How to plan for facilities success: facilities planning and asset lifecycle management

When it comes to facilities planning, it's essential to recognize the intricate blend of art and science that is its foundation. Every facet of a portfolio boasts its own unique character due to idiosyncrasies in building structures, environmental contexts, customer foot traffic, and other variables.

These significantly impact facilities maintenance, such as repair frequency, operational costs, capital investments, and, perhaps most importantly, long-term brand reputation. It is important to recognize that customers notice the disparities in the upkeep of different locations, and this perception can profoundly influence their loyalty.

By delving deeper into the unique characteristics of each location and leveraging data-driven insights, you can chart a path to more efficient cost control, consistent performance, and enhanced customer value.

Here are the pillars of success.

Customer Traffic Analysis

At high-traffic customer destinations, the impact of customer footfall on a maintenance budget is undeniable. Every customer interaction leaves an imprint on the cleanliness and integrity of the facility, affecting areas such as floors, restrooms, point of sale units, refrigeration units, and displays. Capturing and analyzing traffic data can help orchestrate maintenance activities that deliver the most substantial impact.

Asset Lifecycle Management

Just as no two locations are exposed to the same environmental conditions, the asset and equipment conditions also exhibit variations. The collection of comprehensive equipment data for all locations within a region serves as a compass for predicting and planning future maintenance needs, including crucial decisions on whether assets warrant ongoing repairs or necessitate full replacement. Opting for the right course of action can lead to substantial cost savings.

Geography

The geography surrounding each location is in constant flux due to environmental factors. Structural considerations, including the interplay between building materials and the ground beneath, play a vital role. However, it doesn't stop there. The trees encircling a building, its orientation concerning the sun's path, and more, all conspire to influence long-term factors like indoor temperature, humidity, and sun exposure. Consequently, these variables cascade down to impact electricity consumption, the nature of asset repairs, and their frequency over the lease's lifespan.

Weather Impacts

Weather patterns exert a considerable influence on facilities maintenance. In regions exposed to intense winds, sealants around windows and entryways degrade gradually. Air leakage ensuing from this degradation strains HVAC systems, escalating energy consumption rates and reactive maintenance expenses. Near coastal areas, the corrosive effects of saltwater vapor impact outdoor equipment, including HVAC units and structural components. In snowy regions, the frequency of floor