Modern space management, asset management and energy management software solutions allow facilities management teams to optimize space usage, track physical assets and identify energy-saving opportunities. As schools continue to implement upgraded technologies in classrooms and put one-to-one devices into the hands of students and teachers, these software solutions become invaluable to those in charge of keeping learning running smoothly.
Upgrading space, asset and energy management software improves efficiency, cuts costs and gives teams the information they need to make decisions about resource allocation.
Why Should You Upgrade Networks in Facilities Management?
Upgraded networks are essential to facilities management technologies because they enable seamless integration and communication between different systems and devices. In facilities management, technology plays a vital role in monitoring, analyzing and managing a wide range of building systems, all of which impact educators’ ability to teach and students’ ability to learn.
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With an upgraded network, facilities management teams can ensure all these systems are connected and communicating effectively, allowing for real-time monitoring and analysis of building performance. This can help identify issues and inefficiencies, reduce downtime and optimize the performance of the building systems.
Six Ways to Improve Facilities Management Technologies
Schools can make these improvements to better manage their facilities and ensure a safe and comfortable learning environment for students:
1. Adopt Green Solutions
Implementing green solutions for facilities management in K–12 schools can have several benefits. It can slash operating costs by improving energy efficiency and reducing water usage. This frees up budget that K–12 leaders can invest in other areas of the school.
Green solutions, such as energy-efficient climate-control systems and environmental sensors, can also improve indoor air quality, which can positively impact the health and well-being of students and staff.
Additionally, these changes promote a culture of sustainability in the school community, teaching students about the importance of environmental responsibility and encouraging them to adopt sustainable practices in their daily lives.
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2. Enhance Data Analysis
Improving data analysis for facilities management in K–12 schools is crucial. It helps facilities teams make informed decisions thanks to real-time insights into facility operations, including asset management, work orders and maintenance activities. This information can be used to identify areas for improvement, cut costs and improve overall facility performance.
Data analytics can help identify patterns and trends in facility performance, which can be used to inform preventative maintenance and asset replacement decisions. This can help extend the lifespan of equipment and reduce downtime, ultimately saving schools money.
“The work order system allows us to prioritize preventative maintenance tasks,” Angelo says. “When you have a reliable system that people know how to work, they’re going to know what needs to be done from a preventive maintenance standpoint, no matter what. It doesn’t matter who’s sitting at the helm.”
3. Implement a Mobile Maintenance Management System
A mobile maintenance management system can enable maintenance staff to manage work orders, inventory and equipment maintenance schedules on the go. This can boost efficiency and reduce response time to maintenance issues, which is crucial for smaller or understaffed teams.
4. Monitor Ownership Expenses
The total cost of ownership is one of the most useful standards for understanding the efficiency of facilities management. A comprehensive understanding of financial management makes it much easier to create a budget and plan for future infrastructure upgrades. These financial estimations can help determine the effects of an asset’s lifetime respective to estimated repair costs.
5. Carry Out Regular Facility Audits
Regular facility audits involve a comprehensive evaluation of the physical condition of the school’s facilities, including its buildings, equipment and grounds.
Regular facility audits allow facilities managers to identify maintenance issues, safety hazards and other potential problems before they become major problems. This can help minimize downtime, reduce costs and ensure that the learning environment is safe and secure for students and staff.
Facility audits also can help school leaders identify areas for improvement in terms of energy efficiency, sustainability and overall performance. By identifying areas where improvements can be made, facilities teams can implement strategies to reduce energy usage, water consumption and waste while improving the school’s overall performance.
6. Promote Collaboration Between Departments
Interdepartmental communication is essential for effective facility management in any organization, including K–12 schools. This involves creating an environment where different departments within the school, such as maintenance, technology and administrative staff, can collaborate and share information.
“Our facilities and technology departments rely on each other. It’s hard for us to do anything without involving tech to some degree,” Angelo says. “We have a very good working relationship and good communication between departments, and that’s key for our success.”
By promoting communication across departments, facilities management teams can ensure all staff members work toward common goals and objectives. It can also help identify potential issues and areas for improvement, because different departments may have unique perspectives and insights.
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One way to promote communication across departments is to establish regular meetings or communication channels, where staff members from different departments can share updates, discuss issues and collaborate on projects. This can help ensure that everyone is on the same page and working toward common objectives.
Modern Facilities Management Technology Offers Immense Benefits
As a result of the upgrade process, facilities management teams can streamline operations, reduce costs and improve safety and comfort for building occupants. Software solutions can also help teams optimize space usage, track physical assets and identify energy-saving opportunities.
By embracing modern technologies, K–12 schools can create a safe and comfortable learning environment while optimizing resources and promoting environmental sustainability.
