Category: Maintenance and Operations

Innovations in Campus Access Control: The Mobile-First Approach

Until recently, physical keys and plastic ID cards were the backbone of campus access control and services, often tied to disjointed systems. Today, students expect seamless integration of campus services, including building access, dining, vending, laundry, copy and print, transportation, and more—all accessible on their phones. Much like concert tickets, debit and credit cards, airline […]

Adidas and OSHA Reach Settlement Over Warehouse Hazards

Athletic apparel and shoemaker Adidas America Inc. and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) have reached a settlement agreement that requires the company to pay $235,000 in fines and implement enhanced safety measures at multiple facilities. The agreement comes after OSHA conducted a 2024 follow-up inspection at an Adidas warehouse in upstate New York. […]

Can Replacing Battery-Powered IoT with RF Technology Help Boost ESG Goals?

Editor’s note: FM Perspectives are industry op-eds. The views expressed are the authors’ and do not necessarily reflect those of Facilities Management Advisor. As the U.S. smart building market reached $24.66 billion in 2024, the demand for Internet of Things (IoT)-driven automation continues to rise. From environmental sensors to access control systems, smart buildings rely heavily on […]

Office Aesthetics Matter—and That Includes Kitchen and Breakroom Cabinetry

Office amenities take on wear and tear throughout the day, and over time, they can experience significant aesthetic breakdowns. This is true of workspaces, but it’s equally true of kitchens and breakrooms—areas that tend to see a lot of foot traffic from employees as they brew coffee, prepare their lunches, or simply seek a quick […]

Why Preventive Maintenance Training Is Essential for Facilities Managers

Facilities managers are often putting out proverbial fires, leaving less time for those “important but not urgent tasks”—like upskilling and refreshing technical knowledge. But these “non-urgent,” small tasks, like preventive maintenance, can balloon into much bigger problems over time. According to Siemens’ “True Cost of Downtime 2024” report, the world’s top 500 companies lost 11% […]

Integrating HVAC UV-C Disinfection Monitoring with Building Automation

Indoor air quality (IAQ) has become a central focus for commercial tenants, facilities managers, building owners, leasing agents, and property owners. One technology option for airstream and HVAC surface disinfection in this regard is ultraviolet energy in the C-band or germicidal wavelength (UV‑C). When incorporated into HVAC air handlers, UV‑C systems help inactivate airborne pathogens, […]

How Energy Management Helps Restaurants Serve Up Success

Editor’s note: FM Perspectives are industry op-eds. The views expressed are the authors’ and do not necessarily reflect those of Facilities Management Advisor. As the vice president of operations for over 30 Wendy’s locations, my No. 1 goal is to take care of our customers. For many of them, this means delivering a flawless Baconator or a […]

Smart Building Tech: A Strategic Line of Defense Against Rising Insurance Costs

Just as commercial real estate (CRE) began to recover from the impacts of COVID-19, the industry is now entering a new era of financial pressures. Driven by an uncertain economy, aging infrastructure, extreme weather events, and a more conservative insurance underwriting landscape, property insurance premiums are climbing at an alarming rate. In Q1 2024, commercial […]

Top Bed Bug Prevention Tips for Hotels

In honor of Bed Bug Awareness Week, June 1-7, the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) is aiming to support the hotel and lodging industry in safeguarding guest experiences through proactive bed bug inspection and prevention strategies. Bed bugs remain a persistent concern in lodging facilities, and early detection is critical to preventing infestations that can […]

The Parking Lot Priority List: 3 Critical Factors You Can’t Afford to Overlook

Across industries, the details that shape safety, accessibility, and sustainability are countless—but one area that’s often underestimated, yet undeniably critical, is the parking lot. More than just a place to park, it serves as the first and last impression for anyone who visits, works at, or interacts with a property. It’s a high-traffic zone, a […]