Choosing a Facility Provider. Consider Before Consolidating.

Doing more with fewer vendors seems to be the mantra these days.  This consolidation can reduce administrative costs, but caution should be taken.  Eliminating specialty vendors may end up costing you more in the long run than the perceived savings of consolidating services.

Many full facility maintenance providers are readily availalbe to help you with fairly common issues such as HVAC, plumbing, janitorial and electrical issues.  But what about those specialty items such as elevators, or hard to reach outdoor signs?  Before you make the decision to consolidate all of your services with one vendor, be sure to do your homework.  Consider the following:

• Is the provider an expert on all of the services you are asking them to provide, or are they merely a forwarding service?
• Are the technicians who will be working at your sites properly trained to perform all of the services you require?
• Is the provider well versed in the safety and governmental issues entailed in the services being performed?
• Do they have the proper equipment and inventory necessary to get the work done, in the fewest number of trips, and with the least amount of down time?

Specialty contractors are not "Jack of all Trades" providers.  They specialize and focus soley on their core business, and are specifically trained in their field of work.  And, while it may make sense to consolidate many of your required facility needs, there are certain services that are better managed by experts who specialize in that line of work.  Having the right vendor in place for the job can save you time, money, and a lot of frustration down the road, so consider your needs carefully before consolidating.