January Editorial PreviewPROJECT PROFILE: HVAC Maintenance and engineering managers constantly search for energy waste in facilities in order to help achieve their organizations' goals related to improving energy efficiency and curtailing greenhouse gas emissions. This article will profile HVAC upgrade efforts at the U.S. Department of Energy's Oak Ridge National Laboratory in order to achieve these goals. Planned topics:
RETROFIT SPECIFICATION:Security/Door Hardware Few situations have prompted maintenance and engineering managers to carry out upgrades and retrofits in greater numbers more than the growing threat of mass shootings in institutional and commercial buildings. In this article, we'll discuss the challenges that managers must address in successfully upgrading door hardware at the perimeters and within their facilities to protect occupants. Planned topics:
Roof coatings can extend the performance lives of roofs on institutional and commercial facilities — unless maintenance managers make one of several all-too-common mistakes in the process of getting a coating applied to a roof. To help managers bring the potential benefits of roof coatings to facilities, this article will talk with manufacturers to identify the most common coatings mistakes and misconceptions and offer guidance in avoiding these issues. Planned topics:
FACILITY SOLUTIONS: CMMS Many maintenance and engineering departments have deployed computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS) with a variety of benefits in mind — improved technician productivity, more effective management of maintenance tasks, and lower operating costs, among them. Unfortunately, too few departments have maximized the CMMS investment, leaving the software underused and less beneficial than hoped for. In this article, we'll discuss:
FACILITY SOLUTIONS: Rental Equipment Maintenance and engineering departments rely on rental equipment — generators, lifts, and specialized tools, among them — to supplement technicians' work as needed. No matter the type of rented equipment or tools that departments need, it is essential that technicians understand the safest, most effective ways to use them. This article will discuss key training issues for rental equipment. Planned topics:
FACILITY SOLUTIONS: Paints & Coatings Institutional and commercial facilities often contain a staggering array of locations and activities, ranging from operating rooms and classrooms to dormitories and open offices. Even within one organization or building, the gamut of such areas can be large. For managers responsible for ensuring the appearance of painted surfaces in these areas, the challenges can seem endless. In this article, we'll offer guidance on ensuring painted surfaces look their best for the long-term. Planned topics:
GROUNDS MANAGEMENT: Utility Vehicles Utility vehicles remain workhorses of grounds departments largely because of their versatility and durability. But as grounds managers demand more of these vehicles, manufacturers have responded with new-generation vehicles that address the evolving needs of managers and equipment operators. This article will update managers on the latest advances in vehicle features and functions. Planned topics:
GROUNDS MANAGEMENT: Light Construction Rent or buy? For grounds managers in institutional and commercial facilities, that question often surfaces when the discussion turns to light construction equipment. Such projects can be outside of a department's normal scope of activities, so managers need to determine whether buying or renting light construction equipment — including backhoes, tractors, and skid steer loaders — is the most cost-effective decision. This article will walk managers through the key considerations in making the decision. Planned topics:
MANAGEMENT INSIGHT: Columnist Darrell Rounds will offer guidance for maintenance and engineering managers looking to take their performance to the next level by addressing key management challenges, which can include hiring and staffing, facility safety and reliability, maintenance productivity, and supporting the organizational mission. |