If you are a building service contractor or facilities manager, it is important to understand what a CIMS certification is and why it is important. If you are considering outsourcing your cleaning operation, you should only consider contractors who have this certification because they understand customer service and the latest recommendations for cleaning.

What CIMS certifies is that the cleaning organization is committed to industry standard guidelines and protocols that help them serve their customers. The cleaning industry is different because it affects the health and well-being of people, which is why certifications should be taken seriously.  

Below we will discuss what a CIMS certification is, why it is important, and what it means for your cleaning operation.   

What is a CIMS Certification? 

"CIMS" stands for "Cleaning Industry Management Standard." This is the foundational certification for cleaning operations, internal or outsourced. The certification means that the organization is committed to high-quality standard procedures designed to protect the wellbeing of the facility they are contracted to service.  

CIMS addresses six areas of the best management practices:

• Quality Systems: This establishes a framework that fosters efficient operations with a focus on continuous improvement. 
• Service Delivery:  Creates guidelines for the establishment of procedures necessary to deliver high-quality cleaning services.
• Human Resources: Promotes the best practices for hiring, employee orientation, training, management training and executive development within your organization. 
• Health, Safety, and Environmental Stewardship: Addresses regulatory requirements and compliance within an organizational environmental policy. 
• Management Commitment: The cleaning organization must demonstrate that it has developed internal management systems that will support planning, communications, risk management, and other factors.  
• Green Building: This section addresses the CIMS Green Building requirements.  It contains specific guidelines for the implementation of green cleaning practices.

CIMS Certification Equals Customer Service

CIMS protocols are industry standard and are designed to help cleaning contractors respond to unique and unexpected situations. The training also helps BSCs configure their protocols to meet the needs of any type of facility, including healthcare, schools, and commercial buildings.

When you hire a cleaning contractor who has been CIMS certified, you are hiring someone who will meet the demands of your facility and uphold the service level agreement (SLA). They are qualified professionals, which means their staff training meets or exceeds the industry standard as well. And finally, CIMS Certified providers are subjected to continuing educations so they can learn the latest protocols for cleaning.

How To Tell If a Cleaning Contractor Is CIMS Certified

If you are a CIMS certified cleaning operation, you can proudly display the logo on your website. That proves to potential clients that you are committed to the best industry standards of cleaning, are compliant will all regulations, and that your cleaning operation has an established green-cleaning program.

Facilities today are extremely committed to the health and well-being of its inhabitants. The pandemic has introduced many new necessary policies and regulations to the cleaning industry. Companies like Supreme Maintenance Organization have proven their commitment to high-quality service by obtaining a CIMS certification. Facilities should only consider CIMS-certified BSCs to handle their cleaning operations. 

If you need a customized service solution for your business that is cost-effective, contact Supreme Maintenance Organization today. 800-717-4677

Read about SMO's CIMS certification here.