How to Maintain Retail Property During an Unplanned Downtime

There is no doubt that an unplanned downtime such as the current pandemic has a negative effect on the productivity and revenues of a retail business. The good news is slack time can be seized as an opportunity to better position an enterprise once it goes back to normal operations. Hence, it is critical for management to enforce preventive and regular maintenance so that the retail business' property, equipment, and assets remain fully functional. This will also prevent problems and breakdowns from happening when business activities resume.

Keep Heating, Ventilation, and Air-Conditioning (HVAC) Systems in Good Condition

One of the most important equipment that must be maintained properly is the HVAC system. It is responsible for providing thermal heat, ventilation, and good quality indoor air that will keep its occupants safe and comfortable. Some of the ways to ensure that HVAC systems are running well despite business interruptions include cleaning and regular maintenance.

Inspecting filters is vital to ensure that they are doing their job at preventing particles and contaminants from entering indoors. In addition, installing the right filters also guarantee that the HVAC system works properly. Check and see all sizes that are suitable to the system including higher efficiency filters can prevent particles of a certain size from passing through. Unfortunately, these types of filters get dirty very quickly and must be changed frequently. Hence, even though the system may not be running during temporary closures, it is still essential to inspect, clean, and change filters.

Service Equipment and Machines

No doubt downtime of any equipment and machine will cost a business’ productivity and bottom lines. Hence, it is essential to use idle time as best as possible. Schedule preventive maintenance to extend the life of your machines and avert complete breakdowns.

To ensure that maintenance occurs as planned, use technology to schedule servicing plans. According to the Global Retailer study, planning and organizing a maintenance using technology can save at least 30% of maintenance spend. When businesses focus their efforts on maintaining and even upgrading machines and equipment, the likelihood of a total breakdown is low. In addition, early interventions also prevent significant costs in parts replacement, system error or total mechanical failure that could potentially take days or weeks to fix. In the meantime, customers are inconvenienced and might take their business elsewhere.

Clean the Building Interior and Exterior

Downtime should also be used to clean the exterior and the interior of the building spotlessly to prevent it from deteriorating and for a neat appearance. Cleaning prevents bacteria and other harmful toxins from building up that could harm employees when they return to work. It also gives a good impression for clients and investors if a place is well-maintained and kept. Furthermore, a healthy and clean environment motivate workers and may prevent diseases from spreading. Thus, slack time should be used to clean up the premises thoroughly to work in a healthy environment, remove hazards, reduce accidents, and improve overall productivity.

Unexpected downtime in a business need not be inconvenient and a complete loss. It can be used to leverage a company to a better position. Maintaining HVAC systems, equipment and machines, and cleaning the structures are some of the strategies to better respond to an upswing once a business goes back to normal.