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Everyone Needs a Place to Plug In

Flexible work environments need to provide more flexible products. Since we are relying more and more on our mobile electronic devices, so does the need for keeping mobiles, laptops and tablet devices charged. Consequently, a good portion of the furniture manufacturers have answered the call and are incorporating charging points into upholstered seating as well as desks and tables.

Let’s take a look at some of those options:

Knoll | Power Cube
Knoll | Power Cube
Knoll | power Cube
National
National
Kimball | Jolt
Kimball | Jolt
Kimball
National | Arms Power

Highlights:

≡ The PowerCube by Knoll is a lounge table that does double-duty as a digital charging hub and an analog communications tool,  with whiteboard writable surfaces on all sides.

≡ Jolt by Kimball Office has a USB charger and a wireless power-charging surface that seamlessly integrates technology vital to connection, collaboration, and productivity.

≡ The Pairings Lounge Collection by Kimball Office merges simple sofa/lounge collections with the more informal space where people work, team up, and gather, creating adaptable, lounge-based work settings that host teams and technology in comfort.

≡ The Power Up Arm available in the Fringe Lounge Seating Collection by National Office offers extreme flexibility. It features two power outlets and
two USB ports.

Charge it!

 

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NeoCon 2012 Highlights: Part Four

NeoConography Shots from NeoCon12

 

If you missed NeoCon 2012, where the contract industry kicks off its year showcasing the newest in office products and resources, not to worry.

You can practically relive the experience through the attendees’ perspectives thanks to KI’s #NeoConography photo contest. KI awarded $100 each to the top shots submitted. The five winners are shown below, but be sure to check out KI’s #NeoConography Pinterest Board to see the hundreds of shots taken. From the people and food, to the parties and views, to new products galore, it’s almost like being there. And, hey, if it makes you think about going next year, you can check out the dates here.

KI’s #NeoConography = NeoCon + Photography

Congrats to @KItweets for such a great idea and to the Top 5 Winners, @designelixir, @jensingson,  @hotlead, @mndyvn and @TBInteriors_Inc

 


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6 Things To Look For When Choosing A Contract Furniture Dealer

 

The outcome of whether your office furniture purchase is successful or not will come down to your contract furniture dealer. Although it’s difficult to know exactly how effective your dealer relationship will be until you actually work with them, there are some things you can look for to keep from making the wrong decision.

1. Capabilities
Check their websites and brochures. Look for the number of employees, size of their delivery fleet and warehouse space. See how many manufacturers they represent. The more real numbers they give you, the more you can judge the attention and support they will be able to provide.

2. Procedures
Ask questions about policies and procedures the dealership has in place to protect their clients. The best dealers implement safeguards that help prevent problems such as damaged products, account mishandling or errors in the supply chain.

3. Reputation
Always ask for references to find out others experiences with a particular dealership.

4. Experience
When it comes down to executing your project, experience matters. You need to look for:

• involvement with similar sized projects

• familiarity with your industry

• length of time in business

• project team with capable qualifications

• product knowledge

5. Product Selection
There are hundreds of contract furniture manufacturers, [link] but not all dealerships carry all lines. The main manufacturers are territorial and team up with specific dealers. In addition to representing one or more of these main manufacturers, dealers round out their selections with smaller or specialty lines. Make sure your dealer represents the type or style you are looking for.

6. Personal Tours
Visit the dealer’s nearest office or showroom to get a feel for product selection as well as how the staff interacts with potential clients. Communication and transparency are critical to a successful dealer relationship.

Knowing what to look for on the front end could save you a great deal of time and money in the long run.

What do you look for when choosing a furniture dealership?