Last October Resicom CEO John Fairclough traveled abroad to the United Kingdom and Western Europe gathering information to determine whether international expansion was a sound business initiative.  Having been approached by one of its largest retail clients in regards to possible interest in partnering with overseas facilities, Resicom recently completely our first European rollout.  This project comes on the heels of our first international rollout in Canada for a multi-province store refresh.

Last year, John was quoted as saying,  “To fulfill our quest of continuing to innovate the industry, we need to continue to push ourselves to do things that seem nearly impossible.   Accomplishing this will require a commitment to development, and I look forward to our team solving this challenge.”

Resicom now has the ability to audit what was learned from the project, the obstacles overcome and the future course of action.  Resicom will continue in the bold pursuit of what normal is, regardless of to what location that takes us.

How do you install ICEE machines in over 100 locations as part of a national restaurant chain rollout?

Project Summary

A corporate restaurant client decided to have ICEE machines installed at their signature restaurant chain at over 100 locations as part of a national rollout.  Reserved space had to be cleared and prepared for the beverage machines prior to installation, and all project execution had to be completed overnight to minimize disruption to staff and diners.  Resicom was contacted to create a customized rollout plan so that every location targeted would have the machines installed prior to the first of the year.

Scope

The scope of work needed to execute this project included:

1. Install new Corian lift countertops and column the support the new unit.
2. Remove or relocate existing soda fountain machines to make room for new units.
3. Silicone countertop and corners to adhere.
4. Install decorative column to hide syrup lines.

Challenges & Solutions

The constraints of the project that were overcome included:

1. Project had to be executed after business hours.
   • Location visits were conducted prior to close of business to assess exact specifications and determine supplies needed unique to site.
   • Since project execution would occur after hours, technicians had to be properly prepared as they would have no access to local suppliers for additional materials.
   • As specifications varied by individual store, technicians relayed information to project managers so that customized plans could be created per location.
2. Installation at over 100 locations had to be completed within a tight deadline.
   • The project manager mapped each location, grouping restaurants by region so that multiple installations could occur each night.
3. Client needs ability to remotely review and audit work for each location.
   • Resicom leveraged available technology to provide real-time updates and detailed photographs as each location was completed.  Technicians sent detailed photos to project manager for client communication.

Summary

Resicom understood that the execution of project was unique because we were simultaneously executing projects at various locations across the country.  Since the scope of work varied by location, sound structure as well as adaptability was key.   The client relied on the receipt of  detailed, real time information from Resicom.  Our ability to offer verified information of the quality execution allowed us to assist in each restaurant’s enhancement with the new equipment.

CASE STUDY   

Project Summary

A client needed an oversized table replaced throughout their facilities since the state of the current tables no longer met acceptable standards.  The mass of the table- weighing over 500 pounds and the cumbersome dimensions, made removal of the existing table and replacement difficult.  Resicom was able to break-down possible options to literally break down the tables, and create a solution for this monster move that was time efficient and cost effective for the client.  

Scope

The scope of work needed to execute the project includes:

1. Install newly delivered table into the proper spot in the store.
2. Dispose of the old table.

Challenges & Solutions

The constraints of the project that were overcome included:

1. The dimension of the table
   • To remove the old table, a plastic encasement was made and the old table was cut into pieces to make for easy removal.
   • To position the new table, all fixtures between the store entrance and the designated spot needed to be moved. 
2. Avoiding damage to the floor
   • A moving blanket was used to protect the floor during the transfer of the table from dollies to floor.   
3. Fitting the table through doors
   • We needed to coordinate with mall management to use a main mall entrance with double doors so that the table could be brought into the front store opening rather than the restrictive service entrance.  
   • Once in the store,  the table needed to be lifted by 4 men and put onto 4 moving carts.

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.  

CASE STUDY

A client requested a color change in laminate for bellyband counters throughout their  retailer’s locations.  

Scope

The scope of work needed to complete this rollout:

1.   Provide demonstration of laminate recolor at client’s home office mock up store to obtain green light on rollout. 
2.   Conduct site surveys at all store locations to gather measurements.
3.   Contact security company to gain access to all locations.
4.   Order all material necessary to complete project.
5.   Remove and dispose of all acrylic signage at bellybands of all counters throughout store.
6.   Furnish and install wood to all insets at bellybands of counters.
7.   Furnish and install new laminate spec over existing laminate.
8.   Provide after photos of all counters completed.

Challenges

The challenges of this project included:

1.   All work needed to be completed overnight to minimize disruption to sales staff and guests.
2.   All work need to be complete with area clean and debris removed before start of business each morning.
3.   Multiple crews would need to be scheduled to complete work per deadline.  
4.   Laminate material was often in short supply with vendors. 

Solution

We understood to execute this project would require precise planning, as well as additional training of technicians in laminate execution in order to properly staff the number of crews required.   

Our solution for the project included:

1.   Create detailed schedule for crews.  
2.   Purchasing needed to be coordinated through multiple suppliers to obtain necessary materials required.
3.   All laminate was precut in the warehouse to minimize dust from circulating throughout store, thereby reducing our estimated   clean up time.
4.   We took into account that extra laminate should be available onsite in the event it was needed.
5.   We researched different types of glue to ensure that the new thicker spec laminate would adhere properly.  
6.   All crew arrived 1/2 hour prior to store closing to ensure alarm card and access to store has been activated.
7.   On-call supervisors were readily available for assistance if problems should arise.
8.   We conducted both in-house and onsite training of additional crews on how to properly cut and install laminate.

