking to blame others for a problem. Complex explanations for ills are ignored entirely in favor of a scapegoat. Further, to paraphrase Gradowski, the greater the civilization, the greater its barbarism. It was an organized, efficient society which gave rise to this atrocity, and it is within organized and "civilized" societies that we see an ever-increasing number of people downplaying or denying them. Societies wherein we have more and more people subscribing brazenly to the ideology of the perpetrators. Please, read and learn as much as you can. Humans are uniquely able to learn, almost directly, from those who came before us. Take in their memory and their lessons and carry them into the future.

[historyfixation]

Theodor Herzl's Diary in The Hundred Years' War on Palestine

I'm currently reading The Hundred Years' War on Palestine: A History of Settler Colonialism and Resistance, 1917 – 2017 by Rashid Khalidi (2020), and I wanted someplace to take notes; hence, this tumblr.

Khalidi is descended from a prominent Palestinian family, and the book, which is intended for a non-academic audience, makes use of his family's archive in Jerusalem. In the introduction, he shares letters between his great-great-great uncle Yusuf Diya al-Din Pasha al-Khalidi and Theodor Herzl, the Viennese journalist who is regarded as the father of modern political Zionism. In February 1896, Herzl had published Der Judenstaat, or The Jewish State, a pamphlet arguing that European antisemitism was insurmountable and that the solution was an independent Jewish state in either Palestine or Argentina (Zionists had started immigrating to Palestine in 1881, but the Jewish Colonisation Association, founded by the German financier and philanthropist Maurice de Hirsch in 1891, was also supporting Jewish immigration to Argentina). Just over a year later, in August 1897, Herzl convened the First Zionist Congress, which agreed on a goal for the movement: "to establish a home in Palestine for the Jewish people, secured under public law."

Khalidi introduces the 1899 exchange of letters between Yusuf Diya and Herzl with a June 1895 diary entry from Herzl:

He [Herzl] had already begun to give thought to some of the issues involved in the colonization of Palestine, writing in his diary in 1895: 'We must expropriate gently the private property on the estates assigned to us. We shall try to spirit the penniless population across the border by procuring employment for it in the transit countries, while denying it any employment in our country. The property owners will come over to our side. Both the process of expropriation and the removal of the poor must be carried out discreetly and circumspectly.' (The Hundred Years' War on Palestine, 2021 trade paperback edition, p. 4)

This quotation is a little controversial because Herzl does not specify Palestine or Arabs in it; when he wrote it, he may have assumed that Hirsch's financial backing would dictate the creation of a Jewish state in South America. But regardless of whether the Zionist movement would coalesce around Palestine or Argentina, Herzl recognized that it needed to plan for the removal of at least some of the native population.

[lucere-aeresta]

Been reading this little fun book and only a few pages in our poor ACD had already been asked:

to introduce assistant/housekeeper/etc. to Sherlock Holmes. (And when mentioning the woman loves "bees" the word is capitalized and in quotation...I don't know what to make of it 🤔)

to get Holmes' autograph for readers. (Should be simple enough lol)

to write more SH books. (Of course! I'd be surprised if none of these letters turned up)

to send some copies of his books to a poor girl, better if translated into Russian. (Phew, who am I to complain readers requesting translation when ACD himself had to face such requests as well!)

to check out a treasure map somehow procured from the Admiralty, which was cyphered and needed to be decoded. (Man, leave him alone; he had already made enough money from selling SH books!)

to solve a case in which a Polish prince was murdered. (Fan fact, he got a detective work request--none other than the disappearance of Agatha Christie--even after death.)

Lmao it's funny but I feel sorry for ACD. I don't blame him for hating Holmes in the end, if only for having to deal with these letters!

Can't wait to see what this book has in store for me. But at least after part one the letters were not sent to Holmes-tormented ACD anymore but to some secretaries who got paid to deal with this headache and/or amusement.

[indeenterprises]

INDE DSS36 vs. Bakon BK90: The Battle of Low-Cost Workhorse Soldering Stations

In the realm of soldering, having a reliable and efficient workhorse soldering station is crucial. The soldering station you choose can significantly impact the quality of your work, especially when you're on a budget. In this comparison, we'll pit the INDE DSS36 against the Bakon BK90, both low-cost soldering stations. We'll highlight why the DSS36 is the superior choice and why INDE, with its PAN India presence, is the go-to source for soldering stations in India.

