Sourcing

With the global economic recession just leaving our shores, hotel and serviced apartment operators are increasingly looking to their key management team to make intelligent decisions when it comes to Furniture, Fixtures & Equipment (FF&E) procurement - especially in terms of longevity of investment and sourcing arrangements. Many years ago, restrictive sourcing arrangements or lock-in decade-long engagements would take place - however, with the advent of agile sourcing techniques and JIT manufacturing, the FF&E environment is changing. Quality sourcing companies now partner FF&E managers - producing better results, better value for money - while allowing management teams to focus on core business - the Guests!

Intelligent sourcing, as opposed to shot-gun sourcing, ensures standards are met, compliance documentation is in place, and project risk is minimised.

More recently, with the GFC finally behind us, we are seeing management trying to economise - both in terms of procurement as well as staffing. Putting more pressure on existing payroll resources. The capital budgets of many hotels and apartments have also been reduced in line with more sober expectations on tourism. However, interestingly, the hotels with quality fitout and quality service to match are seeing a significant upturn in 2010. Those that have allowed their facilities to fall into neglect, are showing the expected concern. The messages around working with a professional project team to ensure you get "more for less" returns more true than ever!

Before embarking on your FF&E project, make sure you consider the following:

• What is your time worth?
• Do you have a team in house that can handle your procurement, ordering, installation and vendor management? Or should they be focussed on running the business?

• Do you have a solid base of reliable, trusted vendors, manufacturers and factories that can supply what you need directly?
• How familiar are you with Australian or international standards?
• Do you have an FF&E sourcing company you are already working with?

The furniture, fixtures and equipment industry is unique in that it requires expertise in furniture, standards, standards, safety, logistics, freight and many other areas. It's not as simple as just visiting a factory and having something delivered. Getting the right mix, designs, and eliminating issues and risk are key to ensuring you have a successful project. QFlow coordinates and works with our own factories and external sourced manufacturers to ensure we get it right for you every time. We take ownership of the project with design, project management, manufacture, logistics and delivery to your door. This way there's only one point of contact.

We all know that allowing a project to go off the rails can be a development nightmare - Careful planning, cost analysis and manufacture experience are critical to minimising risk. QFlow has this experience and looks forward to partnering you for your company's long term success.