Industry Voices

— By Tony Atti, Ph.D. — How omnichannel can unlock and accelerate growth in the grocery sector — and can save retailers billions of dollars.  In recent years, the promise of omnichannel for grocers loomed on the horizon — a concept that felt like a future problem, not necessarily a problem that demanded immediate attention. The pandemic changed all of that and forced the need for a functioning omnichannel front and center, placing that need squarely on the shoulders of logistics managers. Major grocers answered. In fact, online grocery orders …

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— By Marc Mascarello — How retailers can maintain optimal airflow and air quality by using non-metal diffusers to enhance the efficiency of their HVAC system. A crucial yet often overlooked component of any HVAC system is the diffuser, which is responsible for dispersing conditioned air throughout a space. Even so, over the past 75 years, innovation in HVAC diffuser design has been minimal. Historically, the focus has been on manufacturing ease and profitability rather than enhancing functionality and visual appeal. Metal diffusers, while inexpensive and straightforward to mass-produce, tend …

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— By Nathan Willard — Kitchen cleaning and maintenance is a marathon, not a sprint. For restaurant managers who already have enough on their plates, preventative maintenance (PM) can easily get swept away in the busyness of a daily routine. As a result, PM items that need to be performed on a regular basis often get pushed to the side. In the blink of an eye, a fire safety inspection that restaurant managers and owners should be prepared for is only weeks away, catching managers and their kitchen staff off …

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— By Chris Jernigan — Meeting the evolving needs of the multi-site facilities sector. The landscape of multi-site facilities management is undergoing significant change. Looking ahead, it is crucial to anticipate and meet the evolving needs and expectations of customers. Companies are constantly seeking ways to distinguish themselves and enhance the customer experience. For facility leaders, this means being prepared to support new projects and ideas as they emerge. However, in focusing on the latest trends, we might sometimes overlook customers who do not fit into these advancements. I recently …

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— By Jenn Poultney — Best practices for stopping roof leaks before they start. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure and that couldn’t be truer when it comes to managing facilities, especially on the roof. Keeping up with preventive maintenance and performing routine inspections can significantly reduce roof leaks and improve the health and longevity of a roof. Most roof warranties require scheduled maintenance or housekeeping to keep the warranty in good standing. Neglecting these activities or not properly documenting these activities can void a roof’s …

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— By Del Williams — Advanced Emergency Responder Communication Enhancement Systems (ERCES) eliminate potential dead zones in commercial buildings to help first responders stay connected. First responders such as fire, EMS and police depend on reliable two-way radio communication when lives and property are at risk. That’s not always an easy task in many buildings. In-building radio signals are often absorbed or blocked by structures that are larger, underground or constructed of concrete or metal. Additionally, building features designed to create more sustainable facilities such as low-E glass windows can …

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— By John Wright — Savvy retailers are finding innovative ways to boost efficiency. Modern building management systems can control everything from locked doors and temperature settings, to lighting and even audio and ambiance in today’s retail environments. But can they do more? Some retail leaders think so and are employing new strategies to gain a competitive advantage. “Dark deliveries” have emerged as one such strategy for optimizing efficiency and streamlining operations. This refers to an approach that allows retail stores to receive shipments during off-hours when operations are minimal …

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— By David Shove-Brown, Robert Ervin & Katy Curtis — Expert strategies for aesthetic, functional and sustainable spaces. In recent years, there has been a noticeable shift in dining preferences, with more people gravitating toward outdoor environments rather than traditional indoor atmospheres, largely influenced by the pandemic even years later. This is evident across various settings, from bustling sidewalk cafes to outdoor-themed restaurants and even rooftop gardens and bars. Designing outdoor dining spaces has evolved into an art form that balances aesthetics, functionality and a strong connection with one’s surroundings. …

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— By Amanda Anderson — Why you should proactively implement a pest prevention program. I don’t mean to be a pest, but do your facilities have a pest prevention program in place? Research has shown that preventative measures are crucial to keeping a safe and clean environment for both customers and employees, while cutting down on costs associated with pest treatments. Maintaining vigilant pest control programs remains crucial to keeping these unwelcome guests from creeping through the cracks and into your facility. Spotting a cockroach in the restroom should serve …

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— By Tim Conn — 8 tips to appeal to Gen Z and future franchisees. Franchising has long been a successful business model, offering entrepreneurs the opportunity to own a business with an established brand and built-in support system. As the economic landscape evolves, the demographic that franchise owners must appeal to is also shifting. Generation Z, those born between 1997 and 2012, is emerging as a powerful consumer group and a growing pool of future franchisees. It’s imperative that current franchise owners understand and adapt to the values, preferences …

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