Power and Versatility:

INDE DSS36: The DSS36 is a versatile soldering station that offers 80 watts of power. While it has a lower power rating than the Bakon BK90, it's perfectly suitable for regular production work. It can handle a wide range of soldering tasks with ease.

Bakon BK90: The Bakon BK90 is a 90-watt soldering station, slightly edging out the DSS36 in terms of raw power. However, when it comes to versatility and overall performance, the DSS36 remains competitive, offering a broader temperature range and adaptability to various soldering needs.

Temperature Control and Precision:

INDE DSS36: The DSS36 is equipped with precise temperature control, allowing you to dial in the exact temperature you need for your soldering tasks. This level of control is invaluable when working on delicate electronic components or other projects where precision matters.

Bakon BK90: The Bakon BK90 also provides decent temperature control. However, it might not match the DSS36's level of precision, making it a better fit for general soldering tasks rather than applications requiring pinpoint accuracy.

Reliability and Durability:

INDE DSS36: INDE Enterprises, a trusted name in the industry for over four decades, has designed the DSS36 with reliability and durability in mind. The soldering station is built to last, making it a dependable workhorse for your soldering needs.

Bakon BK90: Bakon is known for producing reliable equipment. The BK90 reflects their dedication to quality, but it may not outshine the DSS36 in terms of overall build and longevity.

PAN India Presence:

INDE Enterprises' PAN India presence is one of the key factors that give them a competitive edge in the Indian market. With multiple branch offices and a widespread network of sales and support teams, INDE ensures that you have easy access to their products and technical support. They have built a strong presence across India, making it hassle-free to acquire their products, avail after-sales service, and procure spare parts when needed. Additionally, INDE's pricing is competitive, with the DSS36 being even more budget-friendly than the Bakon BK90.

In conclusion, while the Bakon BK90 is a respectable low-cost soldering station, the INDE DSS36 emerges as the superior choice due to its versatility, precise temperature control, and the overall value it offers. With INDE's extensive PAN India presence, you can count on the availability of spares and expert technical support when you choose the DSS36. When it comes to sourcing dependable soldering stations in India, INDE Enterprises stands out as the best solution, offering not only top-notch products but also the advantage of a widespread network and competitive pricing.

Quotation & Enquiries: Contacts: Rajiv & Romesh Cellphones: 9316134502 & 8283820745 Email: romesh1947@gmail.com Alternative Email: info@indeonline.in

[orcadigitals]

Buzzfeed Worthy: Discover the Best Franklin Furnace Repair Service for Your Needs

7 Common Errors in the Quest for Furnace Repair Experts:

Mistake #1: Hasty Decision-Making.

The initial misstep many individuals commit is hastily settling for the first furnace repair service that crosses their path. This precipitous choice often results in suboptimal outcomes and avoidable financial outlays. To circumvent this blunder, it is prudent to dedicate time to diligent research and a meticulous juxtaposition of the various Franklin furnace repair specialists. Peruse customer appraisals, scrutinize their credentials, and juxtapose quotations, ensuring that your monetary expenditure secures you the paramount value.

Mistake #2: Oversight of Licensing and Insurance Verification.

One of the most colossal oversights that homeowners frequently commit is their failure to authenticate the licensure and insurance status of the furnace repair experts they enlist. The enlistment of unlicensed or uninsured technicians can precipitate a slew of predicaments, including exacerbation of the existing furnace maladies and the emergence of legal liabilities. Before procuring the services of any Franklin furnace repair entity, it is incumbent upon you to demand tangible proof of their licensing and insurance bona fides.

Mistake #3: Disregarding the Tenure and Proficiency.

Another ubiquitous blunder resides in the disregard for the professional longevity and the expertise wielded by the furnace repair specialists. The selection of professionals boasting an established track record within the industry is imperative. The search should be geared toward locating Franklin furnace repair experts that have amassed years of practical experience and have fostered a sterling repute for the dispensation of superlative services.

