Practical Facilities Tips, News & Advice.
Production supervisor Scott Wagner received a text message at 6:42 a.m. while at home preparing for his commute. The night shift ended almost two hours ago, but he was just now learning about a critical failure in the assembly line’s main conveyor system. The overnight team had been struggling with the issue since 4:15 a.m., […]
The manufacturing industry has long been characterized by its assembly line-style factory layout design. Improving the safety of factory workers has been a focus in recent years, which led to a shift in factory layout design. By rethinking the layout, it is possible to create a safer working environment for employees, reduce the risk of […]
As we commemorate IoT Day on April 9, the transformative power of the Internet of Things (IoT) continues to reshape industries, redefining efficiency and enhancing experiences across various facilities. IoT innovations are ushering in a new era of operational excellence and customer satisfaction, from sports arenas to manufacturing operations. Today, we explore two compelling examples—each […]
As manufacturing continues to become increasingly automated, manufacturers continue to look for ways to protect their most important asset: their workforce. Robots, autonomous ground vehicles, material handling equipment, and more complex systems can create more dangerous workspaces than ever before without the proper safeguards installed on the production floor. There are many forms of safety […]
According to a 2023 report by the International Energy Agency (IEA), industries account for 24% of global CO₂ emissions, highlighting the critical role operations and maintenance teams must play in reducing environmental impact. As global concerns about climate change grow, businesses are under increasing pressure from regulators, stakeholders, and consumers to show their commitment to […]
Facilities managers who oversee industrial, manufacturing, or workshop environments have numerous responsibilities to preserve the safety of their workforce and the stability of their infrastructure. One of those duties may extend to selecting a fit-for-purpose air compression system, a critical component of facility robustness and efficiency. Air compression systems serve as the proverbial backbone of […]
Facilities Management Advisor’s “Under Construction” series highlights some of the latest, most interesting facility project announcements every month. Sports Arena Makeover Scotiabank Arena, home to the NHL’s Toronto Maple Leafs and NBA’s Toronto Raptors, recently started the second phase of its $350 million Scotiabank Arena Reimagination project. Owned and operated by Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment […]
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recognized 103 U.S. manufacturing plants that earned the agency’s ENERGY STAR certification in 2023, a designation reserved for manufacturing plants in the top 25% of energy efficiency in their sector. Together, these facilities prevented more than 8 million metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions, equivalent to the emissions from […]
In 2023, facility and maintenance managers saw the emergence of advanced technologies and artificial intelligence, new environmental sustainability regulations, and higher-than-ever customer expectations. With so many conflicting priorities, it is easy for facilities professionals to feel their heads spin. In a recent survey of manufacturing and facilities management companies, maintenance professionals report a heavy focus […]
Continuous improvement in manufacturing refers to ongoing efforts to enhance products, services, or processes. The improvements can be incremental over time or achieved through breakthrough moments. However, the goal is to streamline operations, reduce waste, and increase efficiency and productivity in manufacturing facilities. Embedding a culture of continuous development and refinement in manufacturing facilities is […]