Raising the Bar Again

Here at Hinda, we believe in pushing our limits and exceeding our own expectations. In 2004, we developed the Undisputed Leader Initiative (ULI), an internal program that aims to improve quality of service, develop innovative ideas and engage our suppliers, clients and program participants. In an attempt to maximize efficiency, maintain competitiveness in the industry and achieve operational excellence, we continually re-examine and revamp our business operations.

The ULI program was established as a way to put goals around our core functions (order rate, shipping errors, etc.) in an effort to improve customer satisfaction and maintain quality improvement. Before the program, there wasn’t a formal procedure in place for measuring our business operations.

“By publicizing our goals and getting people to work together, we get a bigger impact,” says Dave Pellissier, Director of Information Technology. “It creates peer pressure and self pressure to attain the goals.”

Now, on a year-to-year basis, the ULI team examines the goals achieved in order to find out ways to improve upon them. Just recently, changes were put in place to make the ULI team a more formalized quality improvement team. They plan to raise the bar even further and breathe new life into the program.

Starting in the warehouse, the ULI team hopes to work with the warehouse staff to optimize the way we’re shipping and improve efficiency. Currently, they’re looking at alternate shipping solutions and automation.

Along with revamping the internal metrics we assess our business with, we’re also looking to upgrade our exterior certifications. We’ve been PCI compliant for three years now. The PCI Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) provides a framework for developing a credit card data security process, including fraud prevention, intrusion detection and appropriate reaction to security incidents. We’re looking to become ISO 27001/2 compliant within the next year. This will establish a more comprehensive information security program at Hinda. ISO 27001/2 is an industry standard security framework which will help with RFPs, security audits and other dealings with large companies.

Infinite Award Possibilities with infinitE℠ powered by innergE®

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We recently simplified and enhanced our award offer and are proud to introduce infinitE℠ powered by innergE® as one of the industry’s largest and most current award assortments. infinitE℠ (pronounced “infinity”) features millions of digital rewards and thousands of brand-name merchandise options. Going forward, the assortment will continue to expand and include the most popular and in-demand awards. 

Our current online incentive system, innergE®, is designed to manage reward and recognition programs. As part of the launch of infinitE℠, innergE® has been updated with an enhanced user interface that features improved navigation and functionality. System upgrades also include expanded photos and details on award options. Functionality is available to allow for “on the spot” or discretionary point awards, as well as an on-line nomination system. 

Our digital awards offering, Digital Awards HQ, is supported by Point Click Group. The newly launched digital awards store features millions of songs, music videos, movies, e-books and ringtones. Future offerings will include TV shows, apps and games. Having such a wide variety of digital award choices available from a single site is unique and a great enhancement, especially for programs where award values are smaller.

We introduced infinitE℠ at the Motivation Show last week in Chicago and received a positive response. If you're interested in a demo or would like more information, please contact Bill Termini, Vice President of Sales at btermini@hinda.com or 773-890-5900 x3383.

Employee Spotlight: Kevin Joyce

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Personable. Dedicated. Passionate.

As the HR Administrator and an Administrative Assistant, Kevin Joyce has been able to learn many different functions of the business and contribute his skills to multiple departments at Hinda. Responsible for almost all of the HR functions at Hinda, he handles payroll, benefits and the 401(k) administration. Additionally, he is also the Administrative Assistant to our Vice President of Sales and our Chief Financial Officer.

Joyce joined Hinda as an Administrative Assistant immediately after graduating college from Eastern Illinois University in 2006. During college, he worked seasonally as a Cash Room Assistant, as well as a Merchandising Assistant at Coca-Cola.

Shortly after starting at Hinda, he began working under the HR Manager as an HR Assistant. In August 2008, he took over HR in its entirety. Now, as he approaches five years of service, he says he appreciates the people and interactions the most.

"I love being able to build relationships here," says Joyce. "I like the family atmosphere that we have here at Hinda. It's a great feeling to be able to know everyone in the organization."

Outside of work, you can find him playing baseball, golfing or cheering on his beloved Chicago White Sox.

This has been part of our Employee Spotlight series, which aims to put a face to our business. We hope to give you a glimpse of our operations as you learn more about our employees.