CASE STUDY

How do you move a 400 pound eagle that doesn’t fly?

Project Summary

A client had a large concrete tree statue, with interior steel pole supports, in the middle of corporate headquarter lobby that needed to be dismantled and discarded.  However, a large, 400 lb. bronze eagle perched atop the tree holds special significance for the client and must be relocated to the new headquarters location.   Resicom is entrusted to carefully remove the eagle, deliver it to the new location, and ensure that the vacated lobby is returned to a normal condition after the removal of the focal point statue.

Scope

The scope of work needed to execute this project included:

1. Dismantle and dispose of a 15 ft. decorative, concrete tree so facility is returned to neutral appearance for new tenant.
2. Detach 400 lb. eagle statue from its steel pole support and safely deliver to new location.
3. Once eagle is removed, dismantle and dispose of the 15 ft. steel support beam in the center of the tree.
4. Coordinate project execution with client representative to allow technicians access to vacated space.
5. Provide client with before & after photos of project execution.

Challenges & Solutions

The constraints of the project that were overcome included:

1. Inclement weather prevented Resicom from getting the necessary hoist for the statue down to the loading dock as snow had not been plowed.
   • Resicom arranged with the loading dock manager to use an available fork lift to transport eagle statue.  The client was updated of the situation to provide approval.
2. The client considered the eagle as symbolic to the company’s good luck, not to mention that considerable monetary expense of the statue, therefore extreme care must be taken when handling.
   • To ensure that no mishaps occurred that could possibly break or mar the statue, technicians secured the eagle to the fork lift when moving the statue.
   • Techs only demolished the concrete tree and cut down the steel pole flush to the carpet, after the eagle statue was safely delivered to the new location.
   • All remaining debris was then cleared and disposed off the premises to a pre-arranged dumpster.
3. The deadline to complete the project from point of assessment to bid confirmation to delivery to completion was compressed into only 5 days.

• As soon as scope was received, Resicom immediately dispatched technicians to perform assessment, take the necessary photos to compile a quote and presented a bid within the same day.  Resicom project management stayed in contact with the client so a representative could allow access to facility.
• Resicom had our technician crews on stand-by to be ready for project delivery at a moment’s notice as soon as bid was approved.
• Upon work completion, before and after photos, including photos of statue at new location were immediately sent to client.  Resicom completed the entire project prior to the 5 day deadline.

Summary

Resicom understood that the execution of this project was unique because of the high level of visibility and emotional significance to the client.  This project sustained the attention of numerous decision makers within the client’s organization.   Resicom leverages our business structure to  return facilities to normal.

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.

Lemont, IL

Traditionally, many people choose to spend their Valentine’s Day celebration at a favorite restaurant.

This upcoming 2010 Valentine’s weekend, Resicom Solution Team Members are choosing to spend time with favorite restaurants at the annual RFMA (Restaurant Facility Management Association) conference in Dallas.

Much of 2009 has been spent cultivating new partnerships with national restaurant facility management.  Resicom has been actively demonstrating our ability to help busy facility maintenance managers experience normalcy during specialty project rollouts, overall renovations, and of course preventative and on-demand maintenance for their restaurant facilities.  Two particular case studies, Finding New Homes for Nemo and Do You Want The Cherry or Cola-Flavored ICEE?, highlight Resicom’s ability to orchestrate and execute comprehensive restaurant projects.

Already known as the nationwide maintenance company for retailers, Resicom is looking forward to the opportunity to further introduce our disciplined structure and display what makes Resicom unique to restaurant clients.

“We are excited to bring the Resicom approach to the organizations attending RFMA.  Our clients nationwide value our insight and experience, looking to us to offer options to solve their facility maintenance challenges,” says National Business Development Manager Steven Rosendahl.

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

How can a safety concern for a visual display be solved in a cost effective manner?

Project Overview

A retail client has surfboards behind their backwrap (behind the cashwrap) that help promote the themed shopping experience/ brand identity.  Associates display clothing on the surfboards, but the merchandise is causing the pegs that hold the heavy boards in place to tilt.  This poses a safety hazard that the pegs could fail with the heavy boards falling damaging the facility or hurting someone.  Resicom was contacted to create a cost effective, reliable solution.

Scope

The scope of work needed to complete this project:

1. Assess the weight the pegs must bear to safely support the surf boards.
2. Secure slipping/ tilting pegs.  Repair and replace any damaged pegs.
3. Execute solution throughout nationwide stores.

Challenges & Solutions

The challenges of this project included:

1. Pegs holding surfboard can not be accessed with taking apart the backwrap.

1. • Resicom sends an experienced carpenter to assess a local job to so that a national project scope can be developed.

