Crafting RFPs for Systems Furniture

When doing the homework prior to furnishing new,installation and later MACs. Load-bearing panel frames
renovated or expanded workplaces with systemsshould be capable of handling walls from 30 inches to
furniture, office designers and facility managers find14 feet in height. Increasing or decreasing the height
they are both blessed and cursed with vendorshould be accomplished without removing existing
choices.panel frames or disturbing power, voice and data
“Doing a ‘systems furniture’ search willcabling.
yield a daunting number of returns,” says MarkKnockdown and ready-to-assemble (RTA) framing
Bassil, vice president and co-founder of MAiSPACE, acomponents equipped with self-leveling connections
Mt. Olive NJ-based manufacturer of modular officesimplify moving elements into and throughout the
furniture systems. “On the blessing side there isbuilding. This reduces assembly costs and the number
the cornucopia of choice, but on the curse side isof framing components required. Panel segments
choosing the right vendor from this abundance.”should be constructed from 24-gauge steel for
Office furniture dealers may represent one or moreexceptional durability and effective sound dampening.
manufacturers. While a dealer should work towardVoice, Data and Power Cabling
the best interest of a client, dealers are human andBe clear on what you need in terms of bringing
may tend to favor a certain manufacturer, lettinginformation to the workstation and supporting a
that influence a recommendation, Bassil says.collaborative work environment. Complex or poorly
“That’s why systems furniture purchasesdesigned cabling systems provide an unwanted and
should be made based on a sound knowledge ofunnecessary impediment to new installations and
manufacturers.”reconfigurations.
By reviewing manufacturers’ websites andA point of comparison is the MAiSPACE patented
studying literature, purchasers can educatezone distribution system, which includes plug-and-play
themselves on the many details that go intoconnectors and the largest cable capacity in the
constructing modular office furniture systems as wellindustry. Cable runs are laid in behind lift-off panel
as the support services manufacturers and dealerssegments, not bundled and fished through structural
provide the customer. “Coupling this knowledgeelements. This reduces office reconfiguration time
with the objectives of the workplace project will helpfrom days to hours without disrupting the entire
to define the project in detail,” Bassil says.network, and can be accomplished by in-house
“This information will guide the crafting of thepersonnel with a minimum of training.
RFP (request for proposals) to send to dealers andErgonomics
distributors.”Workstations must be ergonomically correct for
Having done their homework buyers are in a positionworker comfort. Furniture should allow users to
to negotiate on virtually every aspect of the job.create a comfortable personal environment through
“An informed buyer is a buyer in the driver’spanel-hung components adjustable at 1- inch
seat,” Bassil says.increments, flexible orientation for the workstation,
Points to Consider for the RFPheight adjustable keyboard trays, ergonomically
Every project has a budget and meeting the budgetcorrect seating and curvilinear work surfaces with
bogey has high priority. “While RFPs will containcascade edges.
details on what is expected of the vendor,Design Services
purchasers should know at the outset that highVendors should provide a professional design team to
quality does not automatically mean high costs,”produce the best and most cost-effective layout.
Bassil says. “For example, MAiSPACE wasMAiSPACE designers understand facility issues and
established in 1993 based on a new approach touse AutoCAD and GIZA specifying software to
designing, manufacturing and delivering modular officeachieve furniture and floor plans that are virtually
furniture systems. Because of this our prices are asfault free. Related to this are accurate detailed
much as 40% below those of some of thespecifications, product lists and installation drawings.
best-known names in the contract furniture industry.Aesthetics
This,” he says, “represents the first cost ofAesthetics is a necessity if companies are to attract
the system, and in our case is not conditioned on theand retain qualified personnel. Look for a broad range
number of units purchased.”of colors, textures and finishes that add class and a
Armed with this knowledge, buyers can turn theirpleasant ambiance to the entire office. Examples are
attention to other buying criteria. “Many of thesepanel segment options such as laminate, Coverseal,
criteria will determine the lifetime cost of thewood grain, painted metal, embossed and brushed
installation,” Bassil says, offering the followingstainless steel, airflow, glass and fabrics in several
checkpoints.options, tackable/acoustical tiles, power/data tiles,
Constructionmarker board and paper management. Seating,
“Industry statistics prove that office floor planstables, shelving and storage systems should
and requirements change over time,” Bassil says.complement the overall office design.
“Moves, adds and changes (MACs) call forGuarantees and Warranties
modular products that do it easily without sacrificingVendors should provide lifetime guarantees and
structural soundness or having to buy new partswarranties against obsolescence.
after modifications are made.”will help business owners and operators make smart
Look for a 3 ½ inch wide frame constructed ofchoices in Systems Furniture and Office Cubicles for
16-gauge cold-rolled steel to provide strength andtheir offices. Find Out More About Crafting RFPs for
rigidity, allowing it to remain distortion-free duringSystems Furniture.