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BU's consultant is assisting the Maintenance and Operations department to implement Smart Inspect System, which is a quick spot check of specific areas, such as main entrances, that are done weekly or monthly. done at night, our customers didn't see the person behind the labor," he observes. "It not only helps to have our customers see us, it also helps us to see our customers." One great benefit to second shift custodial services is the ability to police restrooms and public areas before the evening's round of academic classes. DIEGO.CERVO/DREAMSTIME.COM Getting a Little Help BU recently contracted with a fi rm to evaluate its efficiency and effectiveness in terms of methods and equipment. The fi rm produced run sheets that indicate such items as how many employees and repetitions are needed based on square footage. It has helped with fi nances, hiring, and putting new buildings online. "We work in the state system where money is tight," Gowe explains. "We need to justify money and jobs. By using a professional to tell us on paper exactly what we need to do and how many people we need to do it, we're justifying what we do." Justifying what you do also helps in staving off the outside competition that is more than willing to do your job for you. "We're always fighting against that," says Wormwood. "If it happened, I don't think the ownership would be present. So we work to provide a service the University can be proud of and is worth the value provided." BU's consultant is assisting the Maintenance and Operations department to implement Smart Inspect System, which is a quick spot check of specific areas, such as main entrances, that are done weekly or monthly. The inspection information is logged in from an iPad or iPhone. "In effect, we're grading ourselves," says Gowe. "Soon we'll have an app so our customers can grade us as well." Speaking of Grading Yourself Not resting on your laurels, operating efficiently, getting help when needed, and evaluating yourself are excellent tools. Still, how can Gowe and Wormwood be sure the job is well done and the customer is satisfied? Well, for starters, Gowe understands that BU isn't the consultant's only client, so he relies on the consultant to tell him where the department is and where it should be compared to national averages. Clearly, statistics offer some comfort. Also, both men ask their customers to grade them. "We ask them to lay it on the line for us," says Gowe. "We learn from those who are harshest on us, and we try to accommodate everyone." GREASE WILL CEASE. Grease can accumulate in quarry tile and grout, causing slipping. In fact, slips are the #1 accident in the food service industry.1 Clorox® Professional Floor Cleaner and Degreaser Concentrate lifts out grease without harsh chemicals like butyl cellosolve and caustic — giving you a grip on the situation. SMART and TOUGH Find more cafeteria solutions at Cloroxprofessional.com © 2013 Clorox Professional Products Company. 1. Busche, Linda. "Slip and Fall Claims Lead the List of Restaurant General Liability Insurance Claims." Restaurant Insurance Corporation, December 6, 2004. NI-20373 MARCH 2013 / COLLEGE PLANNING & MANAGEMENT 51