Practical Facilities Tips, News & Advice.
The Massachusetts High Technology Council, a regional industry group, recently examined issues involved in reopening businesses and asking employees to return to work in the ongoing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. A new report in the New England Journal of Medicine summarized their conclusions.
The convergence of physical security and IT has been happening for years, spurred initially by the transition from analog to IP-based systems and, more recently, by the move to cloud-based solutions. This evolution has required close collaboration between IT, physical security, and facility teams. Findings from the 2026 Genetec State of Physical Security Report show that IT departments are playing a larger […]
It’s here! It’s finally here! After brutal temps pummeled much of the country during winter, March 20th marks the first official day of spring. For facilities managers, the warmer weather provides opportunities to tackle tasks delayed during the cold and to give everything a nice refresh. However, the new season also poses some challenges like […]
Behind every high-performing building lies an unsung hero: the central plant. These mechanical nerve centers—clusters of chillers, boilers, pumps, and cooling towers—quietly provide heating and cooling to hospitals, airports, campuses, and other complex facilities. When everything hums along, hardly anyone gives them a second thought. But when a pump fails or a chiller trips, the […]
Handwashing is an action that’s done millions of times every day in homes, workplaces, schools, stores, and a multitude of other locations across the country. To delve deeper into this daily habit, the 2026 Healthy Handwashing Survey from Bradley Co. posed a series of questions to U.S. adults and uncovered some interesting findings. In the […]
A new report from HID reveals how organizations worldwide are fundamentally reshaping their approach to identity management, which plays a major role in access control and security in facilities. Based on insights from more than 1,500 security and IT professionals, end users, and industry partners, the 2026 State of Security and Identity Report shows that […]
Spring brings a fresh set of opportunities for K-12 facilities managers to strengthen campus performance. As schools transition from cooler months and prepare for increased outdoor use, maintenance teams can use advanced technologies to improve efficiency, optimize resources, and support safe learning environments. By integrating tools such as the Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence […]
In honor of Termite Awareness Week, March 1-7, the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) is urging commercial property owners and facilities managers to take action before spring termite activity reaches its peak. Termites cause an estimated $6.8 billion in property damage annually in the United States, with commercial facilities facing unique risks that can lead […]
The Center for Green Schools at the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) and the Green Schools National Network (GSNN) have announced the recipients of the 2026 Best of Green Schools Awards. The awards recognize 11 U.S. schools, districts, organizations, or individuals for advancing environmental stewardship, creating healthy learning environments, and promoting education for a sustainable future. “America’s students deserve […]
Have you ever strained to understand an announcement in an airport or missed critical instructions over a facility’s intercom? These moments of audio confusion are more than minor frustrations. In environments where safety, efficiency, and coordination are vital, the clarity of sound systems is a direct contributor to operational performance. The requirement for precise, intelligible […]