Facility maintenance services is typically one of the top three budget spends when it comes to the modern day business. So why should corporations look to outsource this department if it's going to cost more money and resources? This is a question being discussed more frequently in boardrooms around the world as companies strive for financial growth and more economically efficient processes. There are many factors to consider when making this decision, including who will manage the third party group, what trades and areas of your facilities will they be responsible for, and what matters most to you and your peers when selecting a management partner?
One of the biggest concerns associated with outsourcing retail facility maintenance management is the loss of jobs. The point at which most companies will reach out to us is when they are rapidly growing and as such, we typically do not bring on new clients who immediately reduce their workforce. In fact, we are often brought on to support the existing staff as the sheer volume of work has gotten, or is about to get, out of control. Partnering with Royal is a great flexible option which keeps your overhead and fixed costs under control, without sacrificing the appearance and functioning of your buildings.
When outsourcing, your stores benefit in the following ways:
1) you don't have to chase vendors around as much as the burden now falls on our shoulders
2) you receive excellent data that is stored and available to you 24/7
3) we use our leverage with vendors to provide quicker service
4) you benefit from value add services
5) you have no after-hours responsibilities
6) your costs are reduced.
All in all, it sounds like a pretty good deal if you ask me!
Our team at Royal benefit as we become more efficient, our project managers have a heavier workload which means they keep their jobs and our vendors benefit as they have more work (this is especially important with many of the smaller owner operator technicians who have played such a huge role in our success over the past 25+ years). They then give us more leverage which means you get better service and the cycle starts all over again, only now all parties have a smile on their face. Most facility management companies are looking for a zero-sum game. We are looking for sustainability which can only be made possible by creating win-win situations.
One of the most important things to remember when starting a relationship with a project management company is to start off on the right foot. A smooth on-boarding process needs to be in place to prevent items falling through the cracks. It is imperative to have exceptional communication between both parties, and the new arrangements and SOPs need to be clearly conveyed to the staff in the field.
As you may have read previously, at Royal we focus on developing long term partnerships and are constantly looking to find win-win situations where all involved parties can thrive. The idea of win-win situations is a key idea described by Stephen Covey in his best-selling "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People". Here is one of my favorite Covey quotes which hits the nail on the head with this idea:
"Win-win sees life as a cooperative arena, not a competitive one. Win-win is a frame of mind and heart that constantly seeks mutual benefit in all human interactions. Win-win means agreements or solutions are mutually beneficial and satisfying. We both get to eat the pie, and it tastes pretty darn good!" (Stephen Covey, 1989).
Zero-sum games are unsustainable and only benefit one group, and unfortunately it's not you. At Royal, we are looking to develop a long-lasting relationship where we become an extension of your team, rather than someone who replaces it.
We are more than happy to answer any questions that you may have about the way in which we operate. If you are looking for specific information, or are just looking for suggestions from someone with a different perspective, we would love to help you. Please feel free to call me any time at 913-387-2841 or reach out through jleeper@RoyalSolves.com.
Have a wonderful week!