Q&A with Jennifer Swearingen and Wasseem Mango 

From instant savings to real-time alternate product recommendations, Entegra’s proprietary Shopping Assistant (ESA), part of Entegra’s Data and Digital Solutions, is making procurement smarter and simpler. 

ESA is an industry-first. No other GPO offers a tool this intuitive and effective. From AI product matching to dynamic savings data, ESA leads the pack. How does this robust tool work, and how can it support procurement? We asked the Entegra team behind it, eProcument System Manager Jennifer Swearingen and Director, eProcurement, Waseem Mango. 

Q : What is ESA, and why is it a game changer for procurement professionals? 

Swearingen: “ESA is an AI-driven browser extension that “layers” over a distributor’s e-store, helping Entegra clients find the best prices (whether they are Entegra-contracted or not) while they shop in real time. 

“Rather than calling a rep to ask, ‘Which chicken breast should I buy,’ the answer is now visible in real-time. ESA takes out the guesswork and replaces it with icons that indicate contracted items, lower-cost alternatives and potential savings on items you purchase from prime distributors.” 

Q: What kind of savings are possible with ESA?

 Mango: “Customers who actively use ESA see up to an average of 25% savings on recommended alternatives. Depending on the size of the operation and willingness to switch products, that could translate to thousands of dollars annually.” 

Q: How can foodservice operators save on food costs by using an AI-enabled tool like ESA? 

Swearingen: “The value is immediate. For example, one client saved $362 in just two weeks by switching to items highlighted by Entegra Shopping Assistant. 

“Even more powerful: Many Entegra clients don't realize that a product of equal quality is Entegra-contracted. With ESA, an icon flags those products, which generates repeat savings for their business over time. 

Q: ESA has been around for about a year. Are there any new features with the tool? 

Mango: “Yes! The biggest upgrade is that now all recommended alternatives appear side-by-side with the original product. That means customers can compare item descriptions, pricing and savings faster and easier than before. There's also a revamped Contracted Alternatives Report, which gives users a snapshot of their top savings opportunities, complete with percentage savings, product matches in an intuitive, simplified layout. 

Entegra is continuously investing in our technology offerings to improve the way operators do business and to bring increased operational efficiencies, and ESA is part of that investment.” 

Q: How does ESA help small and mid-size businesses versus multi-unit organizations? 

Swearingen: “ESA works for all size organizations. For smaller operators ordering directly through Sysco Shop or Gordon Food Service (GFS), ESA helps users make smarter choices during day-to-day ordering. 

For larger groups with locked order guides and procurement systems, ESA empowers food and beverage directors or procurement managers to optimize their catalogs and guide purchasing decisions.” 

Q: What should operators do if they want to learn more about Entegra Shopping Assistant? 

Mango: “Entegra offers ESA demo sessions on request. If you’re reading this, whether you are an Entegra client or not, we’d love to walk you through ESA, learn about your operations and discuss how this tool can be easily integrated into your purchasing process.” 

Ready to unlock smarter savings? 

ESA is already making a bottom-line impact for hundreds of purchasing managers and operators —and it could be working for your business too. To learn more about how ESA fits into your food purchasing process, contact Entegra today.

Request a demo of Entegra Shopping Assistant