Practical Facilities Tips, News & Advice.
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 […]
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. […]
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 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 […]
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% […]
Facilities today face increasing challenges, from managing security across sprawling campuses to ensuring operational efficiency in the face of rising costs and evolving threats. Meeting these demands requires smarter, more adaptable tools, and video surveillance has emerged as a critical solution. Driven by advancements in artificial intelligence (AI), cloud technology, and innovative hardware, surveillance systems […]
From combat engineer to custodial manager, Marcus LaPointe has worn many proverbial hats throughout his career. However, he encourages aspiring facility professionals to get their start in the trades—”any trade.” It’s timely advice, given that reports show a grave need for all types of skilled trade workers. As for LaPointe, he now works as an […]
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, […]
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 […]
More office space will be removed from the U.S. market this year than added to it for the first time since at least 2018 and likely longer, providing another indicator of the market’s stabilization and nascent recovery, according to a new report from CBRE. CBRE’s analysis of office-market activity across the largest 58 U.S. markets […]