What are some cost-effective ways to conduct facility condition assessments?

Facility condition assessments (FCAs) are essential for maintaining and improving the performance, safety, and value of your buildings and infrastructure. However, conducting FCAs can be costly and time-consuming, especially if you have a large or complex portfolio of assets. How can you optimize your FCA process and reduce your expenses without compromising on quality and accuracy? Here are some cost-effective ways to conduct facility condition assessments.

1 Use technology

Technology can help you streamline your FCA process and save money by reducing manual labor, human error, and travel costs. For example, you can use mobile devices, cloud-based software, and digital forms to collect, store, and share data more efficiently and securely. You can also use drones, sensors, cameras, and other tools to inspect hard-to-reach or hazardous areas, or to monitor the condition of your assets remotely and in real time. Additionally, you can use artificial intelligence, machine learning, and data analytics to automate and enhance your FCA reports, recommendations, and prioritization.

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Paul Pittman

Vice President, Engineering and Critical Environments at JLL
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Start with what you NEED to have (read that again) from the assessment then you can intelligently determine the cost. Understanding the "why" behind an assessment will enable you to focus on the right assessment for your need. From there, you can define the budget required and avoid the extra costs that accumulate due to poorly defined requirements and expectations. A FCA is more an art than science and like art, you would not buy the artwork without seeing representation of it first. I have seen way too many FCA's performed and the original need for the FCA remain. A cost effective FCA is one that provides you the intelligence you need, in a format you can use in a reasonable timeframe.

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2 Plan ahead

Planning ahead can help you avoid unnecessary or redundant FCAs and optimize your resources and budget. For example, you can develop a clear scope and objective for your FCA, based on your facility needs, goals, and standards. You can also align your FCA with your facility maintenance and capital improvement plans, to ensure that you address the most critical issues and opportunities. Furthermore, you can schedule your FCA in advance, to avoid peak seasons, weather disruptions, or operational conflicts.

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3 Train your staff

Training your staff can help you improve your FCA quality and consistency, as well as reduce your reliance on external consultants or contractors. For example, you can provide your staff with the necessary skills, knowledge, and tools to conduct FCAs according to best practices and industry standards. You can also establish clear roles, responsibilities, and expectations for your staff, and monitor their performance and feedback. Additionally, you can encourage your staff to collaborate and share their insights and experiences with each other, to foster a culture of continuous learning and improvement.

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4 Benchmark your results

Benchmarking your results can help you measure your FCA effectiveness and efficiency, as well as identify areas for improvement and innovation. For example, you can compare your FCA results with your peers, competitors, or industry benchmarks, to see how you rank and where you can improve. You can also compare your FCA results with your own historical data, to track your progress and trends over time. Furthermore, you can use your FCA results to inform your facility management decisions and strategies, and to demonstrate your value and impact to your stakeholders.

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5 Seek feedback

Seeking feedback can help you enhance your FCA process and outcomes, as well as increase your customer satisfaction and loyalty. For example, you can ask your facility users, managers, owners, or clients for their opinions and suggestions on your FCA methods, results, and recommendations. You can also solicit feedback from your FCA team, partners, or vendors, to learn from their perspectives and experiences. Additionally, you can use feedback to refine your FCA approach and deliverables, and to tailor them to your specific needs and expectations.

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6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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Sudhin P.

Facilities Manager / FM HOD
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Opt for in-house assessments using a trained team, leveraging digital tools for data collection. Prioritize critical areas, utilize mobile apps for on-site inspections, and explore open-source software for analysis. Implementing a proactive maintenance strategy can help identify issues early, minimizing costs in the long run.

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What are some cost-effective ways to conduct facility condition assessments?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Use technology

2 Plan ahead

3 Train your staff

4 Benchmark your results

5 Seek feedback

6 Here’s what else to consider

Facilities Engineering

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What are some cost-effective ways to conduct facility condition assessments?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Use technology

2 Plan ahead

3 Train your staff

4 Benchmark your results

5 Seek feedback

6 Here’s what else to consider

Facilities Engineering

Rate this article

Thanks for your feedback

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