Fire & Life Safety Challenges: Better Can Be Simple

For too many businesses there has been a reliance on the familiar comfort of “we’ve always done it this way,” even when that approach delivers mediocre results. That mindset can be harmful because it presents no challenge to the status quo. Innovation isn’t about change for the sake of change; it’s about exploring and establishing new strategies to set improved standards, drive efficiency, and create better outcomes. By thinking and working differently, UMBRELLAONE helps our clients achieve heightened levels of success that the norm cannot reach.

The bidding process and program structure for multi-site Fire and Life Safety (FLS) has remained the same for years. Typically, a partial list of services covering routine inspections, testing and maintenance of the equipment and systems is presented using a la carte pricing. This traditional model has contributed to the commoditization of the FLS service industry. The theory is that it helps to create a level playing field and eliminate any nuances from vendor to vendor. In other words, with comparable pricing identified, as long as all the vendors carry similar credentials, your selection process is straightforward.

Now, if the goal was to create an efficient bidding process, then the mission is accomplished. But does this process best serve your FLS program in the future? Does it work to ensure budget accuracy or drive contractor accountability? Given this approach’s transactional nature, it indirectly alleviates the contractor from taking ownership of the safety and compliance of this system, as they are only called into action when the client issues a work order – a functional but far from optimal solution. It also creates a great deal of administrative time managing the program, including review and approving quotes, creating unnecessary work orders for deficiency corrections and delays repairs leading to needless compliance and liability risks.

UMBRELLAONE created an alternate path to manage these scaled FLS programs. It incorporates the same comprehensive range of services required to address all services and maintenance needs. That is where the similarities end. Our approach, The SIMPLE Plan, is an all-in-one pricing structure that works to ensure that the annual budget remains intact year-round. After an initial service to address any pre-existing deficiencies, our fixed monthly pricing covers all standard aspects of keeping your system operational and compliant. With few exceptions, The SIMPLE Plan eliminates surprise reactive services that instantly drive excess expenditures and budget variance. Ownership of the system’s performance and year-round compliance is on us. So, barring a few pre-identified conditions, reactive services are included in our fixed price, and your store’s equipment and budget are protected.

This is achieved by driving program efficiencies – not by driving up your cost. Its value has been proven and is being implemented by some of the largest brands in the marketplace today. Are you interested in learning if The SIMPLE Plan is a fit for your company’s FLS program? If so, it’s simple to find out, just give the FLS Team at UMBRELLAONE a call.