The Meaning of Hospitality
The word hospitality brings to mind many favorable descriptions, comfort, satisfaction, relaxing, and helpful among many others. Looking at the origin of the word, it can be derived that hospitality refers to being hospitable, which means to be friendly and welcoming to strangers and guests. The hospitality industry therefore is an industry that revolves around this mindset, striving to makes others feel welcome and cared for.
Many Industries in One
When thinking about the hospitality industry, the most common business to think of is a hotel. However, the hospitality industry covers many industries including those in the business of lodging, restaurants, event planning, theme parks, transportation, cruise lines and other more specific business types within the tourism industry. They all seek to bring satisfaction to their customers, and a large part of their business is dependent on the quality of service to these customers and guests. Although there are hopefully, many repeat customers, a large portion of their business’s success is dependent on first impressions. Therefore it is vital that the business be operating in top shape at all times to ensure that every impression is a good one.
Paying Attention to the Details
When analyzing a business and its operating procedures, it is important to take both a big picture perspective and a detailed perspective. It is always important to keep in mind the ultimate goal and the overall concept of what it is that the business is trying to accomplish. However, it is just as important to keep in mind the element of paying attention to, and analyzing the details that make up every aspect of business interaction. Quality lies in the details, and it is especially true in an industry that relies on making people feel special, cared for, and looked at and treated as individuals. The smallest of details can be the pinnacle point of driving home an entire business’s philosophy of striving for customer satisfaction.
A Combination of Philosophies
Another trait of the hospitality industry is that is it is always in motion. It is an industry that is built on constantly changing conditions. And it thrives in this element. Not only are the customers and clients always changing, but also the employees are always in movement, seeking to satisfy the customer, and therefore, they need equipment that can move at the speed of business that they need. By combining this thought of perpetual movement and the aspect of paying attention to the details, there is one small thing that can make a large difference in the hospitality industry. That small, often overlooked item that helps to keep your business mobile is the caster. Casters are the mechanical parts that make many things mobile. They are often overlooked when they are doing their job, but that does not decrease their importance.
Making the Right Match
There are many details to consider when it comes to choosing the perfect caster to attach to the piece of furniture or equipment that you desire to make mobile. First, questions need to be asked to determine what the job is that is to be accomplished and the conditions in which the job is to be accomplished.
What needs to be moved? Is it heavy or oddly shaped? Does it need special care when moving? How far does it need to be moved? Over what type of terrain does it need to moved? Is the floor rough and textured or smooth and seamless? Is the floor smooth, but with dividing ridges such as tile? Does the floor itself need to be protected? Does the movement need to be as quiet as possible? How often does the item need to be moved?
After considering these questions and others you can begin to assimilate the information to match the needs of the job to the type of caster that needs to be used. There are many different types of casters and therefore taking the time to assess the job that needs to be performed, the conditions in which it will be performed and the available matching caster options will ensure efficiency and proper wear and tear of the caster to be used.
Casters, Casters, and More Casters
When it comes to choosing the caster that is best matched to the job there are many options to consider. Basic casters are divided into three categories, Light, Medium and Heavy. These designations refer not to the caster themselves, although they are available in different weights, but instead to their individual load capacities. The differing load capacities are available due to the makeup, design and material of each individual caster.
Other specifics to consider is how the caster will be attached to the item it needs to be attached to, this is accomplished through the mounting system. Basic options that are available include: top plate, threaded stem, stainless steel, expanding adapter stem, square stem, grip ring stem, pipe thread stem, modular stem, top plate swivel, and the kingpinless top plate. Some of the available wheel material options include: performa, performa conductive, polyolefin, polyurethane Hi-Tech, phenolic, cast iron, maxim, and thermo.
In addition to the basic variety of options, of which there are many possible combinations, there are also specialty casters available. Some of options available include: spring loaded door casters, gravity lock ladder casters, concealed side mount casters, die-cast aluminum leveling casters, rug runner casters, high-capacity, low overall height extrathane casters and glass cutting table casters.
As can be seen, there are countless options. Douglas Equipment, having been in business in South Florida since the 50s, has gained a reputation for knowledge of its field and product expertise. We pride ourselves in knowing that we can help you ask the right questions to most accurately determine the best product choice for your business. We know that making the right choice amongst so many options can be a daunting one and therefore we strive to make your job easier by doing our job to the best of our ability. We strive for customer satisfaction so that you can also strive for customer satisfaction. Please contact us Toll-free at 1-800-451-0030, or locally at 305-888-3700. You can also reach us by through the Contact Us section on our website. We look forward to your call.
