Practical Facilities Tips, News & Advice.
In facilities management, the term “firefighting” gets used a lot. Sometimes it is said with pride. Sometimes with frustration. Usually both. It describes the daily scramble to deal with leaks, outages, complaints, failed equipment, last-minute shutdowns, vendor delays, and emergencies that seem to arrive all at once. It is an “us against them” kind of […]
William Keys encourages facilities managers, whether new or experienced, to take chances and challenge themselves. In fact, taking a risk on a job years ago led Keys to a rewarding career in facilities management, and he still pushes himself to face the unknown and keep learning. Keys currently serves as a regional facilities manager at […]
Manufacturing facilities managers understand that even a singular issue, such as a broken bearing in a machine, can disrupt operations. It’s the kind of issue that can shut down an entire manufacturing operation and rack up serious costs fast. Keeping a large manufacturing facility running means finding tiny cracks before they turn into huge holes. Standard upkeep usually follows a rigid calendar, which often relies on averages rather than real-time equipment […]
Restaurant operators are navigating one of the most challenging business environments in recent memory, marked by rising food and labor costs, staffing shortages, and heightened customer expectations. But even in this climate, many are finding efficiency and resilience through technology and automation behind the scenes and strengthening performance where it’s greatly needed—in the kitchen and […]
Water systems are among the most essential—and least visible—components of any facility. Pipes, valves, pumps, and recirculation loops work quietly behind walls and below floors, delivering water for sanitation, heating, cooling, and daily operations. Because these systems often function behind the scenes, they tend to receive less attention than HVAC or electrical systems—until a failure […]
University campuses generate data from countless sources—A/V and lighting systems, HVAC equipment, cameras, and various other sensors. Yet many of these technologies operate in silos, forcing employees to monitor them individually across multiple platforms. The result is slower response times, added complexity, and limited visibility into overall campus operations. When data is unified, employees gain […]
Facilities managers have a storied history of relying on spreadsheets to keep track of tools, parts, and supplies. And that worked perfectly fine until buildings became more complex, maintenance demands multiplied, and the margin for error got slimmer and slimmer until nearly disappearing. Today, the migration toward automation is reimagining how facilities handle their inventory. […]
Facilities Management Advisor’s “Under Construction” series highlights some of the latest, most interesting facility project announcements every month. $1B Meta Data Center Campus The data center market is booming, thanks to the meteoric rise of artificial intelligence (AI). Case in point, social media giant Meta recently announced it is investing more than $1 billion in […]
A facilities manager (FM) is expected to wear a lot of hats, from operations manager to strategic planner and technical expert to human resources leader. With so many spinning plates, it’s unsurprising that a recent study found that some FMs and staff have left or considered leaving their jobs. This isn’t just about hard work; […]
As facilities managers tasked with balancing energy efficiency and security, you’ll find that artificial intelligence (AI) offers powerful tools to streamline operations, cut costs, and enhance resilience. Here are proven, practical strategies to harness AI for smarter energy management while bolstering facility security and control. 1. Predictive Maintenance for HVAC and Equipment One of the […]