CASE STUDY

A retail client wanted to changeout their existing store fixtures with updated, new tables.  Resicom was relied upon to build the new tables, properly install the new fixtures, and remove old, damaged tables.  

Scope

The scope of work needed to complete this project:

1. Receive new tables from manufacturer and inspect to ensure shipment is received in excellent condition.
2. Remove existing worn and damaged tables.
3. Assemble and install all new tables.  
4. Dispose of old tables.  

Challenges

The challenges of this project included:

1. Unloading tables is time consuming because of large, awkward packaging.  
2. Retail merchandise must be moved from old fixture to new with no disruption to layout and visual display. 
3. The dumpster was not located in close proximity to store, requiring all debris to be carted through the back hallways of mall.

Solution

For this project to be successful, Resicom needed to deliver normalcy to the client by swapping the old tables for new without disrupting staff and merchandise.   

Our solution to this project included:  

1. Dollies and moving carts were used to expedite the easy exchange of old tables for new.
2. Pictures of the merchandise on the existing table were taken for reference.  After tables were assembled, merchandise was returned to tables according to exact visual display. 
3. Coordinating the positioning of the dumpster to be situated as close as possible to the mall saved on loading debris into a truck and bringing to an offsite dump.

Summary

Resicom delivered normalcy to the client by swapping the old tables for new without disrupting staff and merchandise.  The worn tables were distracting the shopping experience by drawing attention to the disrepair.  The new tables ensured that the customers do not necessarily notice upon what the merchandise was displayed, but rather- focus on the merchandise itself.  

Resicom Solution Team Members will travel to Dallas October 14-15 to attend PRSM’s Mid-Year Conference ’09.   

Resicom will host its own booth to present our business approach and how we ask the questions that promote greater clarity and open possibilities.

“We are looking forward to this opportunity to introduce our disciplined structure and display what makes Resicom unique to nationwide clients,” says Executive VP Rick Detres.

The Professional Retail Store Management Association, in which Resicom has enjoyed active membership and participation, brings together top retailers and service providers to network and discuss key trends in the facility maintenance industry.

This particular conference agenda focuses on “Be the Best in Your Business with Best Practices.”  Presentations will identify and address the best of the best practices that help define the future of retail facilities maintenance.

Why should a significant block of time be scheduled for quarterly strategic meetings when busy executives have so many other pressing responsibilities?

Few phrases elicit as many groans in a company as the dreaded “Let’s schedule our quarterly meeting”.  The most effective quarterly strategics should take place over the course of 1 to 2 days.  When participants learn quarterly strategics will encompass at least a day, they aren’t just groaning at the prospect, they are now gnashing their teeth!  Corporate America has come to correlate “marathon” strategic meetings as synonymous with boring, unproductive, and even a waste of time.   Many employees actually see these meetings as a chore that’s simply a formality, with the real decision-making happening afterwards.  

It’s a shame that strategic meetings evoke such negative connotations.  What is more vital and exciting to a company than determining where the company is going, how it’s going to get there and how the team knows if it got there or not?  Too often, companies fail to schedule the appropriate amount of time needed to generate and debate these questions.  Instead, meeting organizers bow to the misconception that less is more.  To delve past surface issues, dive into poignant objectives and then outline concrete action plans, strategic meetings can’t be rushed.  Trying to compress strategic meetings will only result in ineffective discussion where little is resolved.  Making the time investment of a strategic meeting is actually investing in a company’s future.   

Setting aside the appropriate amount of time ensures the participants can achieve four key objectives:   

1. Review corporate strategy
2. Review industry trends and competitive landscape
3. Review key personnel
4. Review team development

Pitfalls to avoid when scheduling strategic meetings include: 

1. Not scheduling the meeting offsite is inviting disruptions and distractions
2. Including social activities and inviting spouses/family dilute focus
3. Over-structuring topics burdens the schedule 
4. Poor planning leads to poor execution 

A client had a facility where the wood floor was in dire need of replacement.  Multiple attempts by various vendors to refinish the wood floor had finally left the floor in a state of disrepair that was simply unacceptable to the client’s standards.  The uneven floor had not only become an aesthetic eye sore, but it now posed a serious tripping hazard and had instigated several legal cases against the client.  The store boasts a unique, upscale presentation and the ornate floor was no exception.  Resicom was aware that the project would be extremely difficult, but the client empowered us go to any extreme to have the replacement floor retain the original look.  

Scope

The scope of work needed to execute the project includes:

1. Replace the entire floor in both the sales and stockroom area.  
2. Source the necessary material and coordinate delivery to the store location.  
3. Material must be an exact replacement of the existing floor. 
4. Installation must commence in two weeks, and must be completed in 3 nights so that business is not affected. 

