Rick has adapted quickly to his new position, employing his fantastic attention to detail and empathy for customers. He’s already earned high praise from customer/owners. In this blog entry, Rick addresses three elements of project management that could help your new build or remodel stay on schedule and within budget…with minimal disruption.
Clearpath’s executive team
Rick DeKarske is the new Project Coordinator at ClearPath Connections. His extensive resume includes operations and project/security management at a large Wisconsin Health System. On the technical side, he’s implemented keying & locking systems, security technologies and emergency management ops.
Building and/or Remodeling Success in the Senior Living Environment
Tip #1: The sooner the ClearPath Connections team is at the planning table, the better the outcome.
We at Clearpath Connections view the relationship with our clients as a true partnership. Our team will bring years of technical expertise within the senior living environment to the planning table that includes nurse call, wander management, access control and video surveillance systems. The ClearPath Team also has the resources to find the answers to questions beyond our own expertise.
With that knowledge and expertise, we can identify:
· Foreseeable risks such as gaps in the perimeter protection that could allow external intrusions or a resident to wander off undetected
· Schedule and lead time issues
· Issues or conflicts with integrations between our technologies and proposed door hardware as well as our technologies and owner-provided technologies
· Potential concerns of state and local inspectors
Tip # 2: Project Documents and File Sharing – get it coordinated asap
Projects, regardless of scope, size, and duration, need a single repository for documents such as architectural and life safety plans, bid specs, meeting schedules and minutes, plan submittals, and shop drawings. The single repository provides all project participants access to the most current documents.
How nice would it be to not have to worry about organizing the multitude of documents for a project?
For large projects the general contractor typically provides a web portal through software programs, commonly Procore, E-Builder, Proforma and Textura. From my years in the owner’s seat at the table, these web portals were great because the file structure was similar to the file explorer on a PC and it made for easy navigation within the portal. These web portals also generate automatic notifications whenever new documents are uploaded to the site. For smaller projects where there isn’t a general contractor, the single repository can be achieved by using cloud services such as Apple, Google, Dropbox, etc.
Tip # 3: Site Requirements – consider safety and convenience
As the project PM, I want to make sure that our ClearPath technicians are as prepared as they can be to work at your site. Our goal is to provide a safe and efficient implementation while respecting your residents and their space. After all, we are working in your residents’ homes! In addition to reminding technicians not to leave tools, ladders, and work carts unsecure, I complete and share a checklist with our technicians prior to going onsite. To complete the checklist, I always schedule a conference call or in-person meeting with your team. One of the more important parts of that checklist are the site requirements:
· What are the badging and ID requirements?
· Where and with whom do the technicians check in?
· What are the current COVID and Infection Prevention Protocols?
· Where should our technicians stage equipment, tools, ladders, etc.?
· Where should our technicians park?
· What are the work hours? Are there quiet hours for prayer or reflection?
· Is there a space for conducting staff training with network connectivity, overhead projection, and adequate seating for about 12 people?