A working environment that fosters innovative thinking is one key to successful growth in the '90s. As the workplace evolves year after year, flexible strategies can free workers to be more productive.

This is an area where interior designers can make a significant contribution as clients seek help in coping with the demands of a workforce that is increasingly mobile. When talented people function in surroundings that encourage them to do their best work and allow them the freedom to excel, an almost palpable energy changes the organization's entire atmosphere, and everyone benefits.

The question is, how can systems furniture help the designer do a better job for clients? The answer depends in part on selecting the right kind of supplier, one who understands that as companies evolve from production modes to those that promote teamwork and empowerment, systems furniture can be used to support changing work processes now and in the future.

Design Flexibility
It takes fresh thinking to achieve breakthrough ideas in systems furniture. Interior designers should look for manufacturers who have demonstrated a solid track record in providing real-world solutions to today's workplace, and the workplace of tomorrow.

One such solution is an extensive choice of components that meet the diverse needs of multi-tasking staff and support personnel. Among the components to look for are baseline raceways to handle a variety of computer, telecommunications and power needs with either eight-wire, four-circuit or 10-wire, six-circuit capacity.

Four circuits provide power to as many as 52 duplex receptacles from a single floor, wall or overhead power source (depending on local building codes). For high-density computer use environments, the 10-wire electrical system provides six circuits which can power up to 78 duplex receptacles.

Other features to look for, such as those included on Panel Concepts' TopLine series of systems furniture, include duplex receptacles that have tamper-proof construction and are pre-assembled to provide the required number of outlets on a predetermined circuit. Also, receptacles should be UL-approved.

Intelligent office solutions also call for cost-effective, non-raceway panels where electrical power is not necessary as well as a choice of storage options that include enclosed shelves, pedestal files and lateral files plus a wide selection of fabrics, finishes and laminates--all of which contribute to flexible, efficient use of space.

Systems furniture design should cut across a corporation's organizational chart, providing versatile work space expedient for applications that range from customer service to sales and research to operations, with configurations designed for productivity, comfort and pride in one's work station. The point is to help everyone in the office do their best work.

Multiple-height configurations are another aspect of flexibility that can help designers create private offices, group conferencing areas or a balance of both by combining panel types and sizes. The TopLine Series, for example, features panel widths from 18 to 72 inches, and heights from 40 to 80 inches. Space planning options can be further enhanced by choices in fabric surfaces, acoustics, vision, open frame, radius and door panels.

Being able to reorganize because of downsizing or shifting needs demands office systems that can be taken apart and reassembled quickly. For example, the camlock system featured on TopLine systems furniture permits panels to go up in less than half the time required by conventional open office systems. Easy, fast installation lowers the cost of installation and simplifies reconfiguring to accommodate future needs.

Planning Open Office Systems
While the present is difficult enough to keep track of, the future is being constantly redefined by advancing technology, global competition and shifting economic realities. Module components, of course, make it easy to expand from one work station to many. When clients need the flexibility to respond to growth and change (and who doesn't in these tumultuous times?), the right office system represents a sound investment in the future.

When selecting the appropriate office system, designers should seriously consider the financial stability of the suppliers they are considering. It is important that the manufacturer will continue to thrive and thus be able to partner with the designer on future projects. After all, why invest client dollars in an office system that lasts 10 years, if the company that supplies it will only last five?

The right supplier also can help your client visualize a new office layout ahead of time and make changes and adjustments before construction and installation commence. For example, at Panel Concepts, we offer a computer-aided design and specification service in which your rough layout is analyzed and you are provided with color-coded, three-dimensional floor plans at no additional cost.

Also important is simplified price and ordering software that facilitates specifying and provides price quotas in minutes instead of days.

Designers also will want to be sure that the supplier they choose can provide helpful, knowledgeable customer service representatives and a dependable record of on-time delivery. All of these traits should be considered because just as the right systems furniture can facilitate the changing ways we work, the right systems furniture supplier can make your job easier and add to your growing list of satisfied clients who will recommend your services to others.

Selecting a Supplier
The answers to the following questions will help in evaluating and selecting the best supplier of open office systems:

• How easily and quickly can the systems furniture be installed? Can it be reconfigured just as easily as needs change down the road?
• Will it save my client money on installation?
• Can I count on shipment and delivery by the date promised?
• Is there a wide choice of panel sizes and widths, storage options, accessories, fabrics, laminates and work surfaces?
• How financially stable is the supplier? Will the manufacturer continue to grow and prosper so I can count on having a partner in the future?
• How committed is the supplier to excellence in customer service?
• Do components meet varying building and electrical codes from city to city?
• How reliable is the supplier in terms of prompt follow-through and willingness to maintain a solid working relationship with me in the future?
• Does the supplier have a national dealer support network?

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