Summary

We understand that poor planning yields poor results. By taking the time to properly plan, we were able to order the materials needed, provide the specialized training of additional technicians, and execute the project within the client’s deadline.  Our ability to provide this level of high quality service resulted in the awarding of additional phases of the project.  

CASE STUDY

A retailer approached us with a challenge they had been dealing with for quite some time. The placement of merchandise tables throughout the store was very specific and not happenstance. Specific distances from walls and walkways are necessary to enhance the shopping experience, but the day-day operations of the stores would inevitably result in misplacement. Our challenge was to create a solution to keep large merchandise tables stationary, while providing the ability to remove them for floor service and relocating them once complete in the exact same location.

Solution
Installing a mechanical fastener was not an option, as this would actually damage the floor and table, in addition to create a visual impact that had to be avoided.

After some thoughts and testing in our studio, we developed a fastening system that used a patented velcro-style hook and loop pads. These pads were custom cut and were installed to the floor using an adhesive which could be removed without damaging the floor. The bottom of the table legs were installed with the complementary pad directly to the table glides. Once the table was placed, it could be moved easily by 2 people, but not by 1 person. Since the placement of the pads on the floor remains when the tables are moved for floor service, they served as a template to return the store to its intended layout.

CASE STUDY

A retailer needed a system to secure marketing images at 40 of their stores across the country. The material needed to be consistent at all stores. The project needed to be completed in one night with only 5 days notice.

Scope
The scope of work needed to execute this retrofit included:

1. Meet with client to discuss the project at one of the locations where work was set to be done
2. Develop a system that would meet the clients needs.
3. Remove/handle existing marketing images so as to not damage them
4. Remove existing velcro restraint system
5. Remove all remaining adhesive that was used to hold the old velcro in place
6. Install new velcro in the location designated by the client
7. Reinstall marketing images back to the proper location
8. Begin project immediately after the store is closed and complete before the store personnel leaves for the night

Challenges
The constraints of this project included:

1. Project needs to be completed at all locations nationwide in one night
2. The project was proposed only 5 days before it was set to be completed
3. Project needs to be completed in a 4 hour window from the time each store closed to the time the Manager left for the night
4. Needed to build a project schedule, allocate technicians, receive the specified material, and receive a thorough installation document the day before the work is set to begin

Solution
We understood that our client treated their marketing images as the highest priority and needed them to the look the same after the retrofit as they did before. We also understood that a thorough installation document as well as an on-call representative was needed to complete this project properly. Our plan to execute this project included:

1. Test run at one location 3 days prior to the date set for installation in order to determine the amount of time it would take, the number of technicians needed, identify any additional materials required, and to look for any potential breakdowns that could occur
2. Thorough documentation of the test run (photos, notes, feedback from the installing technicians) to allow for a specific installation document to be created
3. Development of a step by step document with photos and a checklist to ensure the project was executed properly
4. Shipment of the client supplied materials as well as the installation document to each tech to arrive 2 days prior to the install date
5. Develop a thorough schedule with all location information, number of images affected at each location, time that the store closed, etc.
6. Contact Store Managers at each location to inform them of the work set to be done
7. Conference call with all installing techs to ensure all materials were received an all instruction is clear
8. An on-call representative who is fully aware of all aspects of the project and ready to help available the night the project takes place
9. Email photos per our checklist to ensure all items were completed and standards were met
10. Follow-up calls the next day to both the Store Managers and installing techs to verify that the project was completed up to standard and that the store was left in the proper condition

Summary
Projects have deadlines. The key to meeting them is preparing for the project and things that could go wrong before they do. Having a project walk through or test run helps work out the kinks. Through our solution, we were able to successfully execute this project and meet all of the project constraints.

CASE STUDY

A retail chain was replacing display nesting tables in all of their 130 stores from wood to metal and glass. The stores did not have the storage space to house the new and existing fixtures at the same time.

Scope
The scope of work needed to execute this project included:

1. Verify which stores were to get which quantity of tables, nesting 3 sizes of cube shaped tables.
2. Arrange for trucking company to deliver in regional batches.
3. Coordinate with the store to have merchandise removed and ready to merchandise new fixtures.
4. Remove and dispose of old fixtures and packaging while freight company was delivering new fixtures..
5. Ensure that trucks had lifts to lower fixtures from truck.

Challenges
Some of the constraints of this project included:

1. Most stores lacked storage space to house the new fixtures.
2. Some stores wanted to keep a few of the old fixtures, which would have caused a space issue in the stock room.
3. Some malls loading zones were occupied by other delivery trucks.
4. The delivery company truck drivers had been driving all night and were fatigued in the morning when the exchange was to take place.
5. In a few instances, the mall security office did not communicate to the morning shift that this was to take place, delaying the process.

Solution
We understood that all parties involved needed to work together to keep the project going smoothly. Our solution included:

1. Communicating with all involved parties, giving them contact info, procedures, etc. to ensure the project went smoothly.
2. Working as a liaison with the mall, store managers and security to ensure they were flexible.
3. Coordinating with store managers to ensure deliveries would be properly received.
4. Coordinating with the freight company to provide in store delivery where necessary.
5. Assessing responsibility for damage – all replacement costs of broken glass components were shared by the freight company and the fixture provider, since it was difficult to determine who was at fault.

Summary
Fixture replacement projects depend on great organization to run smoothly. By rolling out an organized, well communicated plan, we were able to achieve success. We also recognized that regardless of the amount of planning, each store delivery could be met with unique challenges, therefore we created a 24 hour hot line for the stores to call for guidance, helping keep the project on track.