To this end, production efficiency is imperative in boosting operations and removing bottlenecks.

Measuring Productivity

Given the significant role productivity plays, we must measure it first. When gathering data, enough data is far better than a completely accurate dataset. Often the factors that determine production efficiency are not apparent. 

Measurements can even be subjective when dependent on labour productivity. So, it is essential to consider commonly missed factors and to work with the data sufficiently available.

Improving Production Efficiency

1. Evaluate the Workflow

Before doing anything else, you may want to analyze your data to see where processes break down and require improvement. Testing with varying parameters and observing the consequences can help evaluate the workflow. Before experimenting, though, you need to think of a reasonable hypothesis. Later, compare the initial conditions with the results of changing them. In this manner, you can determine what changes are necessary to enhance your workflow.

2. Invest in Employee Development

With fast-paced technological changes, the need for appropriate recruitment and skills is more than ever. Instead of passive classroom learning, you can engage your employees with active, hands-on activities. You can use technology to your advantage and make training more productive. Innovative training methods such as digitalizing paper manuals and interactive training through augmented reality are fruitful for investing in human capital. 

3. Streamline Business Processes

More than 80% of manufacturing errors can largely be attributed to human errors. Therefore, standardizing a task is the most efficient way to perform it. To improve variables, you can provide your management team with a view of bottlenecks hindering the workflow. Then ask them for their input to resolve them. Collaborative teamwork would result in a myriad of ideas, all leading up to optimal solutions. 

4. Organized Maintenance Schedule

Preventative maintenance is imperative as workers cannot perform their job if production is on hold. Running a preventive maintenance schedule might require a bit of effort. However, equipment breakdowns and machine downtime can result in significant revenue losses.

5. Introduce Smart Machines

There is only so much your team can manage productively. Investing in smart machining equipment is a constructive way to predict unforeseen circumstances such as breakdowns and upgrade production uptime. 

The revenue saved on controlling damages outweighs the initial investment. You can use the income to purchase more advanced equipment instead. Trillium’s manufacturing work order software can help avoid such stressful situations. 

It offers cloud-based solutions for issues such as air conditioner repair or window cleaning. As managers submit their requests on a mobile app system, the expert facilities maintenance team is immediately alerted. 

Your employees can invest their time and energy in keeping the production line moving forward. Meanwhile, the team works on easing the process for you by solving unnecessary issues.

There are two areas of facility management, hard and soft. Hard facility management refers to the physical aspects of the building, such as the heating and cooling system and plumbing. Soft facility management deals with the staff tasked with managing the facility, such as security and custodial services. 

It takes organization to properly manage a facility. Because the scope of the job is so broad, it can be hard to tell where the facility manager’s job ends. When in doubt, facility management is probably involved in some way. 

Responsibilities of a Facility Manager

The facility manager doesn’t work alone. The facility manager establishes processes for specific functions. This ensures continuity and that tasks are completed as needed. Processes keep the facility organized and prevent problems. 

Some examples of processes a facility needs are directions in how to reserve a particular space within the building, how work orders are handled, and how to log visitors. Establishing processes ensures all employees understand how to get things done at work. 

The facilities manager needs great people skills as well. While they may not be responsible for the hands-on act of desking and office arrangements, they will have the final decision. They are also responsible for making decisions on how space is used within the building. These tasks can cause tension, so the facility manager must have great soft skills in addition to an analytical mind. 

In addition to the day-to-day jobs related to keeping the facility maintained, there are always long-term tasks to manage. Upkeep and improvements are a never-ending process and are an important part of a safe and effective work environment. 

The facilities manager must stay on top of regular maintenance, needed repairs, and improvement projects. They are responsible for managing vendor contracts and the costs associated with them. 

While the IT department will handle most of the physical technology needs of the office, the facilities manager is part of the process. They must understand the technology needs of their workplace. They will work with the IT department to build a plan that is both effective and efficient. 

Facilities management is the second-largest expense for a business, behind only the workforce. Proper management requires the ability to weigh costs, ROI, and the needs of both staff and customers. 

