architecture tips

Far too often executives make decisions purely on costs rather than considering the loss of productivity, or the hassles they cause to the consumer or customer. One such example I'd like to cite at this point is the use of LED lighting. Indeed, it is very noble to save energy and money, as that is a wise thing to do. However if it is being done at the expense of productivity or if it is causing health issues in factories and office buildings then it needs to be entirely reconsidered. The color of the LED lighting, and the frequency which is used does affect the human bio system and brain - okay so let's talk shall we?

At the LED symposium for "Strategies in Light 2013" there will be several workshops, in workshop number four they will discuss "Color Science for Lighting" and in workshop six "Human Factors for Lighting and Design" where they will discuss some of these issues. Now then, let me ask you a question; have you ever been to a Wal-Mart store and noticed that your mood had changed after entering the store and walking around within just a few minutes? There is a reason for this, and the lighting definitely has something to do with it.

In McDonald's stores they used to have unpleasing bright colors for the chairs in the lobby. This caused the tables to turn faster so that they could serve more guests in a very short time period during the lunch rush hour or morning breakfast rush. Many corporations use elevator music, pastel colors, and special lighting for increased productivity and mood enhancement. Many smaller companies are unsure of these things, and they don't use these tricks of the trade when it comes to lighting, but they should.

Many small business people put in LED lighting to save money on the electricity bill and for that I say; good for them, as it's environmentally friendly smart thing to do. But it is not so smart if it is challenging the immune system of your employees, or challenging the psychological composure of your customers. You want your customers to be in an upbeat and happy mood, and the human bio system throughout its evolution has become rather fond of UV light, as it comes from the sun. That is why that frequency of light is more pleasing to the eye than other types of lighting.

If you are saving money on your LED lighting, but customers are spending less time in your store because perhaps they feel uncomfortable, even if they don't even understand why, then you are losing sales. There are reasons why you should use soft lighting, LED lighting, neon lighting, or the regular UV lights. It all makes a difference, so maybe you should do some research before you go strictly LED just to save money. Saving money is great, but it shouldn't be the only imperative in making that decision. Please consider all this and think on it.

Lance Winslow has launched a new provocative series of eBooks on Business Concepts. Lance Winslow is a retired Founder of a Nationwide Franchise Chain, and now runs the Online Think Tank; http://www.worldthinktank.net/

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All business owner's want their businesses to be beautiful and welcoming to customers so that they maintain loyalty and bring new business. We also want to keep our customers, our, employees, and our property safe, no matter where we are located. When a store happens to be in a neighborhood with higher crime rates, these goals can become more urgent and more difficult at the same time.

Keep your lighting up-to-date by installing vandal-proof fixtures to reduce unlit corners that encourage hiding. Alarm systems are typically visually unobtrusive, but criminals look for them and they provide a good deterrent. Plan landscaping to avoid providing concealment for burglars or creating ways for them to climb more easily.

The Importance of Apertures

Be sure to secure all points of entry to your premises. This includes not only doors but windows and roof entries if applicable as well. Use sturdy deadbolts rather than standard weak locks that can be cut or picked easily. Consider upgrading your doors to solid core metal doors.

Glazing is one of the easier ways for criminals to enter or deface your store. Consider installing tempered or laminated glass or impact resistant plastic windows to help resist break-ins, accidents, and inclement weather. As a lower-cost alternative to new glass and frames, window films can provide extra strength and vandalism resistance for your storefront.

Window Films to the Rescue

Security films are made of special varieties of polyester, which is often laminated in tens of micro-layers to increase their resistance to tearing. The strength of this layered material and the high-tech adhesives it is applied with works well to hold together cracked panes of glass in events such as severe weather or a break-in.

Anti-graffiti films are made of 4 or 6 mil polyester. They serve to protect against vandalism from common methods of attack such as spray paint, marker tagging, or acid etchings. They also help preserve the window from normal scratching and daily wear and tear. Similarly to safety films, this variety can be applied invisibly or with a tint added. They can be cleaned relatively easily using non-abrasive cleaners, microfiber cloths and squeegees. The film can even be removed completely in the event of heavy vandalism leaving the underlying window intact with no damage.

Please note that these products should be installed by professionals, as this will ensure the longest possible life for the material, as well as the most secure and beautiful storefront system for your business. Take the appropriate steps and secure your business today!

C. Robinson is the owner of The Tint Guy, an Atlanta tinting company, specializing in automotive, residential, and commercial Atlanta window tinting. Founded in 1986, the company now has three brick and mortar locations in the metro Atlanta area. The Tint Guy is the only full-service 3M window film dealer in Georgia, providing expert sales and installations of the complete line of 3M window films. Learn more about Atlanta tinting at http://www.TheTintGuy.com/.

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