Posts Tagged ‘resicom custom painting’

Watch Out For the Spray! How can a facility be painted using spray equipment during normal business hours and not worry about overspray and mess?

Thursday, July 15th, 2010



A facility required the aluminum window mullions on the building exterior painted. What made the project scope unique is that execution needed to be completed during normal business hours.  Traditional spray equipment would be too disruptive during regular hours of operations, as the overspray could not be contained.  A durable product to prevent pealing and color fading against the elements was also a prerequisite. Resicom presented the option of using electrostatic spray equipment. The benefits of this system featuring low paint overspray and mess, cost effective use of material, and the “wrap” effect in which the paint appears to bend around corners.


Scope of Work

1.  Paint aluminum window mullions on building exterior.

2.  Prepare surface so that paint adheres properly.


Challenges

The constraints of the project include:

  1. Paint needed to be applied during business hours, making overspray of paint a concern.
  1. Paint needed to bond to to aluminum which typically is not an ideal surface to paint.
Solutions

  1. Paint was applied with Electrostatic spray equipment which has a material transfer efficiency of 97%.
  2. The mullions were washed, sanded and coated with an etching fluid to maximize adhesion.  The paint chosen was a product that is used on automobiles and tractors to ensure adhesion to aluminum surface.

As modern science as electrostatic painting may seem, this technique for painting metal was actually invented in 1938.  During the process, a high voltage is applied to paint inside the sprayer gun. The paint particles become negatively charged, as when released from the sprayer search for a surface (such as metal) that has a positive charge to which it then bonds.  Resicom is committed to being knowledgeable in the most innovative techniques.  It should be normal that knowledge translates into options.

Behind Door Number 1

Friday, November 27th, 2009

CASE STUDY


How can you shut the door on a retrofit pain that is anything but normal when it comes to time and material constraints?


Project Overview

A retail client installed new metal doors to withstand the harsh winters of New York.  However, upon completion of the installation, it was brought to the client’s attention that a particular ordinance in the East Village area prohibits metal doors to maintain historical appearance guidelines.  All entryways needed to be swapped with wood framed doors by month’s end, or the client would have defaulted to the landlord contracting the installation company of his choice at the client’s expense.  Resicom needed to devise an expeditious solution to alleviate the client’s frustration and shut the door on this particular pain.


Scope

The scope of work needed to execute the project includes:


  1. Complete entire project including sourcing material and installation within 5 days.
  2. Visit the site to measure doors, noting parking and accessibility for the area.
  3. Conduct reconnaissance in the area to determine selection of current door types being used.
  4. Present options to client and source materials with rush delivery.
  5. Schedule the appropriate crew to install the door during after hours.


Challenges & Solutions


The constraints of the project that were overcome included:


  1. The project was awarded on Monday, and the end of the month is in 5 days.
    • We immediately sent our best surveyor to the site to get accurate measurements for the doors needed, and to note doors currently used in the area.
    • Man power is redistributed in order to free our lead door technician.
  2. The style of door needed is only manufactured in Atlanta, Georgia and cannot be shipped within the time constraints.
    • The doors were ordered immediately and scheduled for pick up in two days.
    • Resicom flew our technician to Atlanta, Georgia. We then rented a cargo van enabling the assisting technician to pick up the doors personally and drive to New York.
    • Lead installation technician flies directly to New York to conduct the installation.


Summary

At Resicom we understand frustrations clients experience managing facility maintenance.  Returning normalcy often means taking the initiative to create options for clients, not complications.  The time saved in the creative solution of having a technician personally deliver the materials rather than relying on shipping provided the necessary window needed to complete the installations.  The extra time also provided a buffer in case of unpredictable December weather.  Resicom’s purpose is to provide client’s peace of mind that their facility challenges are being managed smartly.


Wet Paint, Don’t Touch

Friday, November 20th, 2009

CASE STUDY


How can you paint around customers and staff without disrupting the shopping experience?

Project Summary

A national client determined that a flagship store required a recolor project to maintain the high level of standards associated with the brand.   Project execution needed to be scheduled during daytime business hours.  Resicom was needed to develop a solution as to how the store could be painted within a 48-hour window, yet store traffic and staff would not be disrupted.


