Maximizing Your Investments: Cleaning Services for Asset Management

The Essence of Asset Management

At the BCCCA luncheon on January 27th, 2015, attendees were privileged to dive into the world of asset management during an enlightening workshop presented by Tim Clifford of Wood Wyant.

In this blog, we’ll unravel the key takeaways from Tim’s comprehensive presentation on the critical role janitors play in asset management. Let’s explore how understanding and implementing asset management strategies can significantly benefit your business.

Recognizing the Significance of Customer Asset Management

Floors: A Priceless Investment

For many of our customers, their floors represent a substantial investment. Floors endure a level of wear and tear unmatched by other surfaces. Shockingly, it’s estimated that a whopping 80% of the dirt entering a building does so via hard water. Properly caring for these floors is not just about appearances; it’s about safeguarding a valuable asset.

The Complexity of Floor Care

In today’s world, maintaining floors is more challenging than ever. The diversity of flooring surfaces demands a deep understanding to extend their lifespan. The goal is not merely to keep them looking good but to ensure they reach their full expected life span.

Doing More with Less

Are you constantly asked to do more with fewer resources? Do some floors stubbornly appear dirty despite your cleaning efforts? If you’ve answered “yes” to either of these questions, it’s a clear indication that you need an Asset Management Program.

People Assets: Labor and Challenges

Labor: A Major Expenditure

Labor constitutes one of the most significant expenses in our contracts. Different floors require varying amounts of time for cleaning, drying, and ensuring safety. Modern floor types present unique challenges.

The Right Tools for the Job

Efficiency is key, and the right tools can make all the difference. Focus on ergonomics, safety, and productivity to optimize your labor resources.

Balancing Short-Term and Long-Term Costs

Money Matters: Short-Term vs. Long-Term Costs

Managers tend to concentrate on short-term costs, primarily labor and maintenance. However, it’s essential to consider the long-term cost of the asset itself. Saving a dollar per hour on labor might seem beneficial now, but it could significantly reduce the asset’s useful life, so that the cost of having to buy new floors or carpets sooner than expected will be a far greater expense than opting for regular cleaning services.

Extending Asset Life: A Financial Win-Win

Consider this: the average life of an installed carpet is 5 years if not properly maintained, which can cost a client a substantial $50,000 annually (for a $300,000 asset). By extending the carpet’s life to eight or ten years, the annual cost significantly decreases, presenting substantial savings. This approach is not only financially attractive but also showcases your commitment to protecting your client’s investments.

Key Considerations for Floor Finish

The Right Finish Matters

When applying a finish to a floor, several crucial considerations often go overlooked. Will the finish adhere to the surface? Could it potentially damage the surface? Is it possible to strip the finish without harming the underlying surface? These factors play a pivotal role in successful floor maintenance.

Proactive Maintenance: Capture the Unseen

Implementing daily maintenance programs can capture the 10% to 40% of dirt and debris that often evade the matting placed outside the door. These programs ensure a cleaner, safer environment.

Interim Maintenance: Avoiding Major Restorations

Regular, scheduled deep scrubbing can prevent the need for extensive restorative processes, such as stripping the floor surface. Avoiding these intensive tasks saves time, money, and resources.

Investing in Asset Management for a Brighter Future

By delving into the world of asset management, you’re not only enhancing the aesthetics of your workspace but also safeguarding your client’s investments. Tim Clifford’s workshop illuminated the path to a more cost-effective, efficient, and environmentally responsible approach to asset management. Stay tuned for more workshops on this vital subject, as we continue to explore the myriad benefits it offers.

If you’re interested in extending the life of your assets, like flooring, carpets, windows, and more, reach out to Metropolitan Building Maintenance to find out how we can help.