Practical Facilities Tips, News & Advice.
Back to Basics is an article series that highlights important, but possibly overlooked, information facilities management professionals should know. Are you and your employees prepared for cold winter temperatures and extreme weather hazards? Even if your facility or worksites are outside the country’s “snow belt,” you need to be mindful of cold-weather hazards. Workers unaccustomed to […]
Not being compliant isn’t some clever cost-saving strategy. Regulators are not only watching; they’re charging more than ever. For example, new penalties announced at the beginning of 2025 for International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) violations are now capable of reaching more than $1 million per incident, and that’s before you even think about legal […]
As buildings seal up for colder months and occupants spend more time indoors, indoor air quality (IAQ) is becoming harder to ignore. What was once treated as a background mechanical function is now shaping comfort, complaints, and confidence in shared spaces. For facilities managers, this shift presents a growing challenge. People are making decisions about […]
Indoor air quality (IAQ) in schools is a critical but unevenly addressed public health issue. Poor IAQ negatively impacts asthma, absenteeism, and learning outcomes. However, state laws addressing school IAQ vary widely. To help move states toward comprehensive protections, the American Lung Association has released a new report, “A Win-Win for Lung Health: How Policies […]
When you think of a building, you probably think of a lifeless, static structure. And while that’s technically true, modern-day technology is transforming buildings into something more “alive.” Backed by Internet of Things (IoT), automation, and data integration, buildings are becoming increasingly interconnected, creating intelligent ecosystems where every system—down to the HVAC, security, and lighting—is […]
As we enter 2026, it’s never been more important to empower and protect the healthcare workforce. Healthcare organizations continue to face persistent staffing shortages and high turnover while combating increasing levels of violence. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that healthcare and social service workers are five times more likely to suffer a workplace violence injury […]
Facilities managers are used to wearing a dozen hats—problem-solver, safety officer, IT liaison, compliance expert. But today, that job’s gotten even tougher. Whether you’re running a school, hospital, office, or government building, your to-do list includes safety, air quality, compliance, and keeping everything running smoothly with fewer hands on deck. Video surveillance systems have long […]
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has unleashed the 2026 TSA Canine Calendar, an annual tradition honoring the agency’s more than 1,000 explosives detection canines working at airports across the United States. Now available for free download, the new calendar highlights 13 paw-some pups selected from a nationwide contest. Each month features photos and fun facts […]
The lunch menu on the cafeteria screen probably isn’t saving lives. But what if that same screen could? Conversations with facilities managers across manufacturing, healthcare, and corporate environments reveal the same frustration: When something goes wrong, whether it’s a chemical spill, a weather emergency, or a security incident, there’s no reliable way to instantly communicate […]
Smart hotel development can be a worthwhile investment for facilities managers seeking to enhance the efficiency of their hotel. Automation and remote sensing improve experiences for both guests and staff. While the benefits are appealing, some challenges come with this new technology. Below are the most common challenges, along with viable solutions, to keep your […]