Optimize a restaurant business with predictions and remote proactive actions.
Operating a successful restaurant network involves juggling various factors to provide an enjoyable and consistent dining experience for customers. A critical aspect is the maintenance of the restaurant's Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system. Improper or uncoordinated HVAC maintenance can affect occupant safety and business continuity.
Restaurants face unique challenges related to HVAC maintenance that can have significant repercussions, such as poor food safety management and the excess humidity and moisture that could lead to odors and mold growth. Then, in order to address these issues, restaurant operators will need to contact HVAC maintenance contractors to resolve them, potentially bringing additional challenges, including:
- Lack of insurance coverage: In the event of accident or damage during their work, and if they do not possess adequate insurance coverage, it can leave the operator liable for unexpected expenses.
- Lower skill level: With the growing lack of availability of skilled technicians, a less skilled technician could be assigned for the job who may not have the expertise to solve the problem at one go, increasing costs. Or worse still, it might cause further damage to the HVAC system increasing costs to replace them sooner than needed.
- Safety issues: Safety should be a central focus of HVAC maintenance, as accidents related to electrical hazards can lead to dangerous and costly consequences. Even with ladders, there are risks involved. According to the American Ladder Institute, every year over 100 people die in ladder-related accidents, and thousands suffer disabling injuries.
- Damage to property: Technicians, while addressing one issue, might unintentionally damage other areas or equipment of the restaurant, leading to additional repair costs and operational downtime.
- Risk to occupants: If the contractors do not properly close their work post completing the job and leave tools lying around or a wet floor or parts not fixed securely, restaurant operators may face more risk. With the number of people of people working, entering and exiting a store on a daily basis, there is a greater risk of liability from accidents related to slips, trips, falls, etc.