Basic Office Furniture Project Management

The result of successful office furniture project management is a project completed on time and on budget. If you are the person responsible for a office furniture project at your company, this information should be helpful to you. I remember when office furniture project management was easily defined; a Project Manager had valuable skills and specific responsibilities. In my experience, that is no longer always the case. Since my experience in this industry was in NYC, these problems may not be valid in your area.

Let me say that there are furniture dealerships that are extremely reputable and have capable staff members. With that said, there are also dealerships with inexperienced, unqualified staff members. Not all dealerships have the same internal structures. Here are several viable staff structures -- all of which are effective with the right personnel:

• At some dealerships, the Designer or Product Specifier may also function as the Project Manager. By the way, this situation works very well.
• In some situations, the Sales Representative may assume some of office furniture project management responsibilities; such as suggesting the best products within your budget that meets your needs.
• Another procedure is that the Project Manager doesn't get involved until the delivery and installation phase. In this case, you need to find out who is responsible prior to that time.
• Dealerships that own their own warehouses will have Foremen on staff. An experienced Foreman can be invaluable, and his responsibilities may overlap with those of the Project Manager.

Below is a list of tasks which may be the responsibility of the project manager.

• act as the primary contact for all questions and decisions regarding the furniture for this particular project
• attend "kickoff" or original planning meeting
• evaluate any existing furniture to be reused
• confirm field measurements of the space
• collect data regarding the function and needs of your staff as well as discussing the projected growth of your company
• attend construction or project meetings as needed
• develop a furniture project schedule including delivery and installation dates that will meet your move-in date
• prepare status reports with necessary updates
• provide building manager with Certificate Of Insurance
• review CAD drawings and product specifications
• perform final walk through with client and compile punch list (if an architect or outside design firm is involved in the furniture, you will want them to be in charge of this walk through and punch list)
• oversee all punch list work and get a sign off from the client when all work is completed to their satisfaction

In most cases your furniture dealership will be responsible for these tasks at no additional cost. However, there are times when it is valid that there are additional charges for some tasks.

Before finalizing your agreement and placing any orders with the dealership, you should discuss exactly what is included in the office furniture project management services you will receive. If this is your first experience with a particular dealership, you may want to ask that this be noted on your proposal or quote.

You should also find out when the PM will become involved in your project. It is not an unreasonable request to meet this person and discuss his or her experience and background.

About the Author: Janet Vogel, who is retired from the office furniture industry, is now the owner of Homemade Gift Basket Ideas which she created to supplement her retirement income

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Choosing A Lift Chair For Office Chairs

For some people, getting up from a sitting position can be quite a chore. Lift chairs help in this regard. In today’s modern world lift chairs offer those who have difficulty sitting down and getting up from sitting the opportunity to live normal lives even with their disability.

There are many reasons why people have difficulty getting into and out of a sitting position. Some suffer from arthritis, and getting up from a sitting position is all but impossible for them. Many of those who are advanced in age show signs of muscle weakening and difficulty in moving about. This is to be expected as people age. However, without assistance, life for these people becomes extremely inconvenient and, at time, embarrassing.

To help make their lives easier, lift chairs were invented. Lift chairs are furnitures that make getting into and out of a sitting position easier. They are made of usual couch material and may look like a normal couch. They, however, have built in motors that change the position of the seat that helps the user as he moves to stand up. The contraption is activated by buttons on the seat or on a remote control. When the user wants to sit down, all he or she has to do is lean weight on the seat. This triggers a mechanism that lowers the user into sitting position. The mechanism of these chairs prevents users from flopping down unceremoniously on the couch. It provides stability and support for the sitting and standing movement.

There are many reasons why one would want to use a lift chair. As mentioned earlier, one of the reasons one would want to use lift chairs is arthritis. Other diseases include Parkinson’s, Lou Gehrig’s and other mobility limiting conditions.

People who suffer from other conditions such as knee and hip problems also need lift chairs – as do people who have had accidents, muscular weakness, or even advanced age. For these people lift chairs present the best way to continue living a functional life. They will also be less dependent on other people to get around their homes.

Lift chairs also help caregivers. Instead of having to carry their patients in and out of their chairs, their patients can now be assisted by automatic lift chairs. This helps them avoid getting fatigued and sore from carrying their patients.

Lift chairs come in different styles, colors and functionalities - and yes prices. At first sight, lift chairs will resemble normal upholstered chairs. They look like your typical sofa, recliner, or chair. Some even double as beds. If you are to buy such furniture, make sure you choose one that fits the needs of its user. If he or she is more comfortable with a recliner or chair, then by all means consider that style for him or her.

You should also consider the fabric for the lift chair you wish to purchase. Some patients have sensitive skin conditions. You should take this into consideration when choosing a lift chair. Leather might irritate some, while some might be irritated by fur. A good knowledge of your patient will assist your decision.

You should also consider the size and height of the chair. Its dimensions should match the needs of its user. When shopping for a lift chair, it is important to consider the size and height of the individual who will be using the chair. If it is too small the chair will be uncomfortable for the user. If it is too large, the user might feel the same way.

Consider also the weight of the user. Lift chairs can carry large loads but you must make sure the brand you choose can handle the weight of its user.

Lift chairs are usually plugged into your typical electric outlet. There are versions, however, that can operate on battery packs. This makes them convenient even in the event of a power black out.

There are also brands that have massage units and heating implements. If your patient needs these features, you can have them installed too.

For more great lift chair info and advice check out: http://www.weknowlifts.com

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