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Posted in Facility Budgeting

All businesses, large or small, can save valuable time and money by striving to keep employees up-to-date and well-equipped to handle everyday operations and emergencies. Professional offices, factories, and business enterprises depend on the teamwork of employees with managers to operate smoothly for success and to return profits.

close up of hands of two people in meeting

Train building managers to understand and teach others how the business system works within each type of building and structure. This investment in training provides the company an advantage, saving money over the long run, as managers can train others down the chain of command. When everybody finally knows how the business works, they understand how their work aligns with company goals, and they can concentrate on doing their job better or adjusting to better succeed. Training managers and employees helps everyone involved know how the business hierarchy works, what to do when a system fails, who to contact for help, and how to prevent accidents or injuries before further help arrives.

The better a building manager understands how the facility works and what may present a problem, the easier an issue is remedied or avoided, especially with fire and safety measures and equipment. The safety of personnel within the facility and while operating equipment mostly relies on prevention and avoidance of accidents. Building managers who are well-trained to look out for warning signs before a problem comes to fruition can save time and money, but also, possible injury to employees or damage to equipment or structures. Two of the most important aspects of facility planning that cannot be overlooked in any business are fire prevention and security systems. A manager who knows what to do in an emergency, such as a fire in equipment, can save the whole operation from devastation and closure. Managers who are well-trained on the maintenance and use of products installed in a facility are critical not only for fire and life safety, but also, HVAC mechanical equipment and building security systems.

Training building managers to understand all aspects of what keeps a business running well and efficiently requires staying up-to-date on emerging new products or developments in all areas of the operation. Facility managers should be taught and stay informed on emerging trends and innovations, looking out for better ways to run operations. New tech, thoughts, and methods continually come out, and many have potential to decrease operating costs, and building managers need to know how they could help their facilities and see if investing in these changes is right for them.

When a business is planning or updating products and services in building automation and temperature controls, an energy utilization analysis from a reputable control service greatly improves the understanding of the facility management systems. Managers who receive the training provided from the product company know the best way to utilize those products and services.

Besides other employees, staff, and tenants within a building, owners also coordinate with and receive information from many external entities, including engineers, contractors, and architects. Owners have great influence on operations and costs, so they need to be able to make informed decisions from incorporating all details from many different sources, aspects, and points of view. Organization and management is a critical skill to hone and have.

When looking to train your building operation managers, look for reputable sources with solutions that are manageable and are successful. Running a facility depends on great products, system management, and training with up-to-date information from reliable sources. To learn about manager training, new business system products, and more, contact us today.

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Posted in Energy Management

After a long winter, spring is a welcome relief to many. For a facility manager, spring is the time for upkeep. Spring cleaning involves maintenance for those parts of a building that require it after a long period of cold weather, especially if it’s been neglected. Spring cleaning is also important for getting ready for the months of hot weather ahead. Review your maintenance program for the upcoming year with the tips below.

maintenance worker on outside of skyscraper building

Clean Your Carpets 

Dirty carpets are one of the big problems facilities face after winter. Carpets undergo a lot of messy traffic during the cold season. Every foot that enters the building tracks in debris, mud, and salt. Thoroughly cleaning the areas and building entryways that see the most traffic is essential. This not only helps keep up appearance, but also it gets rid of dirt and debris that can seriously impact indoor air quality. Proper preventive spring cleaning will also lengthen your carpet’s lifespan.

Wash the Windows 

Windows are notorious for being difficult to clean. Window cleaning is a job that no one wants to do but is also one that can have a big impact your building’s appearance. Winter can be hard on all areas of your building’s exterior, including your windows. Dirty windows affect how your building and, thus, your organization are perceived. Windows have an effect on the building’s interior as well. Accumulated grime on your windows can diminish the amount of natural light that reaches building interiors, affecting the need for electrical power, utility budget, and even the mood of people within. Washed windows provide more light and can improve morale. To maximize the benefits of window cleaning, clean your windows both on the inside and out this spring.

Work on Your Landscaping 

Landscapes can have a major impact on how your visitors and employees view your building. By properly maintaining your landscape, it is possible to give any facility a more inviting appearance. Spring is the time when the landscape around your facility will need your attention the most. You many need to initiate jobs now like laying down mulch, trimming bushes, and planting new flower or shrubs, so they will have time to flourish and grow for warmer weather and summer. You will also want to inspect your irrigation system. Look at nozzles, sprinkler heads, and valves to make sure there are no leaks and that everything is in working order.

Maintain Hardscape 

Winter weather is just as hard on concrete and pavement as it is on the building’s exterior. Check all walkways, parking lots, and patios to ensure that they are in good shape. Potholes form in winter from freezing and expanding water in cracks and grooves, so inspect to make sure pavement isn’t severely damaged and unsafe. You may need to repair, replace, or power wash to keep it all looking good and to ensure that it lasts for as long as possible.

Maintain Furniture 

While your carpets are more likely to need attention in the spring, there is a strong likelihood that your furniture will need some spring cleaning as well. The snow and mud that gets tracked in over the winter can damage the fabric and sometimes even the structure. It is especially important to inspect upholstered furniture to determine whether it needs professional cleaning.

Inspect for Pests 

Spring signals nature’s rebirth after winter. Among the creatures that will be multiplying during this season are pests like mosquitoes, termites, and bed bugs. Infestations can close down a facility for weeks in some of the worst cases. As with most other aspects of facility management, the best course to take is the preventive one. Identify the most likely pests to cause problems in your area, and take measures to keep them out. If you previously had problems, inspect and correct any issues that may draw critters to your building now.

A well-maintained building benefits both the productivity, health, and morale of staff, personnel, and other tenants. Proper maintenance and investments can reduce costs and ensure that your facility performs at optimal levels. Contact us to learn more about programs to optimize your facility and maximize savings.

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Become an expert in building intelligence. Save money by lowering the total cost of ownership of your facility equipment. Sign up to receive helpful tips, tricks, and insights to facility management from people who’ve dealt with it all.