Challenges

The constraints of the project include:

1. A Resicom Project Manager needed to be immediately assigned to the project due to the condensed timeline.  
2. The project is taking place in Oklahoma City, OK.
3. The material is not available in the United States.  
4. In order to complete an installation of this magnitude we will need 5 trained employees working all night for all three nights.
5. Working within budget to be cost effective for our client.

Solution

Understanding the client and knowing their expectations is the key to effective project execution.   Resicom needed to follow a detailed process with a strong team of reliable technicians in order for this project to be a success. 

Our solution to this project included:

1. Adjusting the necessary manpower to ensure a thorough team and disciplined manager is available for the duration of the project. 
2. Immediately researching hotel room rates, flights and rental card to secure the best rates.  
3. Secure a skilled, licensed floor installer and utilizing our Resicom Community Partners to complete the majority of the installation. 
4. We leveraged our supplier contacts to network and locate the necessary materials in London saving valuable time by not having to randomly call companies overseas. 
5. Establishing payment terms with our partners for discounts when invoices are paid within 5 to 10 days to help lower the overall cost to the client. 

Summary

At Resicom we understand the frustrations that a client may experience within their stores to maintain high standards and brand protection.  Finding innovative solutions to help return normalcy to our client’s day is what Resicom strives to do.  The client should not have to concern themselves with details when Resicom puts our project management and execution plans into action.  The client was able to give us the green light and return to examine their beautiful new floor.   

CASE STUDY

A client needed a painting rollout completed on 90 locations in 30 days. 

Scope

The scope of work needed to execute the project included:

1. Paint 90 gas stations across two states.
2. Work needs to be completed in 30 days and needs to start the 1st of the month. 
3. Each location has a list of certain items to be completed with a priority level of order associated with each. 
4. Each store has a pre-determined budget.
5. If for any reason cost may exceed the pre-determined budget, the client must be contacted to review and approve the new costs.
6. Specific client approved paint and color scheme must be followed. 
7. Supply the client with detailed updates including photos to ensure compliance. 

Challenges

The constraints of the project include:

1. Organizing and scheduling crews for 90 stores in the 30 day timeframe.
2. Ordering the proper materials within a 3 day turnaround.
3. Educating all crews on the scope of work and properly equipping all crews with correct paints.
4. Weather contingency plans must be determined.

Solution

When a project has such a restrictive time schedule, thorough planning is crucial.  The tendency to immediately jump into execution can actually be a project’s downfall.  Instead, by having a calculated outline and specific plans to deal with inclement weather, we were able to complete the entire painting project within the specified timeframe. 

Our solution to this project included:

1. All projects are entered on a master calendar so that the appropriate crew members and supervisors can be dispatched.
2. Suppliers are contacted to order the necessary paint specs.
3. Time is set aside for all crew members to educate and brief the team on the scope of work and to explain the procedures for paperwork and updates to client.
4. Back up crews are organized and put on stand-by in the event of inclement weather.
5. Crews are in constant communication with an office based contact so that budget is tracked.    If a particular store is nearing the “do not exceed amount” the Home Office support contacts the client to explain the necessary cost.  
6. Each crew is provided a digital camera in supply the client with updates and a visual progress report.  

Summary

Resicom is a thinking company that is committed to developing effective project planning before beginning a single step of execution.  By taking time to formulate our strategy and creating contingency plans, Resicom can guarantee a project’s overall success, an also minimize wasteful and excess spending. 

CASE STUDY

A client felt that discarded, blackened gum stuck to the brick outside their high-end retail facility was beginning to compromise their aesthetic standards and consequently their  brand.  Resicom was contacted to effectively remove the gum without damaging the brick.   

Scope

The scope of work needed to complete this project:

1. Remove all gum and tar from brick at 3 separate entrances.
2. Research cleaning solvent and/ or methods to effectively remove gum without damaging or discoloring brick.

Challenges

The challenges of this project included:

1. The gum was old and had hardened making removal extremely difficult. 
2. The brick is porous and extreme care had to be taken to not damage the brick.
3. Scraping off the gum and using certain cleaning products could permanently discolor or possibly chip the brick.

Solution

Resicom was able to leverage knowledge from our team of experts to research and then create a process on how to effectively remove the gum without damaging the brick surface. 

Our solution to the project included:

1. Allow the product to sit for several minutes to dislodge gum. 
2. Using a pressure washer to not only remove all gum remnants, but also clean the brick.
3. Manually scrubbing in between cracks of the bricks to be sure that all gum is removed. 

Summary 

Although Resicom had not previously executed a brick/ gum removal work order, we were confident in our ability to execute an effective project using our tried and true standard- process- audit.  Resicom gathered the necessary information from our in-house experts so that we did not waste valuable time in trial and error methods.  Resicom understands that poor planning leads to poor execution, so we invest the necessary energy to develop a well-detailed plan.