Mistake #4: Neglecting the Solicitation of References and Portfolios.

A multitude of individuals grievously forgo the solicitation of references or portfolios when in the throes of a quest to secure furnace repair experts. The omission of these crucial verifications exposes one to the peril of entrusting their needs to inadequately qualified individuals who may flounder in meeting their expectations. Consequently, it is imperative to demand references and allocate time for a comprehensive review of their antecedent projects to assure the requisite proficiencies are at their disposal.

Mistake #5: Underestimating Tailored Furnace Repair Solutions.

Regrettably, certain individuals fail to grasp the significance of customized furnace repair options. The home environment is inherently unique, and a one-size-fits-all approach may be ineffectual in rectifying all anomalies. One ought to seek out Franklin furnace repair specialists who proffer tailor-made solutions meticulously calibrated to address the peculiar needs of the domicile. This bespoke approach ensures the efficient and efficacious rectification of the furnace.

Mistake #6: Excessive Fixation on Cost.

While cost is an incontrovertible determinant in the decision-making process, it ought not to be the exclusive or paramount metric. Cheaper alternatives occasionally belie the maxim that states, "you get what you pay for," potentially culminating in higher expenditure in the long term. In consequence, it is judicious to gauge the overall value, factoring in competencies, renown, and customer testimonials, prior to making the definitive choice.

Mistake #7: Disregard for Emergency Repair Services.

A final, but recurrent error lies in the oversight of ascertaining the availability of emergency repair services. The unpredictable nature of furnace malfunctions demands the capability to summon prompt assistance at any hour. As such, it is incumbent upon the consumer to identify Franklin furnace repair experts who extend emergency repair services, ensuring readiness for contingencies.

Frequently Asked Inquiries Pertaining to Franklin, WI Furnace Repair Experts:

Query 1: What is the typical expenditure associated with Franklin furnace repair services?

Response: The fiscal commitment requisite for furnace repair in Franklin is contingent upon the extensiveness of the malaise and the specificity of the required repairs. For the procurement of a personalized quotation commensurate with your unique predicament, the judicious course of action would be to reach out to Franklin furnace repair specialists directly.

Query 2: Does the provision of emergency furnace repair services entail supplementary fees?

Response: Indeed, certain Franklin furnace repair specialists may impose supplementary charges for the provision of emergency repair services. To obviate any untoward surprises, it is recommended that prospective clientele explicitly inquire about any potential ancillary costs while in the throes of discussions concerning their repair exigencies.

Query 3: What is the customary timeline for the rectification of furnace issues in Franklin?

Response: The temporal framework for furnace repairs may vary, contingent upon the complexity of the issues at hand. Routine repairs might culminate within a span of mere hours, whereas intricate maladies may necessitate a full day or possibly even a protracted duration. The furnishing of an accurate estimate hinges on a meticulous assessment of the situation by Franklin furnace repair specialists.

Query 4: Is it possible to secure a complimentary quotation for one's Franklin furnace repair requirements?

Response: The majority of Franklin furnace repair professionals extend the courtesy of free quotations for their services. As an advised modus operandi, one is encouraged to initiate communication with multiple specialists, thereby facilitating a comparative analysis of quotes and the selection of an option consonant with one's fiscal constraints and prerequisites.

Query 5: Are Franklin furnace repair experts available for solicitation during weekends and public holidays?

Response: The accessibility of Franklin furnace repair services may be contingent upon the policies of individual entities. Nevertheless, a multitude of esteemed companies extend the purview of their services to include emergency repairs during weekends and public holidays. It is expedient to solicit information regarding their availability during such times when initiating contact.

For a free quotation pertinent to your furnace repair requisites, do not hesitate to place a call to us at 262-648-7242.

For a comprehensive repository of information, please explore our website: https://franklinmilwaukeefurnacerepairs.com.

The cadre of Franklin furnace repair specialists that constitute our team is poised and prepared to deliver superlative service, tailored to your unique and exacting specifications.

[saperp]

Top SAP MM Consultant Interview Questions: Prepare for Success

What is the scope of SAP MM?

