--- title: The Lessen Edge | Blog description: Stay on the cutting-edge of facilities maintenance with the latest industry trends, tips and company updates from Lessen. --- - [Become an SMS Affiliate](http://www.smsassist.com/step-1-sign-up/) - [Affiliates Login](http://affiliate.marketplacesupport.com/) - [Client Login](http://client.marketplacesupport.com/) - [Blog](https://blog.smsassist.com/blog) - 312.698.7000 - [info@smsassist.com](mailto:info@smsassist.com) - 312.698.7000 - [info@smsassist.com](mailto:info@smsassist.com) [![SMS Assist](https://blog.lessen.com/hubfs/smsassist-may16/images/190b7432eea647c49b4d5b3a46f871b9.png "SMS Assist")](http://smsassist.spacecrafted.com/) - Our Solution - [The SMS Advantage](http://www.smsassist.com/the-sms-advantage) - [One By SMS Assist](http://www.smsassist.com/one-by-sms-assist) - [Markets Served](http://www.smsassist.com/markets-served) - [Case Studies](http://www.smsassist.com/case-studies) - Services - [Exterior Maintenance](http://www.smsassist.com/exterior-maintenance) - [Facilities Maintenance](http://http://www.smsassist.com/facilities-maintenance) - [Interior Maintenance](http://www.smsassist.com/interior-maintenance) - [Property Management Services](http://www.smsassist.com/property-management-services) - [Residential Property](http://www.smsassist.com/residential-property) - Affiliate - [Affiliate Advantage](http://www.smsassist.com/affiliate-advantage) - [Affiliate Sign Up](http://www.smsassist.com/affiliate-sign-up) - [Testimonials](http://www.smsassist.com/testimonials) - [Our Commitments](http://www.smsassist.com/our-commitments) - [FAQ](http://http://www.smsassist.com/faq) - [Affiliate Blog](https://blog.smsassist.com/affiliate-blog) - About Us - [Corporate Overview](http://www.smsassist.com/corporate-overview) - [SMS Serves](http://www.smsassist.com/sms-serves) - [SMS University](http://http://www.smsassist.com/sms-university) - [Contact](http://www.smsassist.com/contact) - Our Team - [Executive Team](http://www.smsassist.com/our-team/executive-team) - [Board Of Directors](http://www.smsassist.com/our-team/board-of-directors) - [Investors & Advisors](http://www.smsassist.com/our-team/investors-advisors) - [Equity Partners](http://www.smsassist.com/our-team/equity-partners) - Careers - [Why SMS?](http://www.smsassist.com/why-sms-assist) - [Available Positions](http://www.smsassist.com/available-positions) - Media - [News](http://www.smsassist.com/news) - [Events](http://www.smsassist.com/events) - [Video Gallery](http://www.smsassist.com/video-gallery) - [Blog](https://blog.smsassist.com/blog) - Demo ![SMSAssistEdge.png](https://blog.lessen.com/hs-fs/hubfs/SMSAssistEdge.png?width=1899&name=SMSAssistEdge.png "SMSAssistEdge.png") # Lessen | Blog ## [Why Managed Maintenance Is Becoming the New Norm in Retail](https://blog.lessen.com/blog/why-managed-maintenance-is-becoming-the-new-norm-in-retail) Posted by [Menno Enters](https://blog.lessen.com/blog/author/menno-enters) on 11/8/17 5:13 PM [![](https://blog.lessen.com/hubfs/Blog-Featured-Image---11072017.jpg)](https://blog.lessen.com/blog/why-managed-maintenance-is-becoming-the-new-norm-in-retail) Many national retailers started small and grew their store’s footprint over time. However, as portfolios grow and locations age, the need for maintenance becomes exponential. Over time, this growth and aging exceeds a retailer’s ability to keep up, so they add a head count and consolidate vendors. In this situation, we see that the growth pace outruns the ability to hire, which creates new problems.  [Read More](https://blog.lessen.com/blog/why-managed-maintenance-is-becoming-the-new-norm-in-retail) ## [How to Mitigate Facility Maintenance Risks During Snow and Ice Season](https://blog.lessen.com/blog/how-to-mitigate-facility-maintenance-risks-during-snow-and-ice-season) Posted by [Shannon Kenny](https://blog.lessen.com/blog/author/shannon-kenny) on 9/20/17 9:56 AM [![](https://blog.lessen.com/hubfs/How%20to%20Mitigate%20Facility%20Maintenance%20Risks%20During%20Snow%20and%20Ice%20Season.jpg)](https://blog.lessen.com/blog/how-to-mitigate-facility-maintenance-risks-during-snow-and-ice-season) We’re all familiar with the harsh reality of the liabilities associated with the slushy and icy conditions of the winter. From a snow plow hitting an employee’s car in a parking lot, to a customer sliding on ice right into a drive-through menu, winter brings plenty of risks that are inevitable. However, you can lessen the blow of these facility maintenance hazards with the right preparation.  