Feb 13, 2023 |
As a business owner, you’re always looking for ways to reduce costs and increase efficiency. One way to do this is to consider using an Integrated Facilities Management (IFM) solution. IFM is the comprehensive management of facility operations and maintenance activities in order to reduce operational costs, improve operational efficiency and performance, and ensure compliance with industry standards. In short, an IFM program like the one we provide at Powerhouse increases organizational agility while moving your business toward a more strategic foundation.
What Are the Benefits of Using IFM?
When you use an IFM solution, you reap a number of benefits. Including:
- Cost savings – By utilizing an integrated approach to managing your facility operations and maintenance activities, you can save money on labor costs by consolidating tasks into one service provider. This also allows you to take advantage of economies of scale when it comes to purchasing materials and supplies.
- Increased Productivity – An IFM solution can help you streamline operational processes by consolidating all your facility operations under one roof. This can free up employees’ time to focus more on their core responsibilities instead of managing multiple vendors or overseeing multiple tasks at once.
- Improved Overall Communication and Collaboration- When you choose an IFM model, you can direct more of your company resources to what matters. Removing the burden of facility management efforts on company leaders allows them to focus on your business’s core purpose, enhancing collaboration and communication and ultimately delivering a better employee experience in the workplace.
- Improved Compliance – With an IFM solution, you can make sure that your facility meets all applicable local regulations for safety, health, and environmental compliance. This helps protect your business from costly fines or other penalties due to non-compliance issues.
- Enhanced Quality Control – An IFM solution provides a unified approach to quality control throughout your organization because all activities are managed through one vendor. This ensures that all aspects of the process are monitored closely for accuracy and consistency in order to meet the highest standards of quality possible.
- Enhanced Use of Technology to Leverage Actionable Insights- “Utilizing a Computerized Maintenance Management System, CMMS, allows for maintenance costs to be tracked by trade at the site level across the entire portfolio and provides full transparency to the client. Using the data can allow for better business decisions around annual budgeting and capital spend,” explains Paula Kirk, Executive Vice President of Facilities Maintenance-Powerhouse.
- Reduced Risk – By managing all aspects of facilities management under one roof, you can significantly reduce the risk associated with running a business by minimizing potential liabilities related to contract disputes or regulatory violations that could arise from working with multiple vendors or suppliers simultaneously.
How does IFM differ from Traditional FM programs?
FM is the foundation of any organization operating out of a physical space. The people and processes keep your commercial building running smoothly, from the infrastructure to the assets and equipment in and outside of it. Its mandates typically include; electrical, plumbing, handyman, carpentry, HVAC, painting, emergency services, parking lot services, ADA remediation, general maintenance, and any combination of building and grounds maintenance, both scheduled and unscheduled responses to an unexpected event.
In a traditional FM program, organizations typically take one of two approaches. Hire a facility maintenance manager, boots on the ground at each location, overseeing facility needs themself for a specific location or two-create a facilities maintenance program with various vendors across each trade with a manager to oversee and coordinate for each of the organization’s locations. On the ground, this system can quickly spiral into a logistical nightmare, with managers over their heads, multiple service providers performing different tasks at different sites to different standards, skyrocketing costs, and a regional or executive director buried in paperwork and coordination efforts to keep multi-site organizations up to spec on their many facilities.
With both FM and IFM services, the goal remains the same – to maintain and enhance built environments. A true IFM approach shifts management from focusing on just hours and resources to focusing on performance or outcome-based management. This strategic approach allows facility owners to understand better the total cost of ownership, risk management, and process improvement – which translates to improved performance and effective management. The IFM approach is proven to be more effective and more strategic than traditional FM programs.
Powerhouse’s IFM approach consolidates all the FM efforts for a national, multi-site organization under one united team – a team that is integrated and performs the work collaboratively – as opposed to managing multiple vendors and contractors; you have one dedicated facility partner, one contract, one clear point of contact for all locations nationwide, one standard scope of service and a cost-saving, efficient organizational collaboration.
“Transforming to an IFM model allows clients to focus on their strategic goals by allowing Powerhouse to provide the tactical oversight and streamline their facilities management using our people, processes, and technology,” -Paula Kirk, Executive Vice President, Facilities Maintenance-Powerhouse.
