Summary
Aldevra helped VA Brockton complete a room-service kitchen conversion despite elevator failure and compliance challenges—without delaying the mission.
Adapting in Real Time to Infrastructure Failures Without Delaying the Mission
Overview
The VA in Brockton transitioned their 418-bed facility to a room-service kitchen model to improve veteran experience. The project required strong front-end planning and real-time problem solving when unexpected obstacles surfaced on arrival.
The Challenge
1) The freight elevator was down on arrival
The original delivery plan depended on the freight elevator. When it was non-operational, equipment movement became an immediate risk to timeline.
2) Field welding required a MA hot work spotter certification
Because the elevator was down, the project demanded a Massachusetts-specific hot work spotter certification for welding activity. The scheduled spotter had a family emergency and had to leave, creating a potential stop-work situation.
3) Room service changes the cadence of a kitchen
The project wasn’t only about installing equipment. Room service shifts staff habits, timing, and execution: it requires responsive cooking, coordinated delivery, and a flow that supports orders arriving continuously.
What We Did
Planning-first foundation (drawings + layout coordination)
We supported planning using detailed drawings that align all trades and stakeholders to one shared reference for placement, electrical access, and operational flow.
Immediate pivot when infrastructure failed
When the elevator was out, the team reworked the logistics plan onsite and used a forklift to lift equipment through a second-story door, preventing a schedule derailment.
Solved compliance issues in real time
To prevent delays after the certified spotter left, Aldevra’s Jerry Spencer completed the required hot work spotter certification via a one-hour online course and test, allowing welding work to continue without waiting on rescheduling.
Go-live readiness and workflow support
We supported implementation beyond install by ensuring equipment selection and operational flow supported the realities of room service like delivery timing expectations, cart needs, staging, and the new order-ticket rhythm.
Post-install support: training + warranty coordination
After installation, we stayed involved to reduce friction for the facility team:
- coordinated manufacturer training so staff could use new equipment effectively
- stayed engaged on warranty/performance issues, working directly with manufacturers and relaying next steps so customers didn’t have to manage service calls alone
Results
- Delivered the room-service conversion despite elevator failure at arrival
- Prevented schedule delays by resolving certification compliance immediately
- Reduced operational disruption through workflow planning and go-live support
- Improved adoption through training coordination and post-install troubleshooting support
Key Takeaway
Brockton proved the value of our on-the-ground execution: when infrastructure fails and compliance surprises show up, the team adapts fast and keeps the project moving.
Are you ready to upgrade your VA kitchen? Contact Aldevra today.