Here are 3 ways to mitigate the risks of the upcoming winter, regardless of the claims you encounter: [Read More](https://blog.lessen.com/blog/how-to-mitigate-facility-maintenance-risks-during-snow-and-ice-season) ## [4 Questions to See if You’re Setting Your Business Up for a Bleak Winter](https://blog.lessen.com/blog/4-questions-to-see-if-youre-setting-your-business-up-for-a-bleak-winter) Posted by [Shannon Kenny](https://blog.lessen.com/blog/author/shannon-kenny) on 9/6/17 3:31 PM [![](https://blog.lessen.com/hubfs/4%20Questions%20to%20See%20if%20You're%20Setting%20Your%20Business%20Up%20for%20a%20Bleak%20Winter.jpg)](https://blog.lessen.com/blog/4-questions-to-see-if-youre-setting-your-business-up-for-a-bleak-winter) The best companies stay ahead of the curve by predicting and preparing for the worst. The winter is inevitable, so a pragmatic and effective snow removal plan during the season should also be on ice. Before it’s too late, ask yourself the following questions: [Read More](https://blog.lessen.com/blog/4-questions-to-see-if-youre-setting-your-business-up-for-a-bleak-winter) ## [Making Foodservice Repairs and Maintenance Convenient](https://blog.lessen.com/blog/making-foodservice-repairs-and-maintenance-convenient) Posted by [Nate Manning](https://blog.lessen.com/blog/author/nate-manning) on 8/8/17 4:39 PM [![](https://blog.lessen.com/hubfs/Making%20Food%20Convenient.png)](https://blog.lessen.com/blog/making-foodservice-repairs-and-maintenance-convenient) As competition rises among convenience stores, retailers have been on the lookout for the perfect opportunity to tie-the-knot with the foodservice industry. Traditional convenience stores may offer a smaller variety of accessible snacks for consumers on the move. However, adding fresh, made-to-order products, ready-to-eat sandwiches and salads to their inventory will give consumers an added reason to shop their brand. [Read More](https://blog.lessen.com/blog/making-foodservice-repairs-and-maintenance-convenient) ## [Industry Snapshot: Facilities Management Mobile Technology in Retail](https://blog.lessen.com/blog/industry-snapshot-facilities-management-mobile-technology-in-retail) Posted by [Guy Edasis](https://blog.lessen.com/blog/author/guy-edasis) on 7/13/17 1:54 PM [![](https://blog.lessen.com/hubfs/Facilities%20Management%20Mobile%20Technology%20in%20Retail%20-%20Hero%20Image.jpg)](https://blog.lessen.com/blog/industry-snapshot-facilities-management-mobile-technology-in-retail) At SMS Assist, the retailers we work with see the benefits of integrating mobile technology into their FM tasks every day, but where does the rest of the industry stand? How do retailers from around the country feel about the adoption of mobile technology into their facilities maintenance workflow? [Read More](https://blog.lessen.com/blog/industry-snapshot-facilities-management-mobile-technology-in-retail) ## [SMS Assist Featured in Retail & Restaurant Facility Business](https://blog.lessen.com/blog/sms-assist-featured-in-retail-restaurant-facility-business) Posted by [Elisabeth Klisser](https://blog.lessen.com/blog/author/elisabeth-klisser) on 5/12/17 9:54 AM [![](https://blog.lessen.com/hubfs/Retail%20%26%20Restaurant%20Facility%20Business%20-%20Blog%20Hero%20Image.jpg)](https://blog.lessen.com/blog/sms-assist-featured-in-retail-restaurant-facility-business) Our VP of Business Development for SMS Assist, Sean Hartnett, was recently featured in [Retail & Restaurant Facility Business](http://retailrestaurantfb.com/) magazine. His article, [Transparent Data Strategy](http://retailrestaurantfb.com/industry-voices/transparent-data-strategy), dives into the importance of using FM data and transparency to drive results like improved customer experience and bottom line. [Read More](https://blog.lessen.com/blog/sms-assist-featured-in-retail-restaurant-facility-business) ## [5 