Purpose of IDEA Accreditation
Consumers have many choices when it comes to door and access systems. However, most have little firsthand experience in purchasing or servicing these products. When it comes time to call for service or purchase a new garage door, many homeowners are doing so for the first time. The wide assortment of choices can lead to confusion for those unfamiliar with these products.
Accreditation by the Institute of Door Dealer Education and Accreditation (IDEA) is intended to assist the general public in the selection of a qualified, professional door systems dealer when purchasing, servicing, or installing an overhead door, automatic gate operator, fire door and other industry products. IDEA Accreditation enables professional door companies to be more easily recognized by the public. Companies earning the Accreditation seal have demonstrated a commitment to industry excellence by completing a demanding study course, documenting good business practices and receiving recommendations from others with whom they do business.
Accreditation is not a warranty, but it’s the best means available today to assist the public in becoming informed customers when their needs lead them to our industry.
What is IDEA?
IDEA is an independent educational foundation formed by three industry trade associations in 1996. Its purpose is to serve in the public interest by promoting and recognizing professionalism in the door and access systems industry.
One of the benefits of earning and maintaining accreditation is that it gives the company the right to present itself to the general public as having met the high standards established by IDEA.
As an educational foundation, IDEA seeks to provide door systems dealers with educational tools and training programs to enhance their management training and professional development. Accreditation by IDEA validates those who have made the commitment and taken action to establish their companies as professional door systems dealers.
By earning and advertising this honor, dealers will be recognized by more members of the public who will learn the value of professional door companies and make quality sales and service decisions.
IDEA Course Outline
Section 1 - Accounting / General Business Principles
Covers the basics of business and financial management to help you better understand how your business operates, how to analyze your company’s financial performance and how to improve your bottom line.
Topics include:
•General principles of accounting
•Balance sheet categories
•Income statement items
•Interpretation of ratios
•Management techniques
•Analysis of sales
•Financial analysis
•Definition/use of independent contractors
•Sub-contractor status compliance rules
•Business structure “C” and sub-chapter “S” corporations
•Partnerships and proprietorships
Section 2 - Insurance And Legal
An increasingly critical component in business success today is an understanding of the rules and regulations that govern the operation of your business. This course area, along with the Safety section, teaches not only legal obligations, but also how compliance with a variety of regulations actually protects, and in many instances enhances your business investment.
Topics include:
•General Liability Insurance
o Contractual•Workers Compensation
o Personal injury
o Business interruption
o Employee benefits
o Umbrella
o Tax bond
o Inland marine
o Proof of coverage
o Understanding specific state requirements•Unemployment Insurance
o Filing claims
o The appeal process
o General rules and regulations
o Accident investigation
•Managing an Insurance Claim
o Follow-up: your rights, privileges and responsibilities with insurance company•Legal Rights & Obligations in the Workplace
o Controlling the claim
o Discrimination/Harassment•Human Resources and Relations
o Dispute resolution and handling the situation
o Handling a claim: obligations and procedure
o Hiring and firing practices
o Review process
o Incentives/Rewards Discipline
Section 3 - Safety & Heath Compliance / Loss Control Management
As with the Insurance/Legal section, a thorough understanding of safety and health regulations and compliance reduces exposure and potential liability of your business. Properly administered, compliance with various regulations combined with a comprehensive loss control management philosophy will have a real bottom line impact on your business.
Topics include:
•The Role of Compliance, Safety Management and Loss Control in Business Operations
o Understanding the potential financial impact of safety and loss control•Understanding the OSHA System
o Cost control via loss control and sound safety management
o Establishing a management philosophy
o Structure of the OSHA system•Developing Written Programs and Policies
o How standards are established and enforced
o The current citation and fine system
o Contingent/shared liabilities on multi-employer worksites
o How to write a safety program and loss control policies•Establishing a Safety and Loss Control Budget
o Evaluating the cost of implementation and ongoing support•Implementing Safety, Health and Loss Control Programs and Policies
o Planning the implementation•Establishing a Training Program
o Coordinating departmental efforts to allow for efficient implementation
o Logistical issues of implementation
o How to evaluate your training needs and requirements•Monitoring and Enforcement of Programs and Policies
o Critical components of worker level training
o Recordkeeping and documentation
o Assessing the effectiveness of training
o Workplace inspections•Customer Requirements and Standards
o Disciplinary actions
o Historical enforcement records
o Compliance with customer requirements•UL 325
o Pre-work evaluations during bid preparation
o Understanding UL 325 and its applications
Section 4 - Technical Basics Residential
•Sectional doors
•One-piece doors
•Door operators and controls
•Gate operators and controls
Section 5 - Technical Basics Commercial
•Sectional doors
•Rolling steel doors
•Fire doors
•Sheet/curtain doors
•Special applications
•Door operators and controls
•Gate operators and controls
Among the technical detail that will be covered for the various products in both Technical Basics sections will be:
•Types of products
•Construction/electrical basics
•Accessories
•Installation procedures
•Applied hardware
•Recommended tools
•Review of instructions - work order
•Troubleshooting
•Maintenance and repair
•Safety equipment
•Consumer/end user product awareness
•Personnel training
Section 6 - Sales & Marketing Management
This course section is designed to help you plan and implement a marketing program to not just increase sales, but more importantly profits. Learn how to decide which markets offer your company the greatest profit potential and how to create a plan that will effectively reach those potential customers.
Topics include:
•Understanding Your Market and Product Mix Relationship
o Establishing target markets•Principles of Effective Advertising
o Developing a marketing plan
o Product mix
o Developing your plan•Retrofit / Crossover Sales
o Deciding which media to use
o Measuring advertising effectiveness
o Maximizing the return on your advertising investment
o Establishing a consistent message
o Replacement sales•Builder / Contractor Sales
o Options and accessories
o Service contracts and agreements
o Crossover marketing
o Residential builders•Commercial Bid Process
o Commercial contractors
o Architectural sales
o Plans and specifications
o Contract documents
o Estimating
o The bidding process
Study Materials And Examinations
Examinations will be given at IDA's International Garage Door Exposition each year, and at IDA Educational Conferences. Exams may be taken in any order, although it is recommended they be taken in sequence. Students may prepare for the examinations in any manner they choose. To properly prepare for each part, students will need a current textbook.
Because of the constantly changing laws and rules, textbooks may be updated on an annual basis. Candidates are strongly encouraged to prepare for the examinations with current study materials. Using outdated study materials will usually not adequately prepare candidates for the examinations.