Integrated Facilities Management (IFM) is an effective way for businesses to reduce costs while improving efficiency and performance in their facility’s operations and maintenance activities. It combats the old-school counterproductive approach of a traditional FM program by enhancing program transparency and efficiencies with streamlined structure and processes, comprehensive KPIs, and improved organizational decision-making for your organization across all your locations nationwide.
Should your Business Switch to IFM?
Is an IFM approach right for your business? The answer is yes if your business is in need of one or more of the following:
- Has multiple locations
- Prefers a centralized purchasing approach
- Desires a holistic approach to FM services
- Is looking to reduce costs of ownership over the lifecycle of your assets
- Prefers a simplified agreement with one supplier
- Has resources stretched thin at the regional or local level
- Is looking to reduce the cost of ad-hoc FM services
- Has multiple locations with a need for emergency services for natural disaster preparation, clean up, or restorative services
- Has a need for more streamlined compliance
- Desires more consistent and quality scope of service across all locations
If any of these needs align with what you want for your facility – the right choice for your business is clear – it’s IFM.
More and more Industries are transforming from a predominantly single FM outsourcing model to an integrated services model like the Powerhouse IFM model that meets all their facility needs. With one integrated approach, you improve overall customer experience, optimize how your space is used, and ultimately lower the total cost of ownership.
The real benefits of an integrated facility management approach do not take long to see. They repeatedly make themselves apparent. Whether it’s cost savings through economies of scale or increased productivity due to streamlined processes, there are numerous benefits associated with implementing an IFM solution in your organization.
Want to learn more about Powerhouse’s IFM Model? Click below:
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Jan 27, 2023 |
A consolidated landscape management program is a great way to streamline and simplify the process of managing your company’s exterior space. It provides a comprehensive approach that saves time and money while also improving the efficiency and effectiveness of your landscape maintenance. Whether your business is in need of snow and ice management, parking lot services, pressure washing, striping, sweeping, or landscape maintenance and preventative services, or all of the above a consolidated landscape management program can set your business up on the right foot to maintain your commercial exterior spaces. In this article, we’ll explain the benefits of having a consolidated landscape management program in place and why it’s important for your business.
A consolidated landscape management program can help you save time by providing an all-in-one solution. 
Picture it as an easy button for exterior services management. Instead of managing multiple vendors or contractors for various services, such as lawn mowing, fertilization, weed control, irrigation, landscape enhancement projects, etc., across all your locations, you will be able to rely on one vendor to provide all of these services in one complete and customized package for your business. This helps reduce the amount of time spent managing each task individually and each vendor individually. Think accounts payable, invoices, work orders, customer service, contracts, and scopes of work. All of it for every service, vendor, and location are managed under one umbrella of a proactive exterior management program. Additionally, a consolidated landscape management program allows for better cost savings since all services are provided under one contract rather than multiple contracts with individual providers.
Another benefit of a consolidated management program-improved quality control.
When all tasks, scopes of work, and areas of service are managed through one provider and handled by the same team, week after week, year after year, there is significantly less room for mistakes or miscommunication between different providers who may not be familiar with each other’s work practices and methods. Having one point of contact also makes it easier to address any problems that may arise during the course of the project.
A good consolidated landscape management program helps ensure consistency and proactive customer care across all areas of your exterior space.
By using a single provider for all tasks related to landscaping, you can rest assured that everything from mowing patterns to fertilizer applications will be done according to standard procedures and guidelines established by your provider—and monitored for consistent results and proactive solutions every time. Imagine having an army of landscape service providers across all your locations trained to solve problems before you’re even notified there is a problem. That’s good, consolidated, consistent, and proactive service.
For any business, risk can be a scary word…but it doesn’t have to be.
Utilizing a consolidated landscape management program can be your risk mitigation strategy for your organization’s exterior spaces. Through proper, regularly scheduled services, you can check the boxes of risk mitigation knowing that you are assuming and accepting the reality of exterior space risk, avoiding risk by enacting a mitigation plan (your consolidated management program), controlling potential risk with your proactive services, and transferring risk by assuming insurance and liability coverage of your management provider.
