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SETTING STANDARDS FOR FURNITURE/EQUIPMENT. By: Lisa Thompson CPM Lisath@spokaneschools.org Spokane Public Schools Buyer II. Where to begin setting FF&E standards ? Form a committee to include: End user representation Purchasing Other departments Safety Maintenance Technology.
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SETTING STANDARDS FOR FURNITURE/EQUIPMENT By: Lisa Thompson CPM Lisath@spokaneschools.org Spokane Public Schools Buyer II
Where to begin setting FF&E standards? Form a committee to include: • End user representation • Purchasing • Other departments Safety Maintenance Technology
Meet with your customers Determine needs/wants • Space • Style • Uses • Quantity • Size • Functionality
Invite vendors to “demonstrate” and have a “Trade Show” before the committee What is a Trade Show: is an exhibition organized so that companies in a specific industry can showcase and demonstrate their latest products and service. Let the vendors know what your needs are: • Specifications • Estimated Quantities • Warranties • Supply best pricing for Quantities * Ask this expecting to access contracts for purchasing • Contracts available
Final Evaluation • Committee feedback • Was needed specifications met? • Did it meet desired functionality? • Pricing • Purchasing contracts to access • Is the preferred furniture/equipment within budget?
Lesson’s Learned Glides Panel Systems Mock-ups/Demo Casters Field Measurements Arms versus Armless Locks Laminates
Glides Make sure to get the correct glide for the floor
Panel Systems • If connecting Data/Electrical, make sure meet code • Easy access • Replacement ease
Mock-Ups/Demo Models • Make sure the mock-up is what is really installed • Demo equipment function differently than was presented to committee
Casters……soft or hard? • Soft casters for vinyl, VCT or hard wood floor • Hard casters for carpet
Arms versus armless on chairs • People come in different sizes • Ergonomics • Preference
Locks and Keys • Set standards to be consistent and always have master set with designated person
Laminates • Make sure your choice will work in the environment it is in.
Things to Consider • Standards are not carved in stone. • Setting standards are good but be careful of exclusivity. • Have resolve to stick or be flexible with standards • Be consistent