Introduction

Choosing the right service model can significantly impact the success and efficiency of your Fire Service Company. Whether you opt for a self-performing or affiliate-based model, each approach offers distinct advantages and challenges. This guide explores the benefits and drawbacks of both methods, offering insights into making an informed decision that aligns with your business needs.

Self-Performing

Self-performing companies operate by directly employing staff and managing all aspects of their services within the company. Essentially, they conduct all of their work from start to finish. They use all their personnel and resources without contractors or subcontractors. Along with this, they also track down their leads. The businesses that choose a self-performing Fire Service Company usually do so because this makes the provider have the following:

• Potentially faster response times
• Direct control over service quality
• Immediate management of staff and resources

While self-performing may be considered the old-school way of doing things, there are reasons why alternatives such as the affiliate-based model exist. Some concerns businesses have about Fire Service Providers include their higher operational costs and limited geographic reach. Many businesses overlook these downsides or consider the benefits to be worth it. However, others go with other options, such as an affiliate-based service.

Affiliate-Based Service

Affiliate-based Fire Service Companies, like Commercial Fire, work with an extensive network of approved partners to protect life and property in restaurants, retail, grocery, and convenience stores throughout all 50 states. The affiliate-based service model offers several advantages that appeal to businesses seeking comprehensive fire protection solutions:

• Wide geographic reach
• Advocacy for customer interests
• Enhanced value for customers through affiliate expertise
• Ability to select highly trained and experienced professionals

On the flip side, there are obvious challenges in managing diverse affiliate networks. However, the repair departments of affiliated-based Fire Service Providers like Commercial Fire are managed by industry veterans. These trained and experienced professionals can ensure the customer gets what they need and that it’s of good value. They have expertise in the repair environment that is incentivized to make sure your interests are cared for.

Technology and Quality Control

One way to ensure that customers' needs are met is through technology. Through this, Commercial Fire can maintain visibility and quality control. One example is the new Affiliate Scoreboard. This innovative tool provides real-time updates that are accessible 24/7 through our CF Connect Portal. It will feature your Commercial Fire Work Order performance, offering enhanced visibility to improve efficiency, revenue, and cash flow.

Managers and administrators can view all work orders in one place, sort by status, access details like dates and documents, and see a location map. They can also speed up payments using drag-and-drop document features. Field technicians can use GPS technology to check in and out, eliminating on-site IVR phone calls. The app's geolocation feature helps them find work orders efficiently. They can also upload before/after pictures directly to the app, avoiding the need for emails and file size issues. This integration of technology enhances service delivery and ensures that every aspect of fire protection is handled with the utmost precision and care.

Conclusion

Self-performing Fire Service Companies and affiliate-based providers have their own sets of advantages and disadvantages. It’s worth noting that many national service providers complement their owned branches with an affiliate network, meaning that none are entirely self-performing. This has traditionally been the case and is increasingly evident. Affiliates voluntarily choose to be part of the network, and several branches of national service companies don’t prioritize work assigned by the National Account division of their organization. Regardless, the decision between a self-performing and affiliate-based service model depends on the specific needs of your business. Ultimately, it’s up to you to select the right one to support your operational goals and enhance fire protection for your business.