{"id":159,"date":"2014-08-02T19:58:30","date_gmt":"2014-08-02T19:58:30","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.ferguson-cox.com\/?page_id=159"},"modified":"2019-09-02T15:57:59","modified_gmt":"2019-09-02T15:57:59","slug":"our-process","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.ferguson-cox.com\/our-process\/","title":{"rendered":"Our Process"},"content":{"rendered":"

Organizational Approach<\/h2>\n

At the commencement of a project, Ferguson Cox Associates clearly defines the project requirements, preliminary budget, human resource issues, furniture management team structure and, as appropriate, clarifies the project responsibilities of other consultants.<\/p>\n

A framework is established for information exchange and interaction with the Client, Architect and other team members together with the appropriate authorizations and approval procedures.<\/p>\n

The Client will identify a representative to provide a single point of contact to ensure clear channels of communication. Project information will be organized in summary format to facilitate decision-making, with the appropriate supporting detail required for auditing purposes. Report formats will be established at the onset of the project.<\/p>\n

Ferguson Cox Associates institutes and sets the agenda for regularly scheduled “furniture” meeting with the Client. Meeting minutes, an Open Items List and Status Reports are used to monitor work in progress and to keep the team informed.<\/p>\n

Technology<\/h2>\n

Project Data is managed by FACTS (Furniture Asset Computer Tracking System), a proprietary relational database, developed by Ferguson Cox Associates. The database is built on open standards, and can be integrated or customized with ease.<\/p>\n

FACTS tracks furniture data throughout the entire project lifecycle. FACTS reports are robust and instantly updateable, allowing real-time distribution of project-critical data via email or fax.<\/p>\n

FACTS provide powerful and unique financial reporting as well. Costs can be allocated by any grouping the client desires, whether it by cost center, building, floor, or individual item. Using FACTS dynamic cost allocation feature, a furniture item\u2019s final cost can include shipping, warehousing, and installation.<\/p>\n

From budgeting to specification, bidding, and ordering, FACTS provides an integrated environment that allows project managers access to vital information when they need it.<\/p>\n

Budget<\/h2>\n

Goal: To establish an accurate, realistic magnitude of cost estimate and to ensure that furniture expenditures are commensurate with value and the Client’s facilities goals. Ferguson Cox Associates\u2019 budget also provides an appropriate allocation of spending and guides the Client and other team members in monitoring costs. It establishes realistic spending guidelines against which cost savings generated by Ferguson Cox Associates can be measured. Ferguson Cox Associates\u2019 budget document is comprehensive to anticipate and capture all costs on a line-by-line basis.<\/p>\n

Methodology: Ferguson Cox Associates establishes budget parameters through assigning finite dollar allocations by category of furniture type. These allocations are based upon the interpretation of design intent, as reflected in the architect’s furniture plans and preliminary office typicals. Ferguson Cox Associates will validate any items for which the architect has provided specific allocations.<\/p>\n

Included in Ferguson Cox Associates\u2019 budget are allowances for items such as attic stock and refinishing plus a contingency for user revisions and field conditions. Preliminary pricing is gathered as manufacturers are evaluated in preparation for the mock-up selection process. List prices and preliminary discounts based upon projected quantities for purchase are used to further refine the budget document.<\/p>\n

The financial analysis to determine the appropriate level of existing furniture re-use takes into account estimated costs associated with refurbishing as well as the logistical considerations that may necessitate the rental of temporary furniture.<\/p>\n

Deliverables: Furniture and Furnishings Estimate, Room Type Cost Report, Comparative Budget Report, and Executive Budget Summary<\/p>\n

Schedule<\/h2>\n

Goal: To provide a dynamic project tool that establishes key benchmark deadlines for all furniture management activities, including decisions and approvals. The schedule is the monitoring instrument ensuring that all tasks are accurately accounted for, so that ordering and delivery proceed on time to meet the Client move-in date and that on-time payments are maintained. The schedule takes into account revisions that will occur after orders are entered.<\/p>\n

Methodology: Ferguson Cox Associates will prepare and maintain for the life of the project a Furniture Management Master Schedule document with critical dates and activities. This document charts the overall furniture delivery and installation process. All parties review it so that consensus is achieved between the Client, Architect, construction manager and technology team.
\nThe Furniture Management Master Schedule takes into consideration the following activities of other team members whose work precedes and impacts Ferguson Cox Associates\u2019, so that risks to the furniture management process may be realistically assessed and managed:<\/p>\n