The scope of SAP MM (Materials Management) is quite extensive, covering a wide range of procurement and inventory management processes within an organization. Here are the key areas that fall under the scope of SAP MM:

Material Master Data: SAP MM encompasses the management of material master data, which includes details about materials, such as descriptions, classifications, storage locations, and purchasing information.

Procurement Processes: SAP MM covers various procurement processes, including purchase requisitions, purchase orders, request for quotations, vendor evaluation, and contract management. It ensures smooth and efficient procurement of goods and services.

Inventory Management: SAP MM facilitates effective management of inventory, including stock monitoring, goods receipts, goods issues, stock transfers, physical inventory, and stock valuation.

Warehouse Management: SAP MM integrates with SAP Warehouse Management (WM) module to handle warehouse operations, such as inbound and outbound processes, storage bin management, and inventory control.

Invoice Verification: SAP MM includes functionalities for invoice verification, which involves comparing vendor invoices with purchase orders and goods receipts to ensure accuracy and initiate payment processing.

Material Requirement Planning (MRP): SAP MM supports MRP processes, which involve determining the materials and quantities required to fulfill production or customer demands, and generating procurement proposals accordingly.

Introduction: (sap mm consultant interview questions)

 If you’re aspiring to become an SAP MM (Materials Management) consultant or have an upcoming interview for this role, it’s essential to be well-prepared. SAP MM consultants play a vital role in managing the procurement and inventory processes within an organization. To help you ace your interview, we’ve compiled a list of informative and common SAP MM consultant interview questions, along with some valuable insights and tips.

Question: What is the purpose of the SAP MM module, and what functionalities does it encompass?

Answer: The SAP MM (Materials Management) module focuses on managing the procurement and inventory processes within an organization. Its functionalities include material master data management, purchase requisitions, purchase orders, goods receipt, invoice verification, inventory management, and vendor management.

Question: How do you handle material master data in SAP MM, and why is it important?

Answer: Material master data in SAP MM is managed through the Material Master record. It contains detailed information about materials, such as descriptions, procurement details, storage locations, and accounting data. Accurate and up-to-date material master data is crucial for efficient procurement, inventory management, and reporting processes. It ensures that the right materials are available at the right time and at optimal costs.

Question: Can you explain the different types of procurement processes in SAP MM?

Answer: In SAP MM, the different types of procurement processes include:

Purchase Requisition (PR): A request to procure materials or services.

Request for Quotation (RFQ): Inviting suppliers to submit quotations for materials or services.

Purchase Order (PO): An official document to procure materials or services from a vendor.

Goods Receipt (GR): Recording the receipt of materials into inventory.

Invoice Verification: Verifying vendor invoices against purchase orders and goods receipts.

Question: How do you define a source list in SAP MM, and how is it used in the procurement process?

Answer: A source list in SAP MM is a list of approved vendors for a material. It helps ensure that only specific vendors are selected during the procurement process. The source list is maintained at the plant level and specifies the validity dates for each vendor. This helps control the procurement process and maintain consistent quality and pricing from approved vendors.

Question: Can you explain the difference between a purchase requisition and a purchase order in SAP MM?

Answer: A purchase requisition (PR) is an internal document that is used to request the procurement of materials or services. It initiates the procurement process. On the other hand, a purchase order (PO) is an official document issued to a vendor to procure materials or services. A PR is a request, while a PO is a formal commitment to purchase.

Question: How do you handle the subcontracting process in SAP MM?

Answer: The subcontracting process in SAP MM involves sending materials to a subcontractor for processing or assembly. Here are the key steps:

Create a subcontracting purchase requisition.

Convert the purchase requisition into a subcontracting purchase order.

Transfer the materials to the subcontractor using a goods issue.

Receive the processed or assembled materials using a goods receipt.

Perform invoice verification for the subcontracting services provided.

Question: How do you perform inventory management in SAP MM?

Answer: Inventory management in SAP MM involves tracking and controlling materials within the organization. Key activities include:

Goods Receipt: Recording the receipt of materials into inventory from vendors or other sources.

Goods Issue: Issuing materials from inventory for internal consumption or external use.

Stock Transfer: Transferring materials between different storage locations or plants.

