February Building Operating Management PreviewBe seen in both the Building Operating Management magazine show issue and the Facility Insider eNewsletter NFMT Product Review special section for the price of a print ad!
FIRE-LIFE SAFETY Because fire alarm systems must meet strict codes, many facility executives may not realize that they can afford to add better features and functionality during the process of upgrading or replacing a fire alarm system. In fact, an upgrade or replacement is a prime time to take advantage of technological advances in the fire alarm industry. This article examines features that can be added to a fire alarm system to allow for the proper use of advanced and new technology. COVER STORY: PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT As the field of facilities management continues to evolve, it is important for facility executives to keep themselves and their teams sharp through continuous professional development. However, education efforts should be tailored to the different needs of the different levels in the FM organization. This article discusses the tools and strategies available for deepening the FM bench. GREEN BUILDING REPORT Biophilic design is the idea that connections to nature, as well as design that mimics patterns of nature, has benefits for humans (i.e, building occupants) in terms of increased happiness, health, and productivity. But biophilic design is much more than just setting a few potted plants around the office. Nor is it just some hippie new-age idea. Rather, biophilic design requires a deliberate, thoughtful approach. And when done successfully, dozens of studies show the value of incorporating biophilia in office design. This article explains the benefits of biophilic design and provides some tips for how to implement it successfully. EDUCATIONAL FACILITIES While fighting climate change is the hottest topic on campus facilities, another trend in campus facilities is emerging, as well: As teaching and learning methods and strategies are changing, facilities must adapt to these shifting requirements. That means more than just incorporating new technology and flawless WiFi. It means providing flexible spaces that can be used for a variety of types of classes and learning. This story will look at the changing face of education facilities and how some top-tier facility executives are meeting the needs of their students, teachers, and administrators. OUTSOURCING Outsourcing providers offer facility executives a wide range of potential benefits, from improved service quality to additional expertise to efficiency to enhancements in occupant experience. Once a provider has been selected, facility executives must work hand in hand with the provider to ensure that expectations are met. This article offers facility executives best practices for managing FM service providers. CRITICAL FACILITIES Existing data centers — those owned and occupied by corporations, educational institutions, healthcare organizations, the government, and the like — represent a large percentage of data center space. This legacy space presents unique challenges to the facility executives who manage the power and cooling infrastructure and requires regular reinvestment to deliver continuous uptime and energy efficient performance. Facility executives must find ways to justify resources, provide needed capacity, deal with hot spots, manage energy use, avoid losing power or cooling, and tackle other thorny issues. This article reports on ways that facility managers can maximize the performance of existing data centers in terms of critical parameters. NFMT PREVIEW NFMT is the largest conference and exposition for facility professionals. The event turns 20 in 2020 and the show promises to be one that is not to be missed, with more than 100 experts, hundreds of exhibitors, and thousands of attendees. This preview will report on highlights of the event and of the co-located Clean Buildings Expo, and offer editors' picks for sessions. INNOVATIVE PRODUCTS: Plumbing/Restroom Design Reserve your space in this popular issue today! Brian Terry Facilities Print & Digital Publisher 414-228-7701, ext. 529 brian.terry@tradepressmedia.com |