When we purchase a product we do not even think of the processes that have to take place in order for the product to reach our hands. So much is involved on the back end of things. Tammy Landrum is the purchasing coordinator BSF, Inc., and she understands the entire process including the math.
Can you explain what you do for a living?
I work in the purchasing department, and I have been in this profession for seven and a half years. Our company makes pump motor adaptors. I process all of the purchase orders, and I purchase products from outside sources that are needed to complete the orders we receive. I schedule shipments and create documents needed by our machinists in order to make the parts and the documents needed by our shipping department to ship the parts.
When do you use basic math in your job?
I use math each day when I send an order acknowledgement to the customer verifying the cost on each order. Sometimes I have to cost the part before I process the order. Costing involves calculating the cost to manufacture the part during each phase of production and the marking that price up by a certain percentage to produce our profit margin.
Do you use any technology (like calculators or computers) to help with this math?
Yes, I use a computer everyday to input the orders and also to cost the orders. We have a configuration that calculates the price of each part. We quote the part to a customer and they place the order.
How do you think math helps you do your job better?
I would not be able to calculate the total amount due for each order without using math. Also, I could not calculate the price of each part without math.
How comfortable with math do you feel?
I’m somewhat comfortable with math. I don’t have to do many calculations in my head. I have a computer for that so I don’t think I would be very comfortable doing my job without my computer.
What kind of math did you take in high school?
I took algebra and basic math. I liked math a lot. I always did well in my math classes.
Did you have to learn new skills in order to do the math you use in your job?
I had to learn to use the software programs needed to do my job. I think my basic math skills made it easier for me to learn what I needed to in order to do my job well.
Anything else you want to mention?
Math is important in our everyday lives. We use it more than we realize.
Of course, if you want to learn more about the role of math in the job position of purchasing coordinator, just reach out to me, and I will connect with her.