Before you choose
an access point.

Start with the complete journey

Choosing a point on a floor plan is only the beginning. Walk the route as someone who is visiting the space for the first time. Look at signs, access restrictions, opening hours and how easily help can be found.

The useful question is whether the whole journey works, including the moment when supplies or the usual route are unavailable.

1. Choose a location people can actually reach

Consider where the need is likely to arise and what a person must do to reach the point. Check for locked doors, steps, narrow approaches and limits on who may enter. Involve the site team and intended users in assessing accessibility.

2. Identify the local owner

Write down who is responsible for routine checks, replenishment and service issues. Include a deputy or cover arrangement. Responsibility that only exists in a project presentation is easy to lose once the site gets busy.

3. Make information understandable

Keep directions and instructions clear. If availability is shown digitally, consider how its recency is communicated and what the interface should say when information cannot be updated.

4. Check the physical operating conditions

Discuss installation permissions, space, power and network conditions with the relevant facilities team. Consumables need an appropriate storage and handling arrangement based on their supplier instructions.

5. Decide what the pilot should teach you

A small pilot can test whether a location is convenient, whether the refill routine is workable and what support people need. Choose a few useful observations before launch rather than collecting information without a clear purpose.

Bring a short site brief

List proposed locations, access hours, estimated demand and the refill owner. Keep personal health details out of the initial enquiry. The Refill Planner can add a simple consumables estimate to that brief.