CIMS Certification

When the International Sanitation and Supply Association announced it had created a comprehensive, consensus based cleaning management standard for the building services industry Horizon was eager to be a part of the pilot program. Preparing for the assessment Horizon was given the opportunity to go over each of our procedures with a fine toothed comb, review them as an organization and receive feedback from other industry experts.

When Horizon Services was certified, with honors, in November of 2007 we became one of the first 20 contractors to be recognized for our commitment to cleaning and business excellence. 

Wagner, Dan. "New Management Standard Cleans Up Operations" 

Hiring for cleaning excellence
However, the importance of ensuring that facilities are cleaned effectively extends beyond appearance and increased productivity. As there continues to be a shift from cleaning for appearance to cleaning for health and the crucial role cleaning plays in creating a healthy, sustainable indoor environment is becoming better understood, cleaning has never been more important. Public health threats that were once a rumor are now becoming a reality as MRSA, Norovirus and other dangers are becoming more prevalent. The bottom line is that facility managers can no longer take a chance when it comes to cleaning and must demand that the contracted cleaning organization is effectively managed.

"If a company is CIMS-certified, you know you are hiring a company of excellence. You know you likely will not be forced into hiring another company a few months down the road due to poor performance."

Steve Spencer, facility manager for State Farm Insurance in Bloomington, Ill., agrees that CIMS certification can be used as a powerful pre-qualification tool.

"Contractor qualification is an important part of our bid process and has taken a great deal of time to accomplish in the past," Spencer notes. "CIMS certification will greatly reduce the process for us. CIMS provides the standard for making sure the contractor you hire is committed to quality.

"State Farm simply cannot take a chance when it comes to hiring a cleaning service provider. Hire the wrong company and you face the possibility of having to re-bid the contract, which can actually be the least of your concerns. A poorly-run company also poses security concerns, not to mention the risk of theft, damaged property, workers compensation involvement and potential employee exposures to illness and injury."

FMJ Facility Management Journal. 2008

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