Efficiency Is Not Necessarily Effective

Companies in today′s global marketplace have to be more competitive. All resources available to a company must be utilized to their maximum potential. The facility that each company requires to conduct their business is an important resource which is underutilized. Examines the factors that have played a part in the design of facilities in the past and the factors which need to be considered for the design of future facilities. The results of the research are dramatic. Most companies are not utilizing their facilities to their maximum potential. Facilities are designed with cost being the primary factor in design. This leads to less flexibility, lower productivity, less creativity, and higher personnel costs. Facilities in the future will be designed with flexibility in mind. Input from workers is critical to increase productivity. Open spaces encourage communication between workers and promote creativity. Environmental factors designed to promote worker satisfaction will lower personnel costs. The facility of the future will propel companies to the forefront of the global marketplace.