Ways a Reactive HVAC Replacement Plan is Hurting Your Budget](https://blog.lessen.com/blog/5-ways-a-reactive-hvac-replacement-plan-is-hurting-your-budget) Posted by [Menno Enters](https://blog.lessen.com/blog/author/menno-enters) on 5/2/17 4:36 PM [![](https://blog.lessen.com/hubfs/5%20Ways%20a%20Reactive%20-%20Hero%20Image.jpg)](https://blog.lessen.com/blog/5-ways-a-reactive-hvac-replacement-plan-is-hurting-your-budget) Any retailer knows that in-store temperature matters a great deal to customers due to its affect on their overall shopping experience. Imagine trying on new clothes while perspiring in your dressing room or browsing a store while shivering. Retailers are privy to the fact that most heating, ventilation, air conditioning (HVAC) equipment breaks down at the worst imaginable times. Situations like these are caused when the equipment’s performance is stretched to its limits during extreme heat or cold and your asset falls short. [Read More](https://blog.lessen.com/blog/5-ways-a-reactive-hvac-replacement-plan-is-hurting-your-budget) ## [What Retailers Need to Know About Switching to All LED Lighting](https://blog.lessen.com/blog/what-retailers-need-to-know-about-switching-to-all-led-lighting) Posted by [Cindy Kaplan](https://blog.lessen.com/blog/author/cindy-kaplan) on 4/12/17 4:38 PM [![](https://blog.lessen.com/hubfs/Blog%20Header%20-%20What%20Retailers%20Need%20to%20Know%20About%20Switching%20to%20All%20LED%20Lighting.jpg)](https://blog.lessen.com/blog/what-retailers-need-to-know-about-switching-to-all-led-lighting) For the average person, lighting is no big deal. Flip a switch. Change a burnt out bulb. That's about it. It's a completely different story for retailers, where lighting literally sets the stage, the mood, and even focuses customer attention on predetermined locations and products. [Read More](https://blog.lessen.com/blog/what-retailers-need-to-know-about-switching-to-all-led-lighting) ## [3 Ways That Asset Management Improves Your Bottom Line](https://blog.lessen.com/blog/3-ways-that-asset-management-improves-your-bottom-line) Posted by [Guy Edasis](https://blog.lessen.com/blog/author/guy-edasis) on 3/30/17 12:26 PM [![](https://blog.lessen.com/hubfs/03%20-%20Mar%2028%20-%20Blog%20Banner.jpg)](https://blog.lessen.com/blog/3-ways-that-asset-management-improves-your-bottom-line) The long-term value proposition of asset management combines asset optimization, strategic decision making and a higher return on investment. In the narrowest sense, it monitors costs and supports peak asset performance. Broadly, it facilitates vital document storage and accessibility, maintenance and repair cost management, vendor management and regulatory compliance. [Read More](https://blog.lessen.com/blog/3-ways-that-asset-management-improves-your-bottom-line) ## [Hiring Heroes: Veterans at SMS Assist](https://blog.lessen.com/blog/hiring-heroes-veterans-at-sms-assist) Posted by [Alison Austin](https://blog.lessen.com/blog/author/alison-austin) on 3/21/17 1:44 PM [![](https://blog.lessen.com/hubfs/03%20-%20March%2021%20-%20Blog%20Banner%20-%20Hiring%20Heroes.jpg)](https://blog.lessen.com/blog/hiring-heroes-veterans-at-sms-assist) At SMS Assist, we’re always looking for the best talent to bring to our fast-paced, high energy, and rewarding work environment. Our core values of entrepreneurial spirit, teamwork, passion for service, and integrity guide our hiring process and help us find the right individuals to continue building one of America’s fastest-growing technology companies. [Read More](https://blog.lessen.com/blog/hiring-heroes-veterans-at-sms-assist) [All posts](https://blog.lessen.com/blog/all) [Next](https://blog.lessen.com/blog/page/2) ### Subscribe to Email Updates ### Recent Posts ### Posts by Topic - [Facilities (15)](https://blog.lessen.com/blog/topic/facilities) - [Retail (13)](https://blog.lessen.com/blog/topic/retail) - [Finance (9)](https://blog.lessen.com/blog/topic/finance) - [About SMS (7)](https://blog.lessen.com/blog/topic/about-sms) - [Efficiencies (5)](https://blog.lessen.com/blog/topic/efficiencies) - [Parking Lots (5)](https://blog.lessen.com/blog/topic/parking-lots) - [Restaurant (5)](https://blog.lessen.com/blog/topic/restaurant) - [Snow Removal (4)](https://blog.lessen.com/blog/topic/snow-removal) - [Data (3)](https://blog.lessen.com/blog/topic/data) - [Exterior Services (3)](https://blog.lessen.com/blog/topic/exterior-services) - [Landscaping (3)](https://blog.lessen.com/blog/topic/landscaping) - [Operational Costs (3)](https://blog.lessen.com/blog/topic/operational-costs) - [Preventative Maintenance (3)](https://blog.lessen.com/blog/topic/preventative-maintenance) - [Trends (3)](https://blog.lessen.com/blog/topic/trends) - [Awards (2)](https://blog.lessen.com/blog/topic/awards) - [Conferences (2)](https://blog.lessen.com/blog/topic/conferences) - [Facilities Maintenance (2)](https://blog.lessen.com/blog/topic/facilities-maintenance) - [Residential (2)](https://blog.lessen.com/blog/topic/residential) - [Technology (2)](https://blog.lessen.com/blog/topic/technology) - [Affiliate Network (1)](https://blog.lessen.com/blog/topic/affiliate-network) - [Affiliate Spotlight (1)](https://blog.lessen.com/blog/topic/affiliate-spotlight) - [Facilities Management (1)](https://blog.lessen.com/blog/topic/facilities-management) - [Funding (1)](https://blog.lessen.com/blog/topic/funding) - [HVAC (1)](https://blog.lessen.com/blog/topic/hvac) - [Hiring (1)](https://blog.lessen.com/blog/topic/hiring) - [LED Lighting (1)](https://blog.lessen.com/blog/topic/led-lighting) - [Leadership (1)](https://blog.lessen.com/blog/topic/leadership) - [PRSM (1)](https://blog.lessen.com/blog/topic/prsm) - [Risk Mitigation (1)](https://blog.lessen.com/blog/topic/risk-mitigation) - [Thought Leadership (1)](https://blog.lessen.com/blog/topic/thought-leadership) - [Total Cost of Ownership (1)](https://blog.lessen.com/blog/topic/total-cost-of-ownership) see all - OUR SOLUTION - [The SMS Advantage](http://www.smsassist.com/the-sms-advantage) - [ONE By SMS Assist](http://www.smsassist.com/one-by-sms-assist) - [Markets Served](http://www.smsassist.com/markets-served) - [Case Studies](http://www.smsassist.com/case-studies) - SERVICES - [Exterior Maintenance](http://www.smsassist.com/exterior-maintenance) - [Facilities Maintenance](http://www.smsassist.com/facilities-maintenance) - [Interior Maintenance](http://www.smsassist.com/interior-maintenance) - [Property Management Services](http://www.smsassist.com/property-management-services) - [Residential Property](http://www.smsassist.com/residential-property) - AFFILIATES - [Affiliate Advantage](http://www.smsassist.com/affiliate-advantage) - [Affiliate Sign Up](http://www.smsassist.com/affiliate-sign-up) - [Testimonials](http://www.smsassist.com/testimonials) - [Our Commitments](http://www.smsassist.com/our-commitments) - [FAQ](http://www.smsassist.com/faq) - ABOUT US - [Corporate Overview](http://www.smsassist.com/corporate-overview) - [SMS Serves](http://www.smsassist.com/sms-serves) - [SMS University](http://www.smsassist.com/sms-university) - [Contact](http://www.smsassist.com/contact) - Our Team - [Executive Team](http://www.smsassist.com/our-team/executive-team) - [Board of Directors](http://www.smsassist.com/our-team/board-of-directors) - [Equity Partners](http://www.smsassist.com/our-team/equity-partners) - [Investors & Advisors](http://www.smsassist.com/our-team/investors-advisors) - CAREERS - [Why SMS?](http://www.smsassist.com/why-sms-assist) - [Available Positions](http://www.smsassist.com/available-positions) - MEDIA - [News](http://www.smsassist.com/news) - [Events](http://www.smsassist.com/events) - [Video Gallery](http://www.smsassist.com/video-gallery) - [Blog](https://blog.smsassist.com/blog) - - [Privacy Policy](http://www.smsassist.com/privacy-policy) - [Security Policy](http://www.smsassist.com/security-policy) - [Terms of Use](http://www.smsassist.com/terms-of-use) - [Download Brochure](https://16c0b2969faa58ae4b65-80789b7c3c0d8606a58e0cf26ee4ba6c.ssl.cf2.rackcdn.com/12a9c754d0204c28b15066f06ace22c2.pdf) - [Home](http://www.smsassist.com/) - [](https://www.facebook.com/smsassist/) - [](https://twitter.com/SMSAssistLLC) - [](https://vimeo.com/smsassist) - [](https://www.linkedin.com/company/sms-assist-llc) - [](mailto:info@smsassist.com) [© 2018 SMS Assist. 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