The Balancing Act
13 Tips to Balance Craftsmanship & Efficiency
At Penmarc Inspired Spaces, superior craftsmanship is the name of the game. But a job well done requires more than just masterful handywork; installers must learn to strike a balance between their craft and time-sensitive projects. After all, punctuality is critical in the business of customer service.
Unfortunately, achieving this perfect harmony between efficacy and efficiency is no easy task. Even the most skilled technicians struggle to apply this concept in their daily work. But, not to worry. We’ve compiled a comprehensive list of tips and tricks to ensure flawless installations at an efficient pace.
1. Show up on time.
As the old adage goes, “If you’re early, you’re on time. If you’re on time, you’re late.” Arrive at the job site at least 10 minutes ahead of schedule, so you can get right down to business.
2. Plan for weather and traffic.
Always be prepared for inclement weather or possible traffic delays. If you’re anticipating hazardous or hectic driving conditions, leave yourself enough time to safely travel to your next job.
3. Review your schedule twice a day.
Under the current circumstances of COVID-19, job schedules are frequently shifting. We recommend you check your schedule at least once in the morning (before 8 a.m.) and once in the evening (after 6 p.m.). This way you’re always in the right place at the right time.
4. Review designs beforehand.
Before you arrive at the job site, save time by familiarizing yourself with installation designs in Cruxos. In doing so, you can hit the ground running without wasting a moment.
5. Come prepared.
Always make sure you bring the correct tools for the job. But, if you’re ever in a bind with equipment, reach out to your Market Manager for assistance. It’s better to wait for the proper tools to arrive, than to make do with what you have. In the long run, this will save you time and energy.
6. Effectively communicate with customers.
Once you arrive at the customer’s home, establish communication with a positive introduction. This will make for a smoother installation process, and likely help reduce follow-up calls or visits.
7. Set time limits.
Establish time frames in which you’d like to complete specific tasks. These miniature goals will help motivate you and keep the installation on schedule.
8. Complete Cruxos tasks in real time.
Accurately recording tasks as you complete them keeps customers up to date on your progress. Much like effective verbal communication, this will also help mitigate follow-up inquiries from customers.
9. Never cut corners.
Don’t confuse efficiency for a rushed job. If you cut corners or neglect craftsmanship for the sake of speed, you’ll likely be summoned back for customer follow ups and service orders.
10. Utilize "dry time."
After you’ve completed the demolition, patching, and painting processes, you’ll have to wait for the surfaces to dry before you begin the installation. Utilize this time to unpackage and organize your materials.
12. Use "snips" on standard covers.
Make sure you always have sharps “snips” for cutting standard covers. This will save you valuable time and energy, as well as preserve your hands.
11. Remove stickers all at once.
One of the most time-consuming aspects of an installation is removing the stickers from brackets and bracket covers. However, you can expedite this process if you align these items and use a plastic flat edge to remove the stickers all at once, as opposed to one by one.
13. Keep you workspace clean.
Clean your workspace as you go in order to avoid unnecessary clutter and a major cleanup job at the end of your installation. A great way to do this is to use empty packaging boxes to collect trash.