Retail companies operating in the modern
and fast paced retail environment have two key challenges when designing their
outlets. The first is to get the latest outlet open and ready to trade as
quickly as possible, whilst keeping the project cost under control. The second
factor is to ensure the optimum use of space in a way which maximises the
leasable areas but ensures that the retail brand is consistently served to
customers. These two challenges apply to new and existing outlets that require
continual updates and complete re-designs in most cases. The need to get the
outlet opened or re-opened quickly and the need to maximise space mean that the
design and design process needs to be more accurate than ever before. The use
of modern design tools, including BIM software options for retail provides many
advantages but the challenge is to ensure ample, skilled resources for the
detailed planning that is required in the modern outsourcing world. Large
retail firms typically have in-house architectural design teams; however, the
need to scale their operations without increasing direct overheads means that
many firms are increasingly looking to outsource some of the design process.
Where an in-house team is not in place, retailers typically use specialist
architectural and store design firms that also require the additional resource
that outsourcing can provide.
Deciding to use the services of an architectural CAD
outsourcing services provider into your workflow is a positive move to
drive profitability, cut delivery times, maintain retail design standards and
keep costs in check. However, it is very important to exercise due diligence
when selecting the most aligned offshore design support partner for retail
projects. Factors such as the complexity of the project involved, the elements
that are considered options for outsourcing and the core expertise of the partner
will have a bearing on the selection. The following provides guidelines that no
retailer can ignore:
1.
Domain experience and track record
The importance of evaluating the core areas
in which the outsourcing partner specialises cannot be emphasised enough. For
instance, if the client's design team seeks expertise in CAD design support for
retail extension, refurbishment and upgrade projects for a fast food restaurant
chain, it is best to select an offshore CAD team which
has a track record of working on similar projects. Besides project expertise,
the offshore provider should have expertise on the software platforms used by
the client team to deliver schematics, concepts, detailed designs and
construction documentation to facilitate seamless collaboration and
interoperability.
2.
Compatibility with your in-house design team
The cultural fit between the client's
in-house design team and the outsourcing team is a vital factor that can make
the client/vendor partnership successful. Both the in-house and offshore teams
need to be on the same page on aspects concerning CAD/BIM design standards,
project workflow, brand direction, sustainability objectives, project goals and
time schedules. The best way to ensure team compatibility is to ensure that
face to face meetings take place - especially at the pre-selection stage. Such
meetings should include a formal and informal get-together so that the business
culture and the social culture can be evaluated by the retailer/retail design
team. By taking the opportunity to meet the partner at their own location, the
retailer/retail design team can review a number of technical and non-technical
elements. However, the opportunity to meet the management and design team, that
will in effect become an extension of the retailer's team, is the most
important aspect of the face-to-face meeting. Indeed, as well as the initial
face-to-face meeting, the most successful partnerships also involve continual
face to face meetings as part of the ongoing governance of the partnership.
3.
Technical expertise with requisite tools and processes
To serve as a reliable retail design
extension to the in-house team, the vendor should have a team of technically
proficient resources as well as well-established work processes and quality
control procedures with quality accreditations (such as ISO9001:2008 quality
control standards) in place. Again it is advisable to visit the partner/vendor
and see their team and their processes in person. This will provide a clear
picture of whether the firm has a diverse mix of architects, design consultants
and project management professionals that have an in-depth knowledge of modern
CAD and BIM tools (such as AutoCAD, Revit and Navisworks) and if they can
handle your quality and time expectations. It is also very important to assess
the relationships that such partners hold with key software resellers. For
instance how does the partner purchase software from Autodesk and is the
software purchased with subscriptions.
4.
Communication tools and methods
Evaluating whether the outsourced CAD services
provider has systematic processes and protocols for day-to-day communications,
file sharing, query resolution and quality control is critical to a fruitful
partnership. Having virtual collaboration tools in place indicates that the
firm is available for continuous interfacing with your design team. Also
important is the cultural and linguistic fit so that the offshore support team
is not just ready but also aware of the discussions and resolutions whenever
the need arises. Communications tools, frequency, modes and timing are all
important elements to consider. It is the underlying communication culture of a
partner and his employees that will dictate the flexibility of team members to
discuss their issues openly and honestly with your own in-house design teams.
It is very important for example that partners understand and respond to your
own culture when it comes to communication. For example, communicating
potential delays very early on in the process is not something that some
cultures understand while others will just not be ready to say 'No' to a
request which is impossible to deliver upon.
5.
Local market presence
The availability of local contacts for an
outsourcing partner is an important consideration. Although not always
possible, the availability of a local partner (in the retailer's own region)
provides additional benefits, such as a standard time zone, local contacts and
local insurance requirements being met if needed. The local contact can also
facilitate the process of project start up, ongoing project management and
regular communication. In cases where outsourcing is new to a retailer/retail
design team, this level of local support may be useful when selecting a retail
design outsourcing partner.
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