Robert Blake-Ward, CEO of Powerhouse, describes the Powerhouse difference,
“We have a unique approach; we seek to elevate our customer’s exterior services programs. How do we accomplish this? It’s a combination of more than 500+ years of industry experience with our management team combined with long-term contracted partners in the field to ensure the mission is met. To ensure the service performance meets the standard – we utilize a strong combination of site verification and interface with our providers utilizing a proprietary portal so you can be assured your program is in the hands of experts. With a national footprint of more than 12,000 locations across all 50 states, our customers can benefit from our scale in markets across the US. I often ask customers what business they are in and tell them simply, “Let Powerhouse be the expert in delivering great exterior services while you focus on providing your end users a great experience.”
Here at Powerhouse, we realize the need for commercial businesses to protect their organization’s nationwide footprint. 
To maintain a standard of beautiful, regularly service properties for curb appeal and a seamless first impression at every one of their locations. That’s why our team at Powerhouse takes consolidated exterior management and kicks it up a notch by providing our customers additional value with access to our individualized, proprietary customer portal, a nationwide network of landscape contractors, and a team of highly-skilled exterior service subject matter experts from irrigation specialists to arborists, designers and lawn care experts rest assured that your organization in the best hands with Powerhouse.
Overall, consolidating your landscape management program can provide many benefits for your business, including increased cost savings, improved quality control, proactive service, increased consistency, and risk mitigation, across all areas of your exterior space. If you’re looking for an easy way to streamline and simplify the process of managing your company’s exterior space while saving time and money in the process, then implementing a consolidated landscape management program with Powerhouse Exterior Services is definitely worth considering.
Click the button below to learn more about our Exterior Maintenance Management Progam.
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Apr 20, 2020 |
Cleaning, disinfecting, sanitizing, sterilizing, decontaminating – there are so many different words for removing germs to help stop the spread of COVID-19, but they don’t all mean the same thing. As best practices and protocols are being developed for the eventual reopening of retail stores and other public spaces, it’s important to know how to properly clean a myriad of items that employees and customers will encounter.
Damage can be an expensive and frustrating result of improper care or cleaning, so it’s crucial that employees are knowledgeable on cleaning and disinfecting protocols for the various items within a space. For example, some companies are experiencing thousands of dollars in damage a day to their EFT and POS systems from simple spray disinfectants. A solution for these items is to install protective guards or clean with a 70% alcohol wipe.
When reopening locations, the first step in this new normal is to re-evaluate your existing cleaning program and be sure you’re aware of all CDC disinfecting rules.
Know the Difference
First, know the difference between cleaning, disinfecting and sanitizing.
Cleaning removes germs, dirt and impurities from surfaces or objects. leaning works by using soap (or detergent) and water to physically remove germs from surfaces. This process does not necessarily kill germs, but by removing them, it lowers their numbers and the risk of spreading infection.
Disinfecting kills germs on surfaces or objects. Disinfecting works by using chemicals to kill germs on surfaces or objects. This process does not necessarily clean dirty surfaces or remove germs, but by killing germs on a surface after cleaning, it can further lower the risk of spreading infection.
Sanitizing lowers the number of germs on surfaces or objects to a safe level, as judged by public health standards or requirements. This process works by either cleaning or disinfecting surfaces or objects to lower the risk of spreading infection.
Disinfecting Soft Surfaces
Soft surfaces, often overlooked during the sanitizing process, hold germs just the same and should be added to your cleaning program.
- Launder items, if possible
- Store non-essential items elsewhere, is possible
- Clean with soap and water
- Disinfect with EPA-registered household disinfectant
- Use a hydrogen peroxide-based disinfectant
Disinfecting Sneeze Guards
Sneeze guards are probably the newest addition to the space. Understanding how to properly clean them is important. If your sneeze guard is plexiglass or acrylic, here are some crucial cleaning tips.
- Do use a soft, clean cloth to remove dust first
- Do use a peroxide-based solution that is less than 40% peroxide
- Do use mild soap and water if other cleaners aren’t available
- Don’t use acetone, bleach or solvent-based cleaner
Let Powerhouse Be Your Solution
From installing recommended barriers and hands-free door opening solutions to disinfection cleaning services, Powerhouse is here for you. For many of our customers, we’ve moved from plan to execution in a matter of days in response to OSHA and CDC safety recommendations. We understand that health and safety is the highest priority, acting with a sense of urgency ensuring initiatives are completed as quickly as possible.
