Monday, May 16, 2011

Reviewing the Cherryman Ruby Collection RU-245N Executive Desk


For those not familiar with the Cherryman furniture line, let me tell you. This stuff is awesome. First and foremost, the entire line is typically stocked. This means when you order, your furniture is usually shipped within 48 hours. Features like this make Cherryman an excellent choice for those in search of a dependable line of office furniture.

Today we will be reviewing the RU-245N executive desk from the Cherryman line. I recently had the pleasure of installing two of these units at an upscale business in Florida. After the install, I thought it was absolutely necessary to hype this line up!

The first thing you notice with the office furniture by Cherryman is the care they take in packing there products. All of the components shipped in unscathed and in perfect condition. Secondly, before installing I was a bit taken back by the beautiful wood finish. The Ruby furniture collection has an almost glossy look that really draws you end. I must say I think it would be a bit much for a home office, but absolutely perfect for any business looking to make a classy impression on there guests.

Myself, along with two additional installers had both units up and functional in about 2 hours. Our customers were absolutely thrilled with the craftsmanship of the Cherryman line. They vowed to never buy from another manufacturer if at all possible. I found this funny because there office looked like an eclectic conglomeration of different furniture manufacturers before the install!

In the long run, as long as our customers are happy, we are too. In this case it was just an added bonus that the furniture was so simply installed and well made. My favorite component of this workstation was definitely the wardrobe cabinet. It really added a nice feature to this ready made unit. Overall, my first installation experience with the Ruby furniture line by Cherryman was a success and I highly recommend this line.

The RU-245N Executive Desk Includes:

Desk - 35 3/4 /39"D x 71 3/4"W x 29"H (180lbs.)
BBF Pedestal - (71 lbs.)
Bridge - 24"D x 48"W x 29"H (66 lbs.)
Credenza - 20"D x 71 3/4"W x 29"H (114 lbs.)
Pedestal BBF - (58 lbs.)
Hutch - 14"D x 71 1/2"W x 42"H (165 lbs.)
Wardrobe Cabinet - 24"D x 26"W x 70"H (246 lbs.)

Unit Ships in 7 Total Cartons
Finish: Cherry
Available with Left or Right Return

Wednesday, May 11, 2011

The Ergonomic Employee - Products That Improve Office Productivity


Comfortable and productive employees are often happier and more productive. When you combine those two factors your profit goes up. In today's post we will cover how providing your employees with quality ergonomic products will increase your profits and the overall efficiency of your people.

Typically, employees that are uncomfortable at there workstation are not happy, and being not happy means being non productive. Providing some simple ergonomic products like a keyboard tray, foot rest, and monitor arm, will actually pay dividends in the long run. Ergonomic tools like these are available for a minimal cost, and truly provide priceless results. In the long run, products like these will maximize the efficiency of your workforce and provide exponential gains.

Product 1: Keyboard Trays

Keyboard trays are available at almost every store we visit these days, and for good reason. They offer excellent ergonomic benefits for low price. With an average cost of approximately $150 it makes you wonder why millions of individuals are still sitting there keyboard on there desk surface. Utilizing a keyboard tray not only increases your amount of usable workspace, it allows you to adjust to a self-satisfying position for typing. Most models even allow you to swivel your tray back and forth for increased usability. That being said providing a quality keyboard tray to your employees will without a doubt increase there comfort level and your profits.

Product 2: Footrests

Footrests are useful at home and in the workplace. They provide lower leg and back support while sitting. The average cost of an ergonomic foot rest is around $35, for a model that is built to last. When you compare the minimal cost of the product vs. the 8 hour a day salary you are paying an employee to be working uncomfortably, this product definitely pays for itself! Quality foot rest manufacturers include Safco, ESI, and Systematix. They are easily accessible online from any office products dealer. They are one of the least expensive ergonomic products on the market and provide some of the best results. After all, everyone loves to put there feet up!

Product 3: Monitor Arms

Most individuals these days are still not up to speed on monitor arms. They are a new ergonomic trend that seem to be catching on worldwide. Last year our company OfficeAnything.com sold hundreds of these throughout the U.S. and are on pace to top last years number. The average cost of an ergonomic monitor arm is $200 and in my opinion the best $200 I ever spent. Monitor arms from companies like ESI, Systematix, and Symmetry are extremely versatile. They allow your computer screen to adjusted in nearly any direction. They also increase your usable workspace. Dual, Tri, and Quad screen monitor arms are available for those in technology intensive workplaces. When you add up all the time spent minimizing and maximizing multiple screens having a dual screen arm can be a huge time and money saver. On a side note, installing a monitor arm is extremely simple. It can be done in less than five minutes and will provide you with a lifetime of benefits. In my opinion, monitor arms are without a doubt necessary in any office. Once your try one, everyone in your office will soon be outfitted.

