Facility Management Archives

Introduction It’s a truth most plant managers admit only to each other: the loudest alarm rarely comes from the machine that fails. Instead, it’s the finance team wondering why forecasts have slipped or the client who quietly picks a different vendor next quarter. Downtime doesn’t just trip breakers; it trips reputations. That’s why the next twelve months matter. Every analyst update, every procurement discussion, and every board-level slide deck points to the same trend: reliability is no longer a maintenance metric; it’s a market expectation. And the path forward is clear: facility maintenance optimization isn’t about doing more; it’s about...

Introduction Industrial equipment is a significant capital investment. In addition to paying for the initial costs of equipment, there can be additional costs associated with insurance, licensing, repair, replacement, and maintenance (both planned and unplanned). Because costs quickly add up, regular maintenance is essential for budgeting, equipment longevity, and operational efficiency.  Beyond cost efficiency, industrial equipment maintenance is essential for ensuring workplace safety, regulatory compliance, and sustainability. Poorly maintained equipment can lead to operational hazards, environmental risks, and regulatory penalties. By investing in proactive maintenance strategies, companies can future-proof their assets and create a safer, more sustainable working environment. Proactive...

Introduction When your maintenance or service team heads out to address a machine breakdown, how often do they resolve the issue in just one visit? That measure is called the First Time Fix Rate (FTFR), and it’s a critical performance metric for service-oriented operations.  But what does FTFR mean for your business? In this context, FTFR directly reflects your technicians’ effectiveness and preparedness. Understanding FTFR’s meaning and how it influences your bottom line is a foundational step in optimizing how you handle maintenance calls, service work orders, and equipment repairs. At its core, FTFR gauges the percentage of issues solved...

Introduction Work order management solves the confusion and inefficiency caused by scattered task assignments, missing tools, and unclear priorities in manufacturing.  Without it, workers often rely on verbal instructions, handwritten notes, or scattered communication, leading to delays, mistakes, and frustration. Tasks may stall because the necessary tools or materials aren’t ready, and managers waste time chasing updates instead of focusing on productivity. With work order management, everything is straightforward. Tasks are digitally assigned with clear instructions, priorities, and deadlines, ensuring workers know exactly what to do and when.  A software can track progress in real-time, to ensure materials and tools...

Introduction Integrated Facility Management (IFM) is a comprehensive approach to managing all assets and operations in a building or facility so the work can go on uninterrupted. It coordinates different sectors, from maintenance, cleaning, security, and space management to energy efficiency, under a single system. Picture a common situation in a facility where an employee encounters several problems, such as a leaky machine, a computer error, and an HVAC malfunction. In a classic facility management setting, an employee would call maintenance for the machine, email IT for a computer issue, and fill out a separate form for a cleaning request. ...

Introduction Every potential machine or process failure has to have a root cause, or the reason why it occurred. The source of potential failure can stem from equipment malfunction, such as a loose electrical connection that could lead to unexpected overheating or human factors like operator errors resulting from inadequate training. Figuring out the root cause of a failure after it occurs matters less than knowing, anticipating, and potentially preventing it before it occurs. Process Failure Mode and Effect Analysis (PFMEA) is an analytical tool that helps with new process introduction, quality risk assessments, and process adaptations. With PFMEA, businesses...

Introduction We wrote this guide with healthcare facility managers in mind. Our goal is to provide a practical solution that helps alleviate the myriad daily challenges you face – from balancing patient care, staff satisfaction, and financial constraints to ensuring patient safety, upholding stringent compliance requirements, and controlling costs. In it, we'll explain what operations and maintenance (O&M) entails in the context of a healthcare setting, and why it is such a critical priority. We'll explore the different types of O&M strategies available, along with their key components and best practices for effective implementation. Ultimately, we aim to equip you...

Introduction Idle time might seem like a harmless pause, but it’s actually a productivity killer that’s not talked about often. Machines sitting idle, employees waiting around, and projects stuck in limbo. That’s idle time in action. But what’s causing it? And why should you care? In this guide, we’ll break down everything about idle time—what it is, the common causes, and the types you need to know. Plus, we’ll share actionable strategies to minimize idle time and keep your operations running smoothly. Let’s jump right in. What is Idle Time?  In simple words, the term idle time refers to when...

Introduction A company’s success is surely defined by its driven employees and the quality of the products and services – but more so by how efficiently the company utilizes its resources to deliver exceptional results at reduced costs while maintaining quality.   This is what distinguishes a successful business from the ones struggling to make it to the top.   Competing in the fast-paced and competitive landscape, businesses today strive for agility and operational efficiency to drive growth and maximize sales and revenue.    In fact, statistics suggest that the Business Process Management (BPM) market size, currently valued at $15.4 billion, is...

Introduction Equipment malfunctions on a construction site can bring daily operations to a screeching halt. Construction project delays, whether big or small, can have drastic financial consequences in terms of emergency repair costs, delayed project deadlines, and damage to a company’s reputation. This is why construction asset management is critical for successful project outcomes. Asset management in construction has a very specific scope. Its purpose is to track, maintain, and optimize the distribution and use of assets, equipment, and other resources. This can encompass everything from heavy machinery to small tools, as well as intangible assets like data and licenses....