How We Do What We Do

TMS has refined our process to the following three components: Define; Develop; and Deploy. This has proven to be the most efficient and successful approach. Within each stage there is a full scope of services that can be determined as an outside source deliverable, or we try to identify an existing, internal source that can save in the cost of the deliverable. We look for opportunities to blend services and not duplicate them. Our team members operate with what John Johnson calls a “checking the egos at the door” operation. We realize that there is a need for protocol related to the overall structure of the reporting system, but we do not expect any member to only have their interest as the outcome.

DEFINE
• What is the best use of the space?
• What are the needs compared to the wants?
• What is the possible return on investment?

DEVELOP
• What will the space look like?
• Does the solution deliver what is needed?
• What are the short- and long-term financial goals?

DEPLOY
• Build the space to budget
• Market how we are meeting the need
• Develop strategies for training, and monitor the financial impact

Communications
Our clients experience a level of communication and transparency that is truly unmatched. We strive to keep each and every level of involved member informed of our progress. We have proved, in countless situations, that a well developed and structured communication system has been key to avoiding detrimental time and cost issues. In addition, we have a realistic mind set that says that something will go wrong, so plan for it, fix it, and make sure everyone knows about it.

We provide a secure, web-based access for each member of the team related to the project. This will provide a full library of documents and communications, both historical and current. Each new delivery of information to this site creates an automatic notification to each team member. This system will allow any team member to make menu selections pertinent to their scope, but also be able to review other components related to their responsibility so they can more effectively perform their job.

Engagement Sequencing
To give you a better idea of how we work, the following are the major components of the 'steps' we go through when executing a project.

VISION SHARING
• Meet with senior management to review rationale and vision for development

TEAM CREATION/ASSIGNMENTS
• Persons/group that will champion program development
• Clarify its value to the organization
• Assist in establishing the necessary relationships

CURRENT PROPERTY ASSESSMENT
• Current state of business
• Demographics and surveys

VISION QUALIFIERS
• Is the vision consistent with the mission?
• Does it meet needs or wants?
• Does it provide a good return?

FACT FINDING
• Surveys
• Interviews
• Traffic volumes/patterns
• Nature of surrounding business 'drivers'
• Demographics
• Existing 'culture'
• Existing 'competition'
• Mission assessments

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
• S.W.O.T. analysis
• Success model (Environment; Culture; People; Structure; Work Flow; Strategy; Results)
• Use of space/selections
• Financial assessments
• Next steps

BUSINESS PLAN
• Design concepts
• Space planning
• Engaging the consumer
• Logistical strategies
• Budget development
• Future projections/ROI scenarios
• National retail benchmarking/validation
• Proposed programming

CONSULTATION
• Analysis of existing underdeveloped outlets
• Merchandise planning
• Buying
• Operating
• Display
• Promotion methods
• New business opportunities/untapped revenue channels

DESIGN
• Final plans and specifications
• Engineering
• Build

PROJECT MANAGEMENT
• Oversight of budgets
• Quality of work
• Timelines

OWNER REPRESENTATIVE
• Vendor relations

STAFF MANAGEMENT
• Training (coordinated with internal systems)

LONG-TERM ACCOUNTABILITY
• Growth and ROI related compensations
• Reporting and tracking of successes
• Quality controls