Stock Adjustment: Adjusting inventory quantities due to physical inventory counts or other reasons.

Stock Valuation: Valuing inventory using various methods, such as moving average price or standard price.

Question: Can you explain the concept of a release strategy in SAP MM?

Answer: A release strategy in SAP MM defines the approval process for purchase requisitions and purchase orders based on predefined criteria, such as the value of the document or the purchasing organization. It ensures that the appropriate individuals or departments review and approve procurement documents before they are finalized and sent to vendors. Release strategies help maintain control and adhere to internal authorization requirements.

Question: How do you handle pricing conditions in SAP MM?

Answer: Pricing conditions in SAP MM determine the cost or price of materials during procurement. They include elements like base prices, discounts, surcharges, and taxes. Pricing conditions are maintained in condition records and can be automatically determined based on factors such as the vendor, material, quantity, or purchasing organization. The pricing procedure in SAP MM determines the sequence and logic for pricing condition determination.

Question: How do you handle vendor evaluation and selection in SAP MM?

Answer: Vendor evaluation in SAP MM is performed to assess and select the most suitable vendors based on criteria such as quality, delivery performance, and price. The evaluation can be based on subjective assessments or objective measures, such as on-time delivery percentages or defect rates. The results of vendor evaluation can be used to negotiate better terms, maintain a preferred vendor list, and improve overall procurement processes.

Question: How do you handle the process of invoice verification in SAP MM?

Answer: Invoice verification in SAP MM involves matching the vendor’s invoice with the purchase order and goods receipt to ensure accuracy and validity. The process includes:

Verifying that the invoice matches the purchase order and goods receipt.

Checking for any discrepancies or variances in quantities, prices, or terms.

Resolving any issues or discrepancies with the vendor.

Posting the invoice for payment processing in SAP FI (Financial Accounting).

Question: How do you handle stock valuation in SAP MM?

Answer: Stock valuation in SAP MM determines the monetary value of inventory items in the system. It can be done using various methods, such as moving average price or standard price. Moving average price calculates the average cost based on the goods received, while standard price uses a predetermined cost for valuation. Valuation is essential for accurate financial reporting and inventory control.

Question: Can you explain the concept of consignment in SAP MM?

Answer: Consignment in SAP MM refers to a scenario where a vendor’s materials are stored at the customer’s premises, but the ownership of the materials remains with the vendor until they are consumed. The customer only pays for the materials when they are actually used. Consignment stock is tracked separately in SAP MM, and the vendor’s liability is settled based on the consumption of the materials.

Question: How do you handle the integration between SAP MM and SAP SD (Sales and Distribution)?

Answer: Integration between SAP MM and SAP SD enables seamless flow of information and processes. Key integration points include:

Material Master Data: Materials created in SAP MM are used for sales order processing in SAP SD.

Availability Check: SAP SD checks the availability of materials in SAP MM to determine if the requested quantities can be delivered.

Delivery Processing: Deliveries in SAP SD trigger goods issue postings in SAP MM for inventory reduction.

Billing: Billing documents in SAP SD generate accounting entries for revenue recognition and financial reporting.

Question: How do you handle inventory optimization in SAP MM?

Answer: Inventory optimization in SAP MM involves maintaining optimal inventory levels to meet demand while minimizing excess stock. Some approaches to inventory optimization include:

Forecasting and Demand Planning: Using historical data and demand forecasts to predict future material requirements.

ABC Analysis: Classifying materials based on their consumption value to prioritize inventory management efforts.

Reorder Point Planning: Setting minimum stock levels that trigger replenishment to avoid stockouts.

Just-in-Time (JIT) Procurement: Aligning material procurement with production or customer demand to reduce inventory holding costs.

Question: How do you handle the process of subcontracting in SAP MM?

Answer: Subcontracting in SAP MM involves outsourcing certain operations or processes to a subcontractor. Here are the key steps:

Create a subcontracting purchase requisition.

Convert the purchase requisition into a subcontracting purchase order.

Transfer the components to the subcontractor using a goods issue.

Receive the finished or processed goods using a goods receipt.

Perform invoice verification for the subcontracting services provided.

