November 27, 2006—The much-anticipated Cleaning Industry Management Standard (CIMS) is now available, making it easier for facility and contract managers to find high-quality, customer-centered cleaning contractors, says ISSA.
The Standard is a management framework that sets forth those processes, procedures, and supporting documentation that are universally recognized as the hallmarks of a well-run and customer-focused building service contractor (BSC). In-house custodial operations also can use the Standard to benchmark and set goals for internal improvement.
ISSA, the association for the cleaning industry, spearheaded the Standard’s creation, which was developed through a consensus-based effort. Development of the brought together a group of organizations and other interested stakeholders representing more than 100,000 professionals from the cleaning, facilities management, and purchasing communities.
The Standard, which is available for download, does not specify products or cleaning techniques that must be used, but instead outlines five areas of best-management practices believed to be the cornerstones of a well-managed and customer-centered cleaning organization: Quality Systems; Service Delivery; Human Resources; Health, Safety & Environmental Stewardship; and Management Commitment.
ISSA anticipates certifying an estimated 20 North American BSCs and in-house custodial departments during the first half of 2007 in its Case Study Program. Those certified during the program will be featured in marketing case studies that are made available to facility and purchasing managers as well as media outlets in the cleaning, facilities, and purchasing communities.
