Magazine

  Large planters can provide concealment as well as cover, if made from bullet resistant-materials such as stone or strong metal. An unfortunate reality of our time is the consistent drumbeat of active aggressor attacks on public spaces. Emblematic of this, as the American economy began its cautious reopening from the devastating COVID-19 pandemic, on…

During the Women in FM live webcast, industry professionals discussed what it is like being a woman in the industry and why we must continue to advocate for one another. Contrary to popular belief, when you have a room filled with women there isn’t any hair pulling or name calling — if anything, it’s the…

  To provide essential services during the pandemic, libraries had to think outside the box. How will libraries transition into the post-pandemic world? The past several years were unlike any other, and the impact to organizations from health care and schools to retail and restaurants was both jarring and life-altering. Public libraries were no different,…

From sustainability to staffing and IoT to cloud, tech is up to the challenge of making buildings smarter. Having adapted to hybrid work during the pandemic, facilities managers are now tasked with reimagining their facilities for the next iteration of the modern workforce. FMs face their own staffing challenges, according to FacilitiesNet. Health and safety,…

There are unspoken job interview rules that give candidates an advantage in hiring. As a candidate, it often feels like you are in the dark when a job interview ends. What do hiring managers really think about how well you did? What does that radio silence after an interview mean? To demystify the hiring process,…

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues and various stages of reopenings occur, the threat landscape is dramatically expanding, which is compounded by global geopolitical issues such as the war between Russia and Ukraine. This perpetual state of volatility impacts the ways businesses operate and their ability to plan ahead to mitigate risks. According to Ontic’s 2022…

Remedying construction defects can be difficult. So it’s important for facility managers to understand their legal options. Facility managers know the importance of budgeting for the regular and ongoing maintenance and repairs that are required for the preservation and upkeep of their buildings. However, for the owners of newer facilities, some repairs and maintenance may…

NFPA 25, Standard for the Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance of Water-Based Fire Protection Systems provides the criteria for the routine activities that must be conducted to ensure that water-based fire protection systems, such as automatic sprinklers systems, can be relied upon in the event of a fire. These activities range from simple visual confirmation of some…

Varying equipment and system types gives facility managers a wide array of choices to achieve improved efficiency. There are a variety of design variables to consider when selecting the right cooling option, including codes, budget, building program, and climate. Buildings are designed for people who use them and need to ensure occupants are comfortable, efficient,…

Back to Basics is an article series that highlights important, but possibly overlooked, information facilities management professionals should know.  As buildings age, facilities professionals must decide whether they want to continue making repairs to roofs, restore an existing roof, or purchase a new roof. Before making this decision, facilities professionals should consult with someone who…