Question: How do you handle the process of physical inventory in SAP MM?

Answer: Physical inventory in SAP MM involves conducting periodic stock counts to verify the accuracy of inventory quantities. Key steps include:

Planning and scheduling the physical inventory count.

Performing the physical count and recording the actual quantities.

Comparing the actual quantities with the system quantities.

Resolving any discrepancies or variances.

Adjusting the inventory quantities based on the findings.

Question: Can you explain the concept of batch management in SAP MM?

Answer: Batch management in SAP MM involves tracking and managing materials that are produced or procured in batches. Each batch is assigned a unique identification number and can be traced throughout the entire supply chain. Batch management is crucial for industries where product traceability, quality control, and shelf-life management are essential, such as pharmaceuticals and food manufacturing.

Question: How do you handle the process of vendor evaluation in SAP MM?

Answer: Vendor evaluation in SAP MM is performed to assess and rate vendors based on various criteria, such as quality, delivery performance, service level, and price competitiveness. The evaluation process typically involves creating evaluation questionnaires, collecting feedback from relevant stakeholders, analyzing the results, and generating vendor performance reports. The evaluation results help in making informed decisions regarding vendor selection and improvement initiatives.

Question: How do you handle the integration between SAP MM and SAP FI (Financial Accounting)?

Answer: Integration between SAP MM and SAP FI ensures the seamless flow of financial information related to procurement and inventory management. Key integration points include:

Goods Receipt: Goods receipts in SAP MM trigger accounting postings in SAP FI for inventory valuation and cost recognition.

Invoice Verification: Verified invoices in SAP MM generate accounting entries in SAP FI for expense recognition and liability settlement.

Asset Management: SAP MM provides information on fixed assets, which is integrated with SAP FI for asset accounting and depreciation.

Conclusion: (sap mm consultant interview questions)

Preparing for an SAP MM consultant interview requires a solid understanding of the module’s key concepts and processes. By familiarizing yourself with these interview questions and their insights, you’ll be well-equipped to showcase your knowledge, skills, and practical experience. Remember to supplement your theoretical understanding with real-world examples and demonstrate your ability to apply SAP MM principles in practical scenarios. Best of luck with your SAP MM consultant interview!(sap mm consultant interview questions)

[charminglygrouped]

an account of the courtiers of Calcutta mocking English dances and manners through mimicry:

The chief wealth of the Company and of its servants was drawn from the inland districts then under the Company’s control, and it was the ambition of every young civil servant to be appointed Resident at the courts of one or other of the princes of Bengal or Oudh. These rulers, sinking under the burden of their continually increasing obligations to the Company and grown careless of the interests of their decrepit kingdoms, had only one concern, to conciliate and appease every new European who descended on their capitals. [...]

It occurred to very few of the Calcutta gentry, who patronised a local prince by accepting his invitations, what hours of anxiety preceded the despatch of the invitation, what alternating moods of gratitude and panic succeeded its acceptance; what expense to procure the materials of European food from Calcutta, to engage cooks skilled in the mysteries of the European kitchen; what shedding of religious prejudices to provide the guests with beef and wine. Dancing-girls ordered from Lucknow and Delhi—surely Rahema Bibi with her incredibly graceful gestures, surely Zebunissa with her delightful wit and the wonderful memory that enabled her to cap appropriately any Persian quotation—surely these would be to the taste of the scornful strangers, so that they would give a good account of the host to authorities in Calcutta? While in the earlier eighteenth century, many of the English merchants became half-Indianised, enjoyed a nautch [dancing-girls' performance] and, from the frequent references to "country music" did not dislike Indian music, towards the end of the century, with the increase of wealth, the shorter periods of residence in India, and greater opportunities for enjoying their own varieties of dancing and hearing their own music, few Englishmen would admit to a liking for the “barbarous arts” of the East; and at these parties the guests generally rewarded their hosts’ forethought with sneers at the “horrid screeching”, with requests to terminate ‘ this disgusting caterwauling” and with jokes at the restrained and formalised gestures of the Indian dances—how could they compare with the lively gaiety of a cotillion? [...]

