HARDWAREEXTRA of this due to the high usage – and sometimes misuse – they are subjected to . Good quality hardware is engineered for such environments , while cheaper hardware isn ’ t . Consequently , if you choose cheaper hardware , you may be replacing it more regularly and , so , incurring additional labour and purchasing costs .
THINK ADDED VALUE
It is often hard to see the added value a simple door handle or closer can carry , but the door hardware industry continually drives research and development to make products the best they can be for their users .
In today ’ s world , there are a variety of hidden benefits that well-designed door hardware can bring . For instance , door handles in healthcare facilities will often incorporate active anti-microbial agents to minimise germs spreading and prevent bacteria from growing . On the technology side , digital keyless access systems are also forever improving with smart technology to meet and exceed consumer expectations . A prime example of this are electromechanical exit devices , which marry with digital access control .
This smarter selection process yields costs savings from other areas that aren ’ t directly associated to facilities management too . For example , lessening the possibility of germs spreading in schools may lead to a lesser chance of cross-infection and contamination and , thus , less absenteeism amongst pupils and staff .
INCREASE YOUR KNOWLEDGE , BUY RIGHT THE FIRST TIME
Two of the biggest issues found in the “ Review of Education Capital ” by Sebastian James in April 2011 include a “ lack of expertise on the client side meant that there was little opportunity to improve building methods in order to lower costs over time ,” and “ procurement starts with a sum of money rather than with a specification .”
These two issues are stark representations of fundamental flaws that can be easily fixed , not just for the education sector , but across the entire spectrum of the door hardware purchasing process .
‘ there are a variety of hidden benefits that well-designed door hardware can bring ’
The key point is this : When decision makers lack expertise , they often rely on the installer or contractor , who may be working to their own benefit and picking products that are available from their local merchants or products that are on offer . Installers and contractors may also be recommending hardware they know and have historically used out of habit , as opposed to looking into other options that may improve the building or extend the lifespan of the product in question .
Procuring on a budget may also prove detrimental , as again a buyer is often blinded by cheap alternatives , rather than having an understanding of the right product at the right cost that could save money in the long term .
Consultation and collaboration with a specialist in door hardware during the specification stage is often the best method of protecting yourself against these situations .
FUTURE-PROOFING
Another area that must be on the agenda is the issue of future-proofing , especially because the landscape of the built environment is moving in tandem with electronics and digital access .
To maximise the value of your hardware in this respect , there should be a clear long-term plan of how your building will be used in the future , considering the needs of occupants and building and security managers .
One of the latest innovations in keyless access is the ability to be able to control doors remotely through internet-enabled devices . As one of the biggest revolutions to come into access control , it is one that can be particularly useful to universities , student campuses , hospitals and sports stadia . If your building stores and handles sensitive data , then it would be prudent to think about which systems you can upgrade to , plus expand and retrofit in future , with minimum fuss .
With a little planning and advice , both of which can be easily obtained from door hardware manufacturers and experts , your door hardware can start repaying you by being longer lasting and by providing better security , safety and functionality to your building occupants .
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