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These days, companies are being forced to work more efficiently and do more with less. That includes buying furniture for agents, supervisors, or administrative employees.

A useful Interior Concepts white paper offers tips to consider when making your furniture purchase. Some highlights:

--Look for a furniture company that is experienced in contact centers. This means seeking a partnership with a company that will allow you to work with the same group of people regardless of your center's location. This can best be accomplished through a direct relationship with the furniture manufacturer -- if they provide this type of service.

--Get the very best use of space by maximizing all available square footage. Right - so how can furniture design impact the bottom line when leasing or building space? The customer either directly or indirectly pays for every square foot of space that they use. Conversely, this means that every square foot of space not being used is money being expended, which can never be recovered.

--Save time and money when laying power and data lines. In other words, look for a furniture system with a large and easy to use wire management system. An 'easy to use' wire management system (as opposed to restricted, in panel raceways) takes less time to run power and data lines and is less costly compared to more traditional systems furniture products.

--Incorporate ergonomic accessories into the workstation design and reduce workers' compensation claims. With regard to ergonomics, the proper ergonomic accessories combined with proper training can result in significant savings for the customer through reduced workers' compensation premiums. It's the 'you can pay now' or 'you can pay later' scenario.

--Select a furniture manufacturer that offers space planning at no charge or obligation. This is an excellent benefit that allows the customer to visualize or confirm the best design for their contact center.

--Purchase furniture that offers a lifetime warranty. A good ol' lifetime warranty means low maintenance and a low total cost of ownership. Look for a quality system from a quality company. Call centers should be able to purchase furniture that will withstand years of daily use.

David Sims is a contributing editor for TMCnet. To read more of David's articles, please visit his columnist page. He also blogs for TMCnet here.

Edited by Patrick Barnard