In an era where buildings have become as smart as the devices in our pockets, the convergence of operational technology and information technology has transformed how we manage facilities. Building Automation Systems (BAS) now...
FM
Real-world advice for facility managers: stakeholder comms, after-hours policies, vendor coordination and reporting that keeps budgets on track.
AI as the New Facilities Manager: How Much Autonomy is Too Much?
The modern facility is evolving at warp speed, and at the helm of this transformation is artificial intelligence. AI-powered building automation is no longer a futuristic concept—it’s happening now. HVAC systems optimize...
Part 3: Integrated Communication Systems: Streamlined Emergency Alerts and Instructions
Series: The Role of Building Automation in Disaster Resilience (3/3) In the previous articles, we covered real-time data monitoring and emergency lighting. Now, we’ll dive into Integrated Communication Systems, an...
How to Use Knowledge Transfer to Lower the Impact of Retiring Staff
Today baby boomers and seasoned FM pros are retiring at a hasty clip. According to IFMA Foundation’s Global Workforce Initiative (GWI), more than 50% of FMs will retire over the next decade or so. The change is having a dramatic impact on companies who are racing to...
Communication and the Art of Influence
In every act of communication, we strive to influence others. Even when our communication is simply to inform, we seek to align someone else’s view of reality to ours. While we can influence others’ behaviors, the higher aim is often to change their minds as well....
The FM Checklist for SaaS Procurement
Software-as-a-service (SaaS) is a growing trend in FM because of several advantages cloud-based services deliver over in-house development. For one, it’s generally cheaper to outsource your software needs rather than spend time and money developing a bespoke solution....
6 Skills FMs Will Need Beyond 2021
Facilities managers must master many skills to be effective. Communication, multi-tasking, technical knowledge, and resilience to name a few. But in a market disrupted by pandemics, climate change, tech innovations and new regulations, knowing how to prepare for the...
5 Technical Writing Tips for Facilities Managers
Technical writing skills are essential for today’s facilities managers, who must produce a wide range of communications for a variety of readers. One day, you might be writing a CAPEX proposal for an executive, the next pinning a “how-to” memo for janitorial staff. So...
What is After-Hours HVAC?
Definition: After-hours HVAC is the delivery and maintenance of a facility’s heating and air-conditioning services, outside regular operating hours, for the benefit of a tenant. Tenants pay an hourly rate (usually specified in a lease) for any costs associated with...
Including AHAC Charges in Your Commercial Lease
If you’re new to after-hours air conditioning (AHAC), you may find it hard getting started drafting a lease or tenancy notice. AHAC is a complex topic, and each property requires a bespoke solution. However, there are a few basic terms and ideas that appear in most...
Post-COVID Tech Trends for Facility Managers
Technology has been reshaping both hard and soft services for years, but COVID-19 has accelerated that process. Owners and managers of larger portfolios tend to be early tech adopters—passing the efficiency and effectiveness on to their customers—but in a post-COVID...
Create a Tenant Satisfaction Survey in 15 Minutes
Tenant satisfaction surveys help you spot problem areas with your properties and services, but some facility managers put off creating and administering them because of time restraints. But it only takes a few minutes to create an effective tenant questionnaire if you...