1. Prior peg costly repairs required sections of the backwrap to be removed and then welded back into place.  Client needs a more cost effective solution.

1. • Resicom’s technician suggests alternative option of removing the 2×6 beam that holds the peg, securing new peg, and using new washers & nuts over the threaded end of the peg to ensure tightness. This cost effective solution does not require disassembling the backwrap or welding.
   • Repairs normally taking overnight because of disassembly and welding have been reduced to only 30 minutes.

1. Project scope needs to be created for nationwide execution.

1. • Resicom creates a detailed scope with documented instructions, required tools and instructional photos to ensure scaleable consistency nationwide.

Summary

Resicom can be relied upon to create efficient, cost effective solutions that address safety concerns while protecting a defined shopping experience.  Resicom was willing to think outside of the box on how to address this particular display challenge.

CASE STUDY    

Project Summary

A client needed an oversized fixture moved from one facility to another one in another state. The challenge was to move this large, fragile object hundreds of miles and get it operational in the new location within a day, keeping the location in normal condition. We were able to plan and solve this challenge, saving the client the costs of the downtime. We did this by properly preparing the piece from shipping, getting it loaded so that it would be easy to deliver, and coordinating the multiple technicians to be on-site upon delivery.

Scope

The scope of work needed to execute the project includes:

1. Move a Dream-Steamer from one location in Illinois to another location in Minnesota.
2. Disconnect and cap off all water lines to the Dream Steamer.
3. Reconnect and ensure proper function once delivered to new location.

Challenges & Solutions

The constraints of the project that were overcome included:

1. Securing a vehicle large enough to accommodate the fixture. 
   • A large box truck was secured and the Dream Steamer was turned on its side.  We were able to immobilize the fixture so it would not be damaged during transit.
2. An experienced plumber was needed onsite to assist in the removal and capping of the plumbing.
   • Home office coordinated professional plumbers and moving crew technicians to arrive simultaneously to address capping at the originating city and re-installation at the destination city.
3. A minimum of a 2-man crew utilizing lifting straps was required to move the fixture because of its weight and fragility.

A retail client has high-quality, expensive furniture on a storefront porch.  The chairs needed to be secured to prevent shifting that not only disrupts the overall visual display, but also scratches and damages the floor.  Securing the expensive chairs in their proper location will also deter theft.  

Scope

The scope of work needed to execute the project includes:

1. Secure the furniture to the wood flooring.
2. Design a solution that meet’s the clients needs to be both visually appealing and cost effective.  
3. Complete 30 stores in 30 days once solution is determined and approved.
4. Each store has a set budget of 850 dollars. 

Challenges

The constraints of the project include:

1. Devising a restraint system for the furniture that is neither a tripping hazard nor visible. 
2. Scheduling 30 stores in 30 consecutive days, and factoring travel timelines as stores are located throughout the country.
3. Work must be completed overnight to minimize disruption to customers and staff. 
4. Target budget of $850 per store can not be exceeded. 
5. The product determined to secure the furniture is currently backordered.

Solution

In order to make this project a success, Resicom needed to not only execute the required maintenance, but first devise the creative solution to solve the client’s fixture challenge.

Our solution to this project included:

1. Installation of metal pegs into the legs of the chair and ottoman which are then anchored into the floor to prevent the chair from sliding and scraping.  
2. Once installed inside the chair legs, pegs are no longer visible.  
3. A tether is installed to help prevent theft.
4. A two man crew is scheduled to travel to all 30 stores assembled to travel the country to complete assembly.
5. Resicom contacted the parts supplier and arranged a pre-payment agreement to expedite prompt production and delivery.

Summary

Resicom was able to draw upon our team to develop a creative solution, and then field test a series of possibilities in our training/lab center to then provide thorough information so the client could choose the option that best fit their needs.  Resicom relies upon our method of standard, process, audit to compile the necessary information, process, and then communicated that knowledge into options.  Finding innovative solutions helps return normalcy (a level of confidence that challenges are being managed smartly) to our clients.

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 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.

CASE STUDY

A retailer had furniture placed outside of their storefront that was meant to serve as visual props as well as function as a place for customers to sit and relax.  The furniture was secured to the floor by a system that was easily disengaged, consequently allowing the pieces to move around and damage the painted floor.  The client wanted to eliminate the movement as well as minimize any risk of theft.   The new system needed to be virtually unseen by the casual observer.  Resicom was contacted to develop a solution.    

