Tag: smart buildings

Skilled Trades Labor Shortage Reaches ‘Critical Inflection Point’

As the United States grapples with aging building stock and the need for infrastructure modernization, a critical workforce challenge threatens the commercial real estate sector’s ability to maintain, modernize, and operate the built environment. JLL’s latest skilled trades talent research reveals that by 2030, an estimated 2.1 million skilled trades positions for electricians, HVAC technicians, […]

The Evolution of Security Operations in High-Risk, High-Visibility Environments

If you’ve ever worked security at a stadium or festival, you know how those large-scale venues bring people together. The bad news, however, is that they also bring complex risks. The crowds are larger, so threats can appear faster. Our standby techniques, like gates and guards, can no longer get the job done on their […]

How Predictive Maintenance Reduces Unplanned Downtime in Manufacturing Facilities

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 […]

Under Construction: Top Facility Projects of February 2026

Facilities Management Advisor’s “Under Construction” series highlights some of the latest, most interesting facility project announcements every month. World Trade Center Office Tower Financial services giant American Express has revealed plans to build a new state-of-the-art global headquarters at 2 World Trade Center in Lower Manhattan—marking the final office tower to be built at the World […]

Data-Driven Water Management: Bringing Visibility and Resilience to Building Operations

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 […]

Data Privacy Day: 5 Best Practices for Physical Security

Observed annually on Jan. 28, Data Privacy Day (also known as Data Protection Day) serves as a reminder that protecting personal data is a shared and ongoing responsibility. For physical security teams, adopting clear strategies, resilient technologies, and trusted partnerships can help ensure privacy and keep security objectives aligned as risks and regulations continue to […]

Connected Buildings, Connected Compliance: The Case for Digital Tools

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 […]

4 Physical Security Predictions for 2026

With the rise of smart buildings, cybersecurity is becoming an essential concern for facilities managers, but physical security remains a top priority. That said, what might be ahead for the physical security industry in 2026? Genetec, a provider of enterprise physical security software, offered the following predictions: 1. Choice and Flexibility Will Define the Next […]

cybersecurity

Why Facility Teams Should Consider a Cyberattack Incident Response Retainer

Facility teams today have many more responsibilities than the bricks and boilers of a building. Modern buildings are full of connected systems that include a building management system (BMS), access control, HVAC, energy meters, elevators, and Internet of Things (IoT) sensors. These connected systems help facilities run efficiently; however, they are making the cyberattack surface […]

Rebuilding After Natural Disasters: Why All-Electric Solutions Are the Path Forward

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. Last year, wildfires tore through vast areas of Los Angeles, prompting Mayor Karen Bass to introduce a waiver to exempt rebuilt structures and residences from the city’s all-electric building provision, citing the need to […]