Scope

The scope of work needed to execute this project included:


1. Paint over redundant color.

2. Execute project during business hours.

3. Remove all hardware from bathroom focal walls and reinstall once painted.

4. Paint the cash wraps and surrounding high walls.

Challenges & Solutions

The constraints of the project that were overcome included:


  1. The project had to be executed during business hours without disrupting customers or adversely affecting retail revenues.
    • Days known for slower retail traffic were scheduled over high-traffic weekends.
    • One technician focused solely on the focal walls for timely completion with as little disruption as possible.
    • The crew systematically worked in marked off sections to have the least impact on the customers’ ability to access merchandise and move through the store.
  2. Painting the cash wrap area without disrupting transactions.
    • Entrance and cash wraps were painted before opening and prior to close to minimize impact.
  3. Materials supplied was short several gallons of paint.
    • Project manager communicated shortage to store manager, then sourced paint needed from another location for next day delivery.
  4. Removal of the hardware from bathroom focal walls was time consuming.
    • Resicom provided timely communication to management in regards to the delay and presented several options to overcome the hiccup.  Management determined that an extra half day could be allotted for project completion.
  5. Keep customers out of the area being painted.
    • Project Manager remained on site to ensure that customers were protected from any potential hazards and to stay in constant communication with both management and Resicom technicians.
    • Project management also coordinated the relocation and protection of the large amount of breakables and delicate merchandise.

Summary

We understood that the execution of project was unique because we were working during business hours.  Resicom was confident that detailed project management and execution would not have adverse effect on the retailer’s daily revenue.  Upon completion, Resicom analyzed the previous month’s data compared to the week of project execution to determine that there was little or no effect on the daily turnover.   Regardless of working conditions or environment, Resicom is able to execute project completion that is consistent with our standards.


SPECS-Tacular Event

Friday, November 13th, 2009

Lemont, IL


Known as the nationwide company to return normalcy, Resicom strives to create options and solutions for facility maintenance challenges.


Executive VP Michael Fairclough had the opportunity to travel

to Phoenix to attend Executive SPECS- an invitation-only conference.  Top retailers and suppliers involved in store planning, construction, real estate, facilities and operations of retail stores came together for a 2-day learning and networking experience.


Mike was able to highlight Resicom to nationwide retail representatives as the facility provider that asks the questions that clarify objectives and open greater possibilities.  One of the most rewarding results of the conference was the affirmation that our purpose of bringing normalcy back speaks to  facility maintenance managers whose lives are often anything but normal.


“The show was a success for Resicom,” says Michael “Our message resonated with a few key Retailers who now know who we are.”

Fan of the Fans

Friday, November 13th, 2009

Case Study


A client needed Resicom to think outside the box and develop a solution to installing circulation fans at a retail kiosk.


Project Overview


A retail client requested assistance in creating a plan for a fan installation rollout for retail kiosks.  The fans would need to be installed at the four corners to provide proper ventilation. Resicom asked the questions to provide clarity to the client’s objectives.  By taking the time to understand the client’s desired outcome and projected brand, we developed options that best fit our client’s needs.  Then we exercised systematic process tests to determine which options would prove successful for our client.


Scope

The scope of work needed to execute this procedure:


  1. Plan site visits to locations to assess the facility and determine project parameters.
  2. Research different make and models of fans to match product to client needs.
  3. Complete test runs on test group of  fans to determine durability and function.
  4. Prepare accurate quote for project scope based on test results.
  5. Designate crews to complete installations.


Challenges & Solutions

The client trusted that Resicom could take the limited information provided, outline in-depth options, and present a best-case solution scenario.  The constraints of the project that were overcome included:


  1. The client was unfamiliar with what type of fan was needed and left sourcing the product to our discretion.  Resicom needed to research various proper fans to determine cost effectiveness and durability.
  • Research was executed with fans ranging from battery operated to electronic.  Resicom invested in the purchase of several fans ranging in size and style to determine options for the best fit for the designated area.
  • Battery fans were determined to be ineffective in regard to cost as extended retail hours would demand frequent battery replacement.  Although less expensive to initially purchase, the maintenance costs would quickly outweigh any initial savings.
  • A second-round test was completed with electric fans.  The electrical fans would require additional labor on the front end to install the necessary outlets.  However, the use of electrical fans would be more cost effective and require less frequent maintenance.
  • Resicom presented the options, then scheduled approved work orders with our technician crews.


Summary

Resicom was able to take a client’s cursory idea of what their existing need and develop a detailed plan of action.  By researching innovative solutions for our client, we determined what would be cost effective and ultimately a success.

Sourcing the Stone

Friday, November 13th, 2009

CASE STUDY


Resicom sources elusive stone to replace storefront bases.

