air quality represents the initial first impres-sion of any given restroom, implementing the proper products and cleaning frequency is only part of comprehensive air care. In conjunction with these measures, facil-ity managers should also employ consistent inventory management for continuous odor elimination. This can guarantee that the products are always in stock, minimizing customer dissat-isfaction while maximizing restroom appeal. Further, to reduce labor and expenses, many facilities managers use an inventory management service to ensure that the prop-er products are there when they are required. Neglecting to stock restrooms can have severe consequences, resulting in reduced sanitation and dramatically impacting cus-tomer satisfaction. For instance, according to research from Harris Interactive, as many as 65 percent of people admitted to being upset if an estab-lishment’s restrooms were out of essential products, while 17 percent claimed they would be unwilling to ever return after experi-encing such conditions. With facilities managers already plagued by a mounting list of responsibilities and various demands on their time and energy, maintaining restroom stock can quickly move to the bottom of any priority list. Therefore, implementing an inventory management service will provide the com-prehensive odor control tools necessary and maintain that supply. When crucial products run low or are com-pletely out of stock, restrooms can quickly become a breeding ground for germs and bacteria to form and multiply. By outsourcing product maintenance to an inventory management service, facilities managers minimize stress and workloads while still ensuring their facilities never lack crucial restroom products and supplies. An inventory management service will make regular site visits, monitor any and all inventory needs and replace any worn or depleted products — such as automatic air freshener cartridges or urinal screens — to guarantee quality and availability. Moving Forward Markets are more competitive than ever, and increasing employee satisfaction and cus-tomer retention are key strategies for achiev-ing continued productivity and profitability. The cleanliness of a facility’s restroom is a largely influential factor in maintaining cus-tomer and employee approval. By implementing the appropriate prod-ucts with dedicated inventory management, facilities managers can attack and eliminate odors at the source for consistent, effective odor control and prevention. By doing so, they can ultimately improve company reputation and profit growth oppor-tunities. CM Rick Ponthan is the director of customer marketing and catalog for AmeriPride Services Inc. In addi-tion to uniform and linen solutions, AmeriPride also offers mat and mop rental services as well as a complete restroom consumables program. To learn more about how AmeriPride can help keep your employees looking good, you facilities clean and your restrooms smelling fresh, visit www.AmeriPride.com. www.cmmonline.com 39
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