It is too big of a job for one person, or even a team, to do without help. Using facility management software allows you to manage regulatory needs, resources, and equipment so employees can do their best work. 

Want to learn more? Get in touch with Trillium for more information on our facility maintenance software, to sign up, or register for a demo to see what we can do for your business. 

What’s this mean for your service business? It’s time to make 2021 your greatest year of growth! Here are some tips to grow your small service business this year.

Harness The Power Of The Internet 

With 97% of users searching online for local businesses, it’s essential your service business is online and can be found. Don’t neglect SEO, especially local SEO for your small business. This guide to local SEO from HubSpot is a fantastic starting resource with easy to implement and actionable tips to help your website be found. 

When it comes to your website, make sure what you do is front and center on your homepage, your contact information is clear (and clickable!), and your website structure is easy to navigate. 

Show What You Do With Video

In 2021, it’s estimated that the average person will watch 100 minutes of online video per day. You can capitalize on this trend by incorporating video marketing into your strategy. In addition to posting your videos on your YouTube channel and your website, don’t forget to share them on your social media pages. This is another way to boost your SEO efforts as people like, share, and comment on your videos.

Like other marketing pieces, video can be used to:

• Showcase services and processes – show customers what you do and the benefits of working with your company.
• Introduce employees/technicians – customers want to see your face and the people behind your local business! 
• Solve a problem – i.e. a how-to video about changing air filters on certain HVAC models, stop a leaking pipe, etc. 

Also, don’t forget to include closed caption on your videos. Not only does this make your videos accessible to those with disabilities, but also to many people who watch videos at work or on their phones with the sound muted.

Make Connections On Social Media

Social media is great for engaging existing customers and followers, but it’s also a powerful platform for making B2B connections in your community. In particular, LinkedIn offers a more professional format that can help you connect with local businesses that need your help, and network with fellow service providers that you can swap customer referrals with depending on your specialty. 

Take the time to cultivate these relationships and build your business’s authority by sharing helpful and relevant content, blogs, guides, and videos on social media. 

Join A Facility Maintenance Network

On the subject of networking, there are many professional facility maintenance networks for small commercial electricians, plumbers, and handyman services to join, many are even free! Join these networks and associations as a provider and explore the many ways you can connect with and learn from colleagues while discovering new business opportunities. You can also join professional Groups on LinkedIn, Facebook, and other social media sites. To find local organizations, check with your Chamber of Commerce or use a site like Meetup to network with local business owners, facility managers, and professional colleagues in real life. 

There are national and global facility management networks, as well as niche organizations you can join. A few include: 

• International Facility Management Association (IFMA)
• Global Facility Management Association (Global FM)
• Facilities Management Institute (FMI) 
• Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA)
• Association for Facilities Engineering (AFE)
• Association of Physical Plant Administrators (APPA)
• National Association of Church Facilities Managers (NACFM)
• Restaurant Facility Management Association (RFMA)

Go Old School

Technology is fantastic, but there’s still something to be said for good old-fashioned pounding the pavement. Find out where business owners have lunch and leave your business cards on cork boards there. Visit local businesses, like retail shops, restaurants, professional offices, and factories, and introduce yourself in person. When you get the opportunity to speak directly with a business owner, facility manager, or other decision-maker, always mention the benefits of your quarterly and annual money-saving maintenance packages, and secure the deal by asking for their business! It might feel a bit strange at first, but if you don’t ask, the answer is always no!

Finally, ask happy customers to refer you to their colleagues – maybe even consider a referral program that incentivizes customers when they help you grow your business (psst: any facility manager would jump at the opportunity to earn a free HVAC tuneup and save some money!). 

Let’s Grow Together
Trillium Facility Solutions is excited to kick off the new year. We’ve been busier than ever, so we know businesses are bouncing back and the demand for facility maintenance is once again on the rise. If you want to grow your business this year, we invite you to join our network as a Partner Service Provider – totally free to you. Simply complete the form on this page, and one of our team members will be in touch to talk about how we can grow together in 2021!