Project Overview

A client requested Resicom to source and install their storefront stone bases which had deteriorated over the years due to element exposure.  A particular source of pain for the client was the fact that the stone bases with limestone tile had been acquired years prior, and the local supplier no longer carried the necessary materials. Resicom would have to locate the material, then implement the installation plan.



Scope

The scope of work needed to execute the project includes:


  1. Source replacement material for limestone tile bases.
  2. Install new storefront limestone bases.
  3. Remove and dispose of the old, deteriorating stone.


Challenges & Solutions

The constraints of the project that were overcome included:


  1. Sourcing the material.
    • Resicom contacted the original supplier to negotiate a contract to have the materials custom-made since it was no longer in production.
  2. Prohibitive shipping costs due to the weight and amount of the material.
    • To reduce shipping costs and transfer savings to the client, Resicom had our own technicians drive to acquire the material.  Using our own crew to transport the stone only cost half of what it would have cost to ship.
  3. Matching the existing mortar.
    • Our technician traveled to local suppliers to successfully match the existing mortar prior to installation.
  4. Since not all existing limestone tiles were being replaced, only stone that was worn and damaged, the surrounding tiles must not be damaged.
    • The technician was able to remove the damaged tiles without disrupting surrounding tiles using specialized chiseling tools, and relying on his expertise and patience.


Summary

On the surface, the project seemed daunting since the material needed was not readily available.  However, Resicom is confident in its ability to create solutions and develop an executable process for various facility challenges.

Picture Worth a Thousand Words

Monday, November 9th, 2009

Case Study


Resicom provides validation through innovative technology that our clients’ projects have been executed successfully at various locations nationwide.


Project Overview


A source of pain for many clients is the inability to personally audit maintenance work completed across nationwide facilities prior to invoicing.  Resicom has created a standard process utilized with all clients to provide detailed, digital photographs that are electronically sent.  By leveraging both our business structure and reliance on innovative technology, clients are provided immediate access to completed work.


Scope

The scope of work needed to execute this procedure:


  1. Establish standards to collect clear and detailed project photos that can be submitted to client with 24 hours of project completion.
  2. Build a comprehensive plan to train team on both the importance of photo compliance and the mechanics of execution.
  3. Train technicians to comply with photo policy.


Challenges & Solutions

The constraints of the project that were overcome included:


  1. Technicians have different levels of understanding regarding digital photography and electronic submission.
  • Training modules and written support materials are established on utilizing the digital camera and email.  Written support materials are document step by step procedures for photo submission.  Crews are educated on how to format required pictures showing detail, scale, and range.
  1. Technicians need to understand the important role photos play in proper communication with our clients.
  • Project Manager provides both discussion and documentation to technician emphasizing the importance of photo compliance, and the how compliance reduces risk for technician recalls.
  1. Photos must be sent to client within 24 hours of project completion.
  • Timely photos give our clients better visibility of their projects, therefore are a key component of communicating with clients.
  1. Photos must be internally audited prior to client submission.
  • Our process requires that home office sets the standard of how to take and submit photos, oversees the process and then audits the deliverables to verify that requirements have been met.


Summary

Resicom relies on our business structure to provide accountability on a nationwide level.  Our clients communicated a need for visible confirmation of projects completed, regardless of location.  Resicom responded by creating a systematic approach to deliver rapid, reliable photographs.  This process allows facility managers an efficient sign-off system that gets their lives back to normal.

Author! Author!

Friday, November 6th, 2009

Lemont, IL


Known as the nationwide company to return normalcy, Resicom strives  ways to bring clarity and solutions to facility maintenance challenges.


We are pleased to announce that Executive VP Michael Fairclough has been recently published in Retail Facility Business.  His article “Glossed in Translation” provides insight to facility maintenance managers to demystify the varying definitions and degrees of paint gloss.  By understanding how the mechanics of how paints work, maintenance managers can better understand options when choosing both protective and decorative paint applications for their facility.


With a background in chemistry coupled with a project specific approach to solutions, Michael has written and implemented solutions for hundreds of projects- ranging from historical preservations to the latest retail concepts.  As Executive VP of Information and Research & Design, Michael creates and helps audit the unique processes which drive Resicom’s business structure.  Michael is equally insightful in researching and implementing new technology systems that promote our ability to leverage innovative programs and communication tools into knowledge for our clients.


© 2010 Resicom

Resicom's services include general facility maintenance - such as carpentry, painting, tile, handyman work, as well as, enviromental branding, capital improvement and renovation projects. Resicom services clients nationwide.
12305 S. New Avenue, Suite H | Lemont, IL 60439 | p 630 257 9201 | f 630 257 9205