Resicom received a nomination for the national “Shine A Light” Business Award.  Resicom has been recognized as an inspiring business whose purpose is to creates opportunities and solutions that other companies can’t.  Solutions aren’t limited to only clients, and opportunities are extended beyond Resicom’s employees to the community at large.  

American Express has partnered with NBC Universal to highlight businesses that make a difference by “leading the country and local communities to a new and better way of working and thinking. Through good times and bad, their resilience and entrepreneurial spirit can serve as an inspiration to us all.” 

Resicom strives to incorporate innovative business approaches in demanding economic times while still giving back to the community through programs such as Little Beans and other outreach programs.   

Supporters can lend their endorsement to Advance Resicom to the next round of judging by clicking on the link Resicom Nomination. and reading the full profile story.

Resicom is much like a vampire- we often do our best work at night.  Our nationwide scalability usually dictates overnight project execution to minimize disruption to facilities’ guests and staff.  Therefore, when asked to paint a store during the day, we had to shift gears and mindset on how to structure daytime project management during the facility’s regular business hours.  

Scope

The scope of work needed to complete this project:

1. Complete a storefront repaint with a new paint spec during regular business hours.

Challenges

The challenges of this project included:

1. Keeping the store entrance unencumbered of equipment and clear for customers’ passage.
2. Ensure a safe and unobtrusive work environment for both customers and technicians.
3. Prevent overspray on any surfaces that are not to be painted.

Solution

By outlining a specific structure to our project approach, we were able to maximize the small window of time in the morning before the facility opened to paint high traffic areas.  

Our solution to the project included: 

1. The storefront entrance was painted first, utilizing the grace period in the morning before customers were present.
2. Cones and construction zone tape were utilized to prohibit customers from the work areas.
3. Areas were prepped and covered with plastic and drops to protect all non-painted surfaces.

Summary

Because Resicom relies on standard – process – audit to effectively manage and execute deliverables, we were able to apply those same principles to a modified project and still achieve effective results.  Though specifications and circumstances may change for various projects, Resicom’s systematic execution works- day or night. 

Lemont, IL

Resicom, the industry leader in brand protection through facility maintenance has partnered with local community colleges and universities to provide select internship opportunities to prospective students.  Available internship programs will participate in Project Management, Human Resources and the Marketing Department.  The internship program is coordinated through Resicom University, a dynamic set of training programs to ensure that we are at the leading edge of project management and execution, utilizing technology, and process refinement. 

Resicom executives often speak at different organizations on various topics from strategic planning to entrepreneurial tactics.  Several executive members have vocalized a desire to further their personal teaching experiences.  Consequently, interns will be able to benefit from the unique learning environment and talented leadership that Resicom offers.

“The launch of the internship program is something about which we are very enthusiastic,” says Team Development Manager Laurie Ledonne.  “Resicom is able to position students to gain valuable insight to not just our industry, but marketable business skills.  In turn, the students provide members of Resicom’s team the opportunity to strengthen their team leadership and project management skills.”

Resicom has created a business structure that is not only viable in these demanding economic times, but is also worth sharing.  Interested intern applicants should contact laurie@resicomonline.com for program specifications and requirements.

CASE STUDY

As part of our preventative maintenance plans with national retailers, Resicom must stock speciality paints that can be efficiently delivered to various job site throughout the country without disrupting project deadlines.  To ensure that our crews are not without the necessary materials, Resicom developed a process to maximize our inventory levels without incurring added cost.

Scope

The scope of work needed to complete this project:

1. Create an assessment form to track rotating inventory and amount of paint required for projects. 
2. Create schedule where paint is ordered from supplier with enough lead time for delivery. 
3. Transfer paint to smaller container for cost effective shipping, and to minimize waste.  
4. Finalize shipment of paint to scheduled job site.  

Challenges

The challenges of this project included:

1. If paint is ordered too close to project start time, lead time on delivery can be upwards of a week pushing back entire project deadline.
2. Having paint shipped directly from supplier to job-site adds significant costs.   
3. Amount of paint required must be estimated accurately to avoid financial waste of paint that is discarded at the end of a project.   

Solution

Creating a process by which we can meet our material demands without disrupting project deadlines was critical to efficient and cost effective project management.  Our solution to this project included:

1. Preemptively order required speciality paint in bulk so it is on hand at home office/warehouse.
2. Creating a planned schedule so that costs are minimized by not having to ship last minute, and shipping in bulk.   
3. Transferring paint into smaller containers than five gallon buckets.  

Resicom is a process driven company.  By having an organized, established process for how we handle our material needs, Resicom is able to boost overall project management efficiency and transfer cost savings onto our clients.