Restaurants, hotels, co-living, nurseries, all are concerned with a subject that is often unknown to their business: the management of their furniture and equipment, small and large (what is classically called FF&E).
Controlling this FF&E logistics often represents a major challenge, with transport, storage and installation challenges. Ignoring these aspects can damage the brand image of places that welcome the public, and therefore can damage the customer experience.
But solutions do exist! In this article, discover how to overcome these obstacles and optimize your FF&E logistics to open and maintain an establishment with less operational constraints.
FF&E: keys to successful logistics
What is FF&E?
FF&E, for Furniture, Fixtures, and Equipment (furniture, fixtures and equipment in French) includes the following elements:
- Furniture (furniture) for tables, chairs, beds, sofas and overall all major decorative and furnishing elements
- Fixtures (fixtures) for fixtures, shelves, curtains;
- and Equipment (equipment) for household appliances, audiovisual systems and computer hardware.
These items do not include real estate assets like toilets, faucets, windows, built-in furniture, office supplies, and consumables.
FF&E and OS&E: what are the differences?
In the CHR sector (cafes, hotels, restaurants), OS&E (Operating Supplies and Equipment) corresponds the supplies and equipment necessary for the proper functioning of the establishments, ranging from dishes to household linen, including bedroom items, cleaning products, etc.
These two types of products lead to two different logistics methods, in their nature and their use. While FF&E product logistics is designed for the long term for companies around the opening and maintenance of new spaces, product logistics OS&E is the armed wing of the daily functioning of establishments open to the public.
The importance of managing your equipment and furniture with foresight and precision.
The logistical management of furniture and equipment, both for the opening of a new space and for the maintenance of a network of locations, represents a significant challenge for companies in these sectors.
Meeting the challenges of FF&E logistics
Transport, storage, installation: so many steps that can waste your time. Collaborating with third party companies reduces your deadlines. In fact, transporting furniture and equipment requires careful planning to avoid delays and damage.
This organization often remains time-consuming, between the procedures for ordering, transporting, coordinating and choosing storage space for goods. The latter must be adapted, in order to preserve the integrity of your assets, while a professional installation guarantees a quick and smooth installation.
In addition, you need to ensure a smooth interaction between carriers, the installation service and the one responsible for shipments, which involves coordinating the work of numerous people, a task that is complex to manage.
To simplify this complex management, Stockoss is positioned as your single point of contact for the transport, storage and handling of your furniture and equipment. By centralizing these services, Stockoss reduces the need for multiple coordination and minimizes the risks of miscommunication. You benefit from smooth and integrated management, ensuring that each stage of FF&E logistics is managed professionally and efficiently.
Improve your customer experience and brand image
A harmonious and functional layout contributes to creating a welcoming and comfortable environment. Your customer gets an idea of your establishment at first glance. Thinking about FF&E logistics in advance makes it possible to offer a sustainable brand image. It is a reliable way to retain your customers and attract new visitors.
FF&E logistics and second-hand products: the new headache.
This will not have escaped you: more and more places are choosing to stand out with an original decoration that has never been seen before. At the same time, the new owners of places such as restaurants and hotels are more than before. aware of the ecological impact of their opening of premises. As a result, more and more creators, architects and decorators are turning to vintage, second-hand and second-hand furniture and objects. These products are the guarantee of a unique environment, but also of better control of the costs and environmental impacts of a place.
But these products also mean greater logistical complexity: multiple suppliers, absence of bar codes on products, product conditions varied and difficult to catalog... In short, if FF&E logistics is complex, FF&E logistics for second-hand products is a guaranteed headache...
Furniture and equipment logistics: the impact on the various sectors
A winning duo in the hotel sector
In The hotel sector, FF&E logistics is not an option, but an obligation. Once you've purchased your property, you can't start earning money directly from it; you have to arrange, furnish, and choose furniture. Careful layout and impeccable furniture installation create a welcoming and comfortable environment for customers, as they pay for this service. By optimizing their comfort and by anticipating their needs, you ensure a reputation for quality.
Optimizing your restaurant service
A smart, ergonomic furniture layout improves workflow and server efficiency, reducing wait times for customers. In addition, effective logistics management makes it possible to quickly replace faulty equipment.
So, as explained Alice Guillemin, F&B manager at The Nouvelle Garde group, which has nearly 8 breweries in Paris and one in Lille, the use of Stockoss allowed him to save around 5 hours per week, in particular by eliminating the need for direct coordination with carriers.
The transformation of your workspaces
In workspaces, numerous studies prove that the layout of the premises directly influences the productivity and well-being of employees. Adapted FF&E logistics will allow you to set up (or modify) your workspaces more quickly.
Strategies to put in place for effective FF&E logistics
- Plan
Planning your furniture logistics, expansion or the logistics of opening a store is the first step.. Be sure to anticipate furniture and equipment needs, as well as delivery and installation times. This organization allows you to coordinate the various stakeholders and ensure that everything is ready in time for the opening or renovation of your establishment. Finally, this approach minimizes the risks of delay and additional costs.
- Budget
The second essential step, Establishing a precise budget for the purchase, transport, storage and installation of equipment allows you to control costs and avoid unexpected expenses. You should include comparing supplier offers, negotiating prices, and forecasting potential additional costs. By keeping an eye on your budget, you can effectively allocate your financial resources and ensure that your project remains profitable.
- Choose the right partner to make your daily life easier
To save time, it is possible to delegate these time-consuming tasks. Stockoss aims to be an innovative platform in B2B logistics thanks to optimized management of stocks and logistics flows.
Our aim? You are providing a solution to a major challenge: the complexity of logistics management, especially in the context of the opening and maintenance of establishmentswelcoming the public. By providing real-time visibility and simplifying the entire process of The supply chain, our objective is to make your daily life easier thanks to our complete solution:
- intuitive stock and flow management software (OMS) to facilitate your orders and their transport
- real-time management of your inventory
- a large network of warehouses and partner carriers
- a white glove service with the responsibility of assembling, disassembling and cleaning your premises
- and our expert and dedicated customer service, guaranteeing personalized and effective support at each stage of the process.
And the second hand in all this?
Well with Stockoss, it's finally easy! Each product is bar-coded individually. Better still, it is photographed (up to 3 photos per product) and its condition is specified! In short, the Stockoss tool is an unparalleled weapon for this type of products and furniture, which will allow your architects and planners to save time and visibility on stocks.
Managing these elements effectively can transform the customer experience, improve operational efficiency, and strengthen brand image. You can ensure your long-term success by getting in touch with a Stockoss expert.
At the heart of gastronomic dynamism, Nouvelle Garde is distinguished by its expanding network of breweries. Faced with the logistical challenges inherent to this growth, the collaboration with Stockoss, an innovative logistics facilitator, marks a strategic turning point.
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