Scope

The scope of work needed to execute this project included:

1. Complete reconnaissance work to gather information on the construction of the furniture as well as the floor.
2. Develop and test a prototype system that kept the furniture from moving and helped prevent theft.
3. Install the prototype at a location to monitor the success of the system.

Challenges

The constraints of this project included:

1. The system needed to be hidden from the customer’s view.
2. The system needed to serve both purposes – prevent movement and deter theft.
3. The modification of both the furniture and the floor needed to be kept to a minimum.
4. The prototype needed to be fabricated.
5. The prototype had to be initially tested offsite before it could be installed and tested at an actual store.

Solution

Resicom understands the importance placed on the storefront by our clients, as prospective shoppers often make their decision whether or not to enter the store based on visual assessment.    The system we were developing needed to be unobtrusive and remain virtually unseen by the customer, yet the functionality of the securement must be to the standards of the client. Our solution for the project included:

1. Purchased a piece of furniture for testing purposes similar to the one the client was asking us to secure for testing purposes.
2. Developed drawings and worked with a metal fabricator to develop (2) different prototypes.
3. Developed a system to supplement the fabricated prototypes to help deter theft.
4. In our Training and Test Facility we installed each prototype on the test chair and documented the installation process (written with photos).  We also installed the exact flooring of the porch used at the client’s storefront so that the test was consistent with actual conditions and specifications.  
5. We then performed several tests reenacting the types of everyday use and abuse the furniture was likely to receive and documented how well each prototype performed.
6. We provided all data to the client for their review and for decision. 

Summary

The client felt confident in our abilities to design a solution that could be easily installed and meet all of the objectives, thus allowing us the creative license to devise a solution without pre-determined parameters.  Resicom leveraged our Training Facility in order to reenact real world scenarios and thoroughly document processes to provide thorough information to the client.  By providing this information to the client we were able to put them in a position of choosing the best option to implement as an “in-store” test thus keeping their project cost to a minimum.  The prototypes have all been installed and the test continues to operate successfully.  Resicom expects the client to roll out the solution to all facilities nationwide in the near future.

CASE STUDY

Our hotel client had an upcoming event reserved for a 400 guest wedding. A week and a half before the wedding, the bride and her family dined at the hotel’s restaurant. Excited about her upcoming reception, the bride asked the manager to allow her party a sneak peek at the room. The manager had to then explain how the hotel had a burst pipe the day before and that the scheduled room was completely destroyed. The conversation that resulted could have been an episode of a hysterical bride screaming at her vendor on the hit t.v. show “Bridezillas”.

Scope

The scope of work needed to complete this project:

1. Remove water and all damaged finishes – flooring, wall, trim, and some drywall.
   
2. Acquire all the material necessary to replace.
   
3. Replace all carpet, padding, trim, and wallpaper.
   
4. Repaint ceiling and trim.
   

Challenges

The challenges of this project included:

1. Technicians could not work during hours when other, unaffected banquet rooms had events.
2. Replacement carpet was not in stock.
3. The available routes to the dumpster were through the main lobby or down the main corridor of rooms.
4. The bride was on the phone with the hotel manager every couple of hours adding pressure with each call.

Solution

Our solution for the project included:

1. Coordinated with hotel banquet team to establish hours of work.
2. The project was in the midwest. Because the carpet distributor located in North Carolina, could not get the materials sent on time to meet project deadlines, Resicom dispatched a truck to pick up the carpet ourselves.
3. We scheduled debris removal and material delivery according to the hotel schedule. Overnight, we would allow our tradesmen access through the mostly empty lobby. During normal work hours, we utilized the corridor route to limit disruption to guests.
4. We broke out our crews into four distinct teams, each with a separate start and finish time to establish project management clarity, as well as improving our ability to update information.
5. We reported an hourly update of the project status so the hotel manager could relay the information to reassure their client.
6. We organized the workflow of the project differently from the typical execution of a beautification project. There is a certain order of the work that is followed to limit risk of damage to finished areas and improves productivity. In this case, the goal of streamlining productivity was secondary. Our mission was to get the job done on time, not necessarily executed in the proper order.

Summary

This project involved a rigid deadline with expensive repercussions for our client if it was not met. We understood the pressure and designed a way to successfully meet the deadline while maintaining effective communication updates. By assigning the project components to different team leaders, even though they were all in one room, we established a different approach to project management. We had to organize the tradesmen to understand that on this project, the typical way to execute a project was not the right way. This thinking went against everything their experience taught them. This multiple mini-team approach enabled us to manage the tradesmen and ensure that they understood our approach and why it would ultimately make the project a success.