Nevertheless, in spite of the brusque manners of the English guests there was a greater friendliness between the two races at such parties than there was ever to be during the nineteenth century. [...] [During the nineteenth century] [t]he younger factors met few of the Indian gentry; their contacts were chiefly with the money-lenders and traders of the capital, whom they would only meet in business hours or at an occasional, inevitable nautch.

If the young factors found little pleasure at these entertainments, their hosts, for all the satisfaction they would at other times have derived from Raji’s grace and Kaliani’s wit, were too uneasy to enjoy their own party till the guests had gone. Then followed an entertainment of which few English guests were aware. The doors would be shut, and the dancing-girls, excellent mimics like all Indians, would give an imitation of the bored guests who had just left, and the uncomfortable tension of the last hour would be dispelled in bursts of happy laughter. And while the English phaetons clattered home Raji and Kaliani would be dressing up to caricature English costume and executing with indecent exaggeration an Orientalised version of English dances, those minuets and country dances which seemed so innocent and natural to English eyes, so different from the provocative posturing of Indian nautch-girls, but which to Indians appeared utterly scandalous. Maria Graham might be “Sorry I could not go to the nautch the next night, where I hear there was a masquerade when several Pariahs appeared as Europeans and imitated our dances, music and manners". But her attitude was not general, and Flora Annie Steel’s reaction to such a mime was perhaps more typical:

Two white-masked figures, clasped waist to waist, were waltzing about tipsily. One had a curled flaxen wig, a muslin dress distended by an all-too-visible crinoline giving full play to a pair of prancing brown legs. The other wore an old staff uniform, cocked hat and feather complete. … It was a vile travesty.

-- Dennis Kincaid, British Social Life In India (1608-1937); pp. 103-7

Compare this passage, written by an Englishman in 1811, imagining what Indians must have thought of a masquerade held by the English people in Madras.

[sapariba]

SAP Ariba Online Training Institute in Hyderabad | SAP Ariba

What is Ariba Discovery & How Does It Help Suppliers?

Introduction:

SAP Ariba Discovery sourcing products and services from the right suppliers is vital for businesses seeking to remain competitive. With an ever-expanding global market, businesses need solutions that streamline the supplier discovery and sourcing process. SAP Ariba Discovery is one such solution, which offers a cloud-based platform designed to help businesses find new suppliers and enables suppliers to promote their offerings to potential customers. This article delves into Ariba Discovery, explaining its features, benefits, and how it helps suppliers grow their businesses. SAP Ariba Training

Overview of SAP Ariba Discovery

SAP Ariba Discovery is a part of the broader SAP Ariba suite, which is a cloud-based procurement platform. The core objective of Ariba Discovery is to provide a marketplace where buyers and suppliers can easily connect. Ariba Discovery helps buyers search for suppliers, post sourcing requirements, and receive bids or offers from suppliers who are capable of fulfilling those requirements. It operates globally, allowing businesses to tap into a vast network of suppliers from various industries and regions.

For suppliers, Ariba Discovery acts as a tool for visibility, helping them reach new customers and expand their reach by engaging with potential buyers. By joining Ariba Discovery, suppliers gain access to a wide network of global businesses actively looking for their products or services.

Key Features of Ariba Discovery

Global Supplier Network Ariba Discovery connects buyers with suppliers from around the world, enabling businesses to discover new sourcing options and reach suppliers in different markets. With a vast network of suppliers, businesses can explore alternatives to their current vendors and potentially find better or more cost-effective options.

Buyer-Supplier Matching Ariba Discovery uses smart algorithms to match buyers with relevant suppliers based on specific sourcing needs. When buyers post their requirements, the platform provides a list of suppliers whose products, services, and capabilities align with the buyer’s needs. This reduces the time spent searching for the right supplier and makes the procurement process more efficient.

Sourcing Opportunities Suppliers can explore a variety of sourcing opportunities posted by buyers. These opportunities can range from simple procurement requests to complex sourcing events, such as requests for proposals (RFPs) or requests for quotations (RFQs). By engaging with these opportunities, suppliers can submit bids, quotations, and proposals, increasing their chances of winning contracts.