COVID-19 Services:
- Barrier Protection Installs
- Base Exterior Maintenance Programs
- Dark and Idle Property Security Protocols
- Dining Room FFE Reconfiguration/Storage
- EPA Registered Disinfectant Surface Treatments
- Hands-Free Door Opener Installs
- Limited Service Exterior Maintenance
- Location Reopening Support
- Vacant Space Boards-ups
Sources:
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/disinfecting-your-home.html
https://www.michaelsglassco.com/maintaining-replacing-sneeze-guards/
https://www.cdc.gov/infectioncontrol/guidelines/disinfection/index.html
https://www.cdc.gov/flu/school/cleaning.htm
https://www.epa.gov/pesticide-registration/list-n-disinfectants-use-against-sars-cov-2
Apr 15, 2020 |
Sneeze Guard Install Specialists: A hat we never expected to wear.
America’s Most Essential Brick and Mortar Item: A title that plastic and acrylic manufacturers never knew they’d hold.
We all know that COVID-19 has changed everything and will continue to shift our society in ways we haven’t even considered in the months to come. As we wait for the stay-at-home orders to be lifted and for our lives to be returned to some sense of normalcy, we do our part by staying home.
We are beyond grateful for those essential workers who are bravely helping those affected by this virus, as well as those who are out there every day maintaining our society, our food supply, and all the other essential items that we need to maintain our lives during this critical time. Powerhouse is humbled to do our part in helping to keep our nations essential workers and the general public protected.
Over the previous 3 weeks, Powerhouse has provided work to over 640 of our installers to install a total of 38,560 sneeze guards at 8,900 locations.
How can we help?
We still have more sneeze guards, more installers wanting to do their part as essential workers and availability to help our customers ensure they can do their part to maintain public health and safety with doors open.
Our owners said it best –
To those brave men and women at the front lines of this battle in the healthcare field, we give a special thanks to you and your families. We know that you are walking into danger every day. We see your stories and are in awe of your courage and perseverance. Your actions are inspiring and encourage us to take the necessary steps to help flatten the curve.
As an essential business we take seriously our commitment to keep our clients up and running during this time of crisis. We will keep doing our job so others can continue doing theirs. Of course, our first priority is the health and safety of our team members, their families, vendor partners, clients, and the general public.
We thank our dedicated field and office support teams for the mission-critical work they are doing to support our clients. For our clients with essential businesses, the Powerhouse team is here supporting you in these circumstances, keeping your assets operational and safe. For our clients with dark locations we are here for you during this time and when you return to operations.
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Apr 8, 2020 |
The world has changed drastically in the last month. The things that many of us took for granted; freedom of movement, good health, economic prosperity, and social proximity to work friends, personal friends, and family have taken a pause for the good of the world. We are all being asked to make personal sacrifice for the good of the whole.
We want to take this opportunity to express our condolences to all of those around the world that are suffering and have lost the battle to COVID-19.
To those brave men and women at the front lines of this battle in the healthcare field, we give a special thanks to you and your families. We know that you are walking into danger every day. We see your stories and are in awe of your courage and perseverance. Your actions are inspiring and encourage us to take the necessary steps to help flatten the curve.
As an essential business we take seriously our commitment to keep our clients up and running during this time of crisis. We will keep doing our job so others can continue doing theirs. Of course, our first priority is the health and safety of our team members, their families, vendor partners, clients, and the general public.
We thank our dedicated field and office support teams for the mission-critical work they are doing to support our clients. For our clients with essential businesses, the Powerhouse team is here supporting you in these circumstances , keeping your assets operational and safe. For our clients with dark locations we are here for you during this time and when you return to operations.
The Powerhouse vision statement is “to have a positive and lasting impact on people”. We stand strong in our belief that this vision will guide us through these unchartered waters. This is new for all of us. It’s key to remember that patience, love, understanding, and kindness are never in short supply.
God bless and stay well,
Powerhouse Owners
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