Attention: All Associates

After an extensive review of the benefits, including a pilot at Lawrence Station, Essex has decided to incorporate a new Vendor Management Program into our daily operations, VENDORCafé.
 
What is VENDORCafé?
VENDORCafé is a Yardi-based online portal that allows vendors to upload contact information, get paid electronically, and obtain insurance compliance. Later, there will also be an electronic invoicing feature available.
 
What are the benefits?

• VENDORCafé will provide our vendors a cost-efficient, secure, and effective way to process and manage business with Essex Property Trust online.
• All communities will have access to approved, contracted and insured vendors.
• Insurance compliance is driven exclusively by third-party licensed insurance agents
• There is overall reduced time investment by Essex for vendor maintenance
• Vendors will have an overall better experience with our organization, including the following ways:
  • Vendors can manage their own contact information
  • Vendors can streamline payment type (EFT)
  • Vendors will be insurance compliant

What does this mean for associates?

• CM’s will have access to a Vendor Dashboard in Yardi. Other than this, your Yardi experience will not significantly change.
• On-site teams won’t have to spend as much time with vendor maintenance
• Access to vendors will be quicker
• The streamlined insurance process results in less hassle for vendors

 
How does it work? 

• All vendor partners for Essex Property Trust will be required to participate in our Vendor Management Program and will be required to maintain an “Approved Vendor” status
• Vendors are required to pay a nominal annual fee
• Once vendors sign up, they will utilize the portal to share relevant information

 
Are there any action items for on-site teams?

• Essex’s vendor maintenance team will manage the implementation.
• No action is required from on-site teams, other than that we’d like you to be aware of these details.

 
What happens next? 

• As a result of an initial successful pilot at Lawrence Station, we are expanding the program. 
• We will invite approx. 50 new vendors per week to join.
• Stay tuned for further updates!

 
Questions?
Please contact Procurement@essex.com.