Executive Housekeeping Today - September 2008 - (Page 11)

How The Cleaning Industry Management Standard (CIMS) was introduced by ISSA several years ago, and was created by a consensus-based group of professionals in and outside of our industry. I believe that everyone would agree that our industry could benefit from a bit more professionalism, and CIMS brings that theory to reality. The committee took on the task to not only address the issue of professionalism in the cleaning industry, but also to find a way to certify professionalism by using an independent, third-party assessor from the offices of ISSA. The standard requires, recommends, and suggests ways to professionalize your facility, and that’s as simple as it gets. Trained I.C.E. (ISSA Certified Experts) members get you ready for the ISSA assessor visit, who will then certify your organization. It took about two years and countless meetings for the committee to produce the final standard. Although the tipping point for CIMS has not been reached as of yet in our industry, it will not be long before you will be recognized for not being CIMS certified. Remember when Green Seal and microfiber were the unknowns at the trade shows? No matter whether you are an in-house service provider or a cleaning contractor, CIMS can be a benefit to you. The program brings a way of proving, through independent certification, that a housekeeping department is professional. For a cleaning contractor, it can distinguish a company from their competition. For both t by Vince Fagan Relates to You and environmental stewardship; and management commitment: 1. Quality systems covers how to continually improve your operation. By having a well-thought-out service plan that is documented and updated, your customers will take notice and appreciate a proactive approach to the business relationship. A written quality plan sends the message to the staff of what is expected. Then, by adding measurement tools, management can track the effectiveness of the service plan. 2. A service delivery plan demonstrates how plans were created by using work loading, budgeting, and showing staffing and emergency plans, etc. Purchasing procedures are also included in the service delivery plan and show how the contract cleaner, or in-house service provider, follows a certain purchasing procedure. The plan also shows how decisions are made using a set of established criteria. Also, inventory management of supplies and equipment is documented, which helps the executive (continued on page 20) in-house service providers and contractors, CIMS proves to others that your facility or company has a measurable means of continuous improvement. You may be wondering how many organizations have been certified? When you visit the ISSA Web site, at www.issa.com, you will notice major contract cleaners, schools, and in-house service providers, including the University of Michigan—who happened to be the first organization ever to be CIMS certified. When asked about their motivation to become certified, they replied, “The CIMS certification process was certainly an informative and positive experience,” says John Lawter, Plant Building & Ground Services Associate Director. “It reinforced our beliefs in what we feel we are doing right, as well as identified areas for improvement.” Executive housekeeping managers can benefit from the CIMS standard because it measures quality in five different ways— quality systems; service delivery; human resources; health, safety Chase Products Company, a leading manufacturer of cleaners, insecticides, and other aerosol products, introduced its line of Champion Wipe On™ premoistened manufactured cloth wipes in 2007. Now the Broadview, IL, company is rounding out its offerings with the new Champion Spray-on™ concentrated liquid cleaners. The quart- and gallon-sized products meet Green Seal™ environmental standards. For more information, contact Judith Albazi, President, at judy.albazi@chaseproducts.com, or visit www.chaseproducts.com September 2008/Executive Housekeeping Today http://www.issa.com http://www.chaseproducts.com

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Executive Housekeeping Today - September 2008

Executive Housekeeping Today - September 2008 Contents Executive Corner 2008 Salary Survey Results Strengthening Worker Safety in a High Throughput Laundry Frugal Housekeeper How CIMS Relates to You Feature Article The Green Scene The Un-Comfort Zone: What's Pushing Your Buttons? Inside the Industry Product Highlights New Members Joint IEHA/ISSA Members Advertisers’ Index Calendar of Events Inside I.E.H.A. What I.E.H.A. Has Done For Me

Executive Housekeeping Today - September 2008

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