How to Become a Hidden Cost Hero

What is a Hidden Cost?

Hidden Cost – “Expense not normally included in the purchase price of a product or service, such as maintenance, supplies, training and upgrades.” – Businessdictionary.com

In Other Words :

• Using the wrong product

• Using the right product the wrong way

• Not maintaining the product properly

• Not automating people and processes

Hidden Costs are a BIG deal…They make your business less profitable!

The good news is, hidden costs are easy to find when you think like a

Hidden Cost Hero.

Hidden Cost Heroes Save:

Time Labor Money

The Mindset

A hidden cost hero is always evolving in their efforts to increase business efficiency. They seek to:

Save Time

Save Labor

Save Money

Create a Great Business Image

Most importantly, they continually strive to improve.

How to Control Hidden Costs

To Cut Hidden Costs, use the

HC Decimation Equation.

+ Better Product/Process

– Hidden Costs

+ Proper Maintenance and Quality Control

= Calculated Cost Control

Where to Look

Up, down, and everywhere in-between. Attention to detail is a Hidden Cost Hero’s greatest asset.

3 Areas to Check:

Lobby Supply Closet Restroom

Can You Find the Hidden Costs?

Hidden Costs Revealed

HC Decimation Equation

+ Led Light Bulbs

+ Proper Matting

– Fluorescent Light Bulbs

+ Set Lighting Timers to Save Electricity

+ Clean Matting Properly and Routinely

= Energy savings: lower utility costs

= Enhanced image: cleaner floors, quality lighting

= Efficiency: proper matting installation and care means less time/labor spent on floor care maintenance

Can You Find the Hidden Costs?

Hidden Costs Revealed

HC Decimation Equation+ Foam Soap

– Manual Soap

+ Paper Hand Towels and Dispenser

– Air Hand Dryers+ Set Appropriate Foam Doses For Your Facility

+ Install Dispensers at Correct Height

= Product savings: more effective clean with less product

= Water savings: reduced lather times

= Energy savings: switching to hand towels saves energy

= Labor/product savings: less “wet mess” to clean up after

= Less waste: properly installed dispensers

Can You Find the Hidden Costs?

Hidden Costs Revealed

HC Decimation Equation

+ Dilution Control Systems

– Redundant Chemical Inventory

+ Educate Employees About the Correct Dilutions

= Added storage space

= Labor savings: correct dilutions require significantly less labor to achieve the desired cleaning results

= Product savings: less waste and fewer re-cleans needed

HC Decimation Equation

+ Microfiber Cleaning Equipment

– Ineffective Rags and Wipers

+ Implement Microfiber Laundering Program

= Time/Labor savings: superior cleaning efficiency

= Cleaning product savings: microfiber requires significantly less product for better results compared to rags

= Increased product life: microfiber products

HC Decimation Equation

+ High Efficiency Cart

– Inefficient Mop and Pails

+ Implement Microfiber Color-Coding System

= Superior cleaning efficiency: saves time/labor/product

= Improved process: color-coding improves cleaning efficiency

= Increased building sanitation: color-coded systems help prevent cross-contamination

Summary

You don’t have to be superhuman to become a hidden cost hero. Hidden cost heroes discover unseen expenses by using an observant eye to uncover where they can do more with less. With a focus on process improvements, thorough training and proper maintenance of tools and equipment, they continuously conquer the hidden costs and increase the efficiency of their facility maintenance programs.

Want to Learn More About Cost Control?

• The Great Debate: Paper Towels vs. Hand Dryers

• From Rags to Microfiber: 5 Reasons to Make the Switch

• How to Care for Microfiber

• 6 Benefits of LED Bulbs That'll Make You Want to Switch “On”

• Rental Matting – A Very Expensive Convenience

• 5 Pieces of Cleaning Equipment to Boost Productivity

• Ergonomic Equipment Reduces Strain on Your Business

• Keep Vacuums Clean and Save Some Green

• 9 Ways to Make Your Company Sustainable

Sources

3M Facilities Cleaning & Care

CleanLink: Training Employees to Use Color-Coded Equipment

Deb Foam Technology

Department of Industrial Relations: Cal/OSHA Research and Educational Unit

UC Davis Health System: Microfiber Mops In Hospitals