Design and Quotation Service

Pre Sales Support

Link offers an unparalleled level of “in-field” service and advice. The salesforce consult on site with the client without obligation. In the case of complex, large projects that may involve third parties such as architects, consultants and construction type organisations, Link 51 provide a higher level of detail.

In some instances Installation Supervisors will accompany sales staff to view and comment upon logistical difficulties pre quotation. This often means potential difficulties can be overcome, avoiding confusion when site works start.
Quotations are issued in a number of ways. Smaller requests may be dealt with by email via the sales office, issued and designed by the member of the sales team responsible, or by the Project Manager and Design Services Team if the project is large or complex.

Sales and managers are trained to use the tools required for survey, not only with electronic measuring devices, but also to use basic laser measuring equipment to determine the state of a floor before committing to whether high density storage systems can be used. In many cases a full survey is not required until post-order, with the sales team having established at quotation stage the viability for the client of the suitability of the premises.

Typically, pre-sales activity without obligation includes site surveys, drawing and proposal preparation, provision of visits to similar customer installations and factory visits to view manufacturing facilities. In many instances Link 51 will attend several meetings with clients and their representatives to ensure the design is acceptable before preparing prices for the proposed installation.

The requirement for a comprehensive site survey for our element of works is key to ensuring that the installed scheme both maximises the space available for storage and that the scheme operates safely and efficiently to the full scope of its’ intended design. The extent of the survey will be dependent upon the nature of the scope of works, for example in respect of a mobile shelving installation a floor survey may be required as well as a survey of the building envelope. In addition to confirming the suitability of the scheme to fit within the proposed location the survey visit would also address with the client the logistics of the installation, such as delivery schedule, access and egress, interface with other trades / operational personnel, Health & Safety etc.

Site Surveys are undertaken by members of our Site Management Team, such as a Site Supervisor or our Field Installation Manager. It is ideal at the survey stage that the building / room where the scheme is to be installed is complete so that accurate dimensions can be taken and any obstructions accounted for. Following the dimensional survey the information will be returned to the Design Office where an updated drawing will be prepared and issued to the customer for approval and final sign-off prior to manufacture.

The survey will also collate other information which is pertinent to the successful execution of the project such as vehicle restrictions, hours of work, phasing around other trades, necessary mechanical handling equipment etc, as well as any information required to produce method statements and risk assessments.

Space Planning

The approach we take to space planning is consultative and always with an open mind. We understand space planning is vital in offering value for money to our clients. Storage system planning at Link 51 can be summed up in the philosophy of “Invisible, no cost and with infinite load capacity”. The nearer we get to each of these objectives, the better value for money the system offered to the client. We can only work at maximum effectiveness when the client works in the same, open and consultative manner.

At all times we encourage clients to allow us maximum and multiple site visits wherever possible, rather than just visit, draw and quote, which, does not allow enough discussion with clients on the alternatives. There is always more than one way to plan a storage system, the more discussion between client/Link 51 the better the solution.