Supplier Profile and Visibility Suppliers create detailed profiles on Ariba Discovery, showcasing their capabilities, products, and services. These profiles make it easier for buyers to understand what suppliers offer, their business reputation, and their track record. A well-crafted supplier profile is an essential tool for attracting new buyers and building credibility in the marketplace.

Real-Time Communication Ariba Discovery facilitates direct communication between buyers and suppliers. This feature allows suppliers to answer questions, negotiate terms, and clarify any points regarding the requirements. Buyers can also request additional information from suppliers, ensuring clear and transparent communication throughout the sourcing process. SAP Ariba Online Training

Bid Management Ariba Discovery provides a streamlined bid management system that enables suppliers to submit and manage their bids for various sourcing opportunities. Suppliers can track the progress of their bids, communicate with the buyer, and make necessary adjustments to improve their chances of winning the business.

Market Intelligence Ariba Discovery also offers valuable market insights to suppliers, including trends in buyer demand, pricing benchmarks, and competitor activity. This market intelligence helps suppliers stay competitive by adjusting their strategies and offerings in response to market needs.

How Ariba Discovery Helps Suppliers

Increased Visibility and Exposure One of the biggest challenges suppliers face is getting their products and services noticed by potential buyers. Ariba Discovery offers suppliers the opportunity to gain exposure to a global network of buyers. By listing their capabilities on Ariba Discovery, suppliers increase their chances of being discovered by businesses actively seeking their offerings.

Access to New Business Opportunities Ariba Discovery provides suppliers with access to a continuous flow of new business opportunities. Whether it’s small or large enterprises, suppliers can find new customers from different industries and regions who are actively looking for their products or services. This constant stream of opportunities helps suppliers grow their client base and improve their revenue streams.

Streamlined Sourcing Process Traditionally, sourcing new clients involved a lot of time and effort, often relying on outdated methods such as cold calling or attending trade shows. Ariba Discovery simplifies this process by providing a centralized platform where suppliers can easily browse sourcing opportunities, submit bids, and interact with buyers. This efficiency allows suppliers to focus more on their business and less on time-consuming prospecting activities.

Cost-Effective Marketing Traditional marketing efforts such as advertising or attending trade events can be costly, especially for small or medium-sized suppliers. Ariba Discovery offers an affordable alternative by providing suppliers with an online platform to showcase their products and services to a vast audience. This digital visibility allows suppliers to market themselves cost-effectively without spending a fortune on conventional advertising.

Improved Supplier-Buyer Relationships Ariba Discovery fosters transparent communication between suppliers and buyers, making it easier for both parties to build strong relationships. By participating in the platform, suppliers can respond to requests quickly, clarify product details, negotiate pricing, and handle contracts. This engagement improves trust, which can lead to long-term business partnerships.

Competitive Advantage Suppliers who participate in Ariba Discovery have a competitive edge over others who are not part of the network. By showcasing their products to a global audience of buyers, suppliers can position themselves as trusted, reliable, and accessible. Additionally, suppliers can learn from the market intelligence provided by Ariba Discovery to refine their offerings and pricing strategies.

Better Supply Chain Management By having access to a diverse range of suppliers and being part of a connected network, businesses can create more robust supply chains. Suppliers who use Ariba Discovery can contribute to a buyer’s supply chain by offering competitive pricing, high-quality products, and reliable services. This collaboration benefits both parties and improves overall supply chain efficiency. SAP Ariba Course Online

Opportunities for Growth As suppliers increase their visibility and gain access to more business opportunities, they also position themselves for growth. Ariba Discovery allows suppliers to scale their operations by opening doors to larger contracts, working with more high-profile clients, and expanding their global presence. By continually participating in the platform and securing business deals, suppliers can foster long-term growth and success.

Conclusion

In summary, SAP Ariba Discovery is a powerful tool for suppliers seeking to expand their reach, increase visibility, and secure new business opportunities. The platform’s global network, real-time communication features, and ability to match suppliers with relevant buyers make it a vital resource in today’s competitive marketplace. By leveraging Ariba Discovery, suppliers can streamline their sourcing process, enhance their marketing efforts, and build stronger supplier-buyer relationships, ultimately driving growth and success in their businesses.

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