Even when the world is in a crisis, we continue to find people helping those in need. Today, these helpers have taken many forms. They are the essential workers embracing each day with a brave face, the D.I.Y. crafters dusting off their sewing machines to create masks for their neighborhoods, the volunteers distributing food to those who are unable to leave their homes, and the organizations who are finding innovative ways to help those who need it most.
Seed Health is one of those organizations.
Seed is a microbiome sciences company, building a pipeline of clinically-studied, next-generation products, to improve human and planetary health. Seed consistently pushes the envelope, both with scientific research and their sustainable approach to doing business, in order to deliver a supplement that provides a variety of digestive, immunological and systemic benefits. Caring for people and the earth is embedded in Seed’s company culture, so while the world has been in crisis, it was no surprise when they announced they were turning off paid advertising to put money, resources, and energy towards sourcing masks for those in need.
From Ideation, to Doorstep Delivery in 14 Days.
Looking for a way to help during the pandemic, Seed decided to source and deliver what was needed most – medical-grade masks. Within two weeks of forming this idea, Seed collaborated with manufacturing partners in China to source CDC approved masks and coordinated with fulfillment provider, OceanX, to quickly distribute 10,000 masks across the nation.
Below is the timeline of how OceanX and Seed worked together to make it happen:
- March 23, 2020: Seed announced publicly they were pausing paid advertising to allocate more resources to help the global community.
- March 25, 2020: Seed connected with OceanX to coordinate the delivery of 10,000 masks to essential employees, nonprofit organizations, and at-risk communities across the nation.
- March 25, 2020 – April 1, 2020: Seed began to source masks to maintain the health and safety of essential workers and at risk communities.
- April 2, 2020: With the FDA recognizing KN95 masks as approved alternatives to N95 masks, Seed provided 10,000 medical masks to OceanX for distribution.
- April 2 – April 6, 2020: OceanX Quality Assurance team inspected masks, ensured the warehouse was compliant with medical regulations, and prepared warehouse employees to pick, pack, and ship the new ‘product.’
- April 7, 2020: OceanX received a list of recipients to receive the KN95 masks. Some of which included police forces, community hospitals, shelters, and other foundations in critical need across the US.
- April 8, 2020: OceanX shipped masks.
- April 10, 2020: Masks are delivered.
Collaboration and Flexibility to Adapt Was The Key to Success
In order to quickly fulfill and deliver masks, OceanX and Seed maintained consistent communication. OceanX took precautionary actions and ensured the inventory went two-node, splitting inventory of the medical masks across two fulfillment centers. The two-node approach ensured fast and cost-effective deliveries to recipients across the nation. Due to hard work and dedication from all partners, FDA approved medical masks were delivered to essential workers and at-risk communities within days – saving and protecting lives.
Even with the world in crisis, brands like Seed are leading the way towards a safer, healthier world. As Seed’s premier fulfillment provider, we at OceanX are proud of our team’s ability to quickly adapt and deliver for our partners, even in times of volatile uncertainty.