Overall, it is any good companies goal to maximize there workers productivity. Keeping your employees happy and comfortable is the key to this success. Hopefully you have found this post helpful and a way to increase your office efficiency. Other quality ergonomic products include office chairs, back rests, and copy holders. For more information regarding ergonomic products feel free to comment here!

Monday, May 9, 2011

Choosing The Perfect Office Chair



Choosing the right office chair for your individual needs is an integral part of everyday comfort in the office. Commonly, individuals will search out the most attractive chair possible, leaving comfort at the door. This in turn leaves you with a nice looking chair that sits like a rock. In this article we will discuss the benefits of several types of chairs that will keep you sitting comfortably all day long.

Ergonomics is a word we here quite often these days, and for good reason. It deals with the relationship between workers and their environment. When dealing with office chairs ergonomics is essential.

When purchasing an office chair ask yourself the following questions:

1.) What back height is right for me?

Typically if you are between 5' and 6' foot tall a mid-back office chair is the right choice for you. If you are over 6' I personally recommend a high back chair to support your taller frame.

2.)What weight capacity does the chair support?

Most commonly, office chairs for professionals support up to 300 lbs. However, big and tall seating usually supports up to 500 lbs. Most chairs are available in a big & tall version for a slight price increase. Buying a chair that supports your frame will ensure a long life for the chair. Typically big & tall chairs feature wider seats, backs, and arms as well.

3.)What fabric grade is the chair?

Some companies such as Lesro offer a variety of fabric grades to fit individual needs. Typically the higher the grade, the higher the price. Most online chair stores will be happy to send out samples of any fabric at no charge to you. Typically grade 1 or 2 fabrics are just fine for everyday use.

4.)What Ergonomic features does the chair have?

This is the most important aspect to consider when buying a chair.

Common features include:

TENSION ADJUSTMENT

Increase or decrease to match body weight. Allows you to rock comfortably, without heavy pushing, reducing muscle fatigue.

CHAIR TILT LOCK

Lock the tilt movement in position(s) to accommodate your working posture. Allows you to lock your chair in a comfortable and supportive position. (can be either single position or infinite style).

SEAT HEIGHT

Raise or lower to allow your feet to rest flat on the floor. Avoids pressure under your thighs, easing blood flow.

SEAT DEPTH

Change the depth of the seat to accommodate the length of your thighs. Keeps your back in contact with the backrest while avoiding pressure behind your knees.

FORWARD SEAT ANGLE

Allows chair to tilt forward changing the angle of your thighs in relation to the floor. Helps reduce disc pressure during forward leaning tasks.

ARM HEIGHT

Raise or lower to support your forearms. Reduces muscular effort in neck and shoulders, minimizing risk of pain.

WATERFALL SEAT EDGE

Reduces pressure at the back of the knee, contributing to good blood flow.

Monday, May 2, 2011

How To Avoid Un-Necessary Shipping Costs when Purchasing Office Furniture


Commonly, the most expensive hurdle to cover when purchasing office furniture is the cost of shipping. While there are many online office furniture dealers that offer free shipping, additional services including inside delivery, lift gate service, rural location, and others can cost you money. In this post we will cover some simple and easy methods to avoid these charges. After all, saving money is a good thing!

The first thing to consider after your office furniture purchase is shipment coordination. Commonly it will take any dealer a few days to receive, process, and hear from the manufacturer in regards to an estimated lead time for your products. If your facility has no dock, is in an upstairs office, and is located in a rural area. Additional shipping charges can arise. Upon receiving your tracking number, ask your office furniture provider what these costs are. Any friendly representative will help you out big time.

One tip that has saved many, is having a couple of able bodies available at the time of delivery. Most larger items are shipped knocked down or KD to help you avoid heavy lifting. This is a huge benefit when receiving items curbside and will save you money. Shipping companies don't normally advertise this info because they want you to purchase additional services.

For smaller items like office chairs for home and business use, I always recommend taking the items off the truck yourself. Once the boxes are on the ground, open them. Typically most chairs will only require you to put the 5 star wheel base on. This takes all of about 5 minutes and you will be able to wheel your chairs inside, instead of carrying them. The common charge for inside delivery is about $100 - $150 depending on order size. A lift gate can run you another $100. By simply, placing the base on the chair outside you can wheel them in yourself and save your company big time!

Knowing your freight company is also an important factor in saving money. Items that ship UPS or FedEx are typically brought inside for you already. Ask your dealer to let you provide you with the freight company being used to see if they are offering any specials or shipping coupons on there website. Again, a little due diligence really pays dividends.

Overall, any good office furniture dealer will provide the shipping information to you as soon as possible. Our personal policy is to save customers as much time and money as we can, by eliminating un-necessary add-ons and shipping charges. Typically, we recommend these services for handicapped individuals, or elderly folks who truly require the assistance. At the end of the day, most customers do choose to carry items in themselves and thank us later for the money saved. Your average office furniture item weighs between 50 and 150 lbs. From desks to office chairs these items can be easily handled by one or two people. In this economy, save your money and use it for things that are truly necessities!

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