Furniture Standards for Students and Staff

By: Lisa Thompson CPMLisath@spokaneschools.orgSpokane Public SchoolsBuyer IISETTING STANDARDS FOR FURNITURE/EQUIPMENT

Where to begin setting FF&E standards?

Form a committee to include:

End user representationPurchasingOther departmentsSafetyMaintenanceTechnology

Meet with your customersDetermine needs/wants

SpaceStyleUsesQuantitySize Functionality

Invite vendors to demonstrate and have aTrade Show before the committee

What is a Trade Show: is an exhibition organized so that companies in a specific industry can showcase and demonstrate their latest products and service.

Let the vendors know what your needs are:

SpecificationsEstimated QuantitiesWarrantiesSupply best pricing for Quantities* Ask this expecting to access contracts for purchasingContracts available

Final Evaluation

Committee feedbackWas needed specifications met?Did it meet desired functionality?PricingPurchasing contracts to accessIs the preferred furniture/equipment within budget?

Lessons LearnedGlidesPanel SystemsMock-ups/Demo CastersField MeasurementsArms versus ArmlessLocksLaminates

GlidesMake sure to get the correct glide for the floor

Panel Systems If connecting Data/Electrical, make sure meet code Easy access Replacement ease

Mock-Ups/Demo ModelsMake sure the mock-up is what is really installedDemo equipment function differently than was presented to committee

Casterssoft or hard?Soft casters for vinyl, VCT or hard wood floorHard casters for carpet

Field Measure!!

Arms versus armless on chairsPeople come in different sizesErgonomicsPreference

Locks and KeysSet standards to be consistent and always have master set with designated person

LaminatesMake sure your choice will work in the environment it is in.

Things to Consider

Standards are not carved in stone.

Setting standards are good but be careful of exclusivity.

Have resolve to stick or be flexible with standards

Be consistent