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Facility maintenance acts as a security tool that ensures that the building remains safe through regular checkups and care. Whether it’s a residential building or a commercial facility, facility management teams chalk out a periodical maintenance plan for the upkeep of the property. But it is not as easy as it sounds, and it involves certain challenges that need to be overcome at the right time to ensure that no issue crops up.
Listed below are the most common facilities maintenance issues and their solutions.
Challenge #1: Safety and emergency response
The occupants’ safety during emergencies is the biggest responsibility that a facility management team shoulders. Emergencies such as natural disasters, fire, security breaches, and critical system failure call for quick response.
How to overcome it?
The key is being proactive and responsive. Make an emergency response plan. Keep the contact details of first responders and regular occupants handy. Make a list of critical systems that should run round-the-clock. Create an emergency response procedure and plan routine safety drills.
Ensure proper communication in cases of emergencies through mobile devices, handheld radios, or walkie-talkies.
Challenge #2: Controlling costs
Budget constraints often put the facility maintenance team in a fix. The necessity of delivering quality services within a strict budget puts the team under pressure.
How to overcome it?
A little planning and using resources carefully can help to control the overall operational cost. You can control the cost by using environmentally friendly energy sources, such as solar panels, energy-efficient lighting, and automated technologies, using natural
lights, and planting trees.
Another area where you can save money is building maintenance. Maintenance costs eat up a large portion of the annual budget, and a meticulously planned proactive maintenance strategy helps in saving a great deal of money.
Furthermore, frequent monitoring and assessment of third-party vendors and service providers can prevent loss of money.
Challenge #3: Recording and Analyzing Data
Keeping and analyzing data is one of the most troublesome tasks associated with building maintenance. The records comprise day-to-day operations, repairs, servicing, stock and assets, and more.
Documenting and analyzing accurate data helps in making more informed and strategic decisions.
How to overcome it?
CMMS (Computerized Maintenance Management Software) is a viable tool for record-keeping and data analysis. The Internet of Things (IoT) is the next big thing in this respect.
Challenge #4: Extending lifespan of the facility
Building owners want their properties to last for a lifetime and remain in their best form always. However, with time, their properties deteriorate. The systems begin posing problems, and the structure loses its integrity and attractiveness.
How to overcome it?
Although repair and replacement make things work, they affect the budget. Proactive maintenance is a more cost-effective option for extending asset lifespan.
However, procuring the right materials is an even better option. Be vigilant in the procurement stage and evaluate the quality and performance records of the vendors. Also, consider the after-services. Training the operators to handle the expensive equipment is also essential.
As far as structural integrity is concerned, work with an experienced and expert construction contractor.
The bottom line
Facility maintenance is easier said than done. But with proper planning and implementation, things can work the right way. The solutions shared here will further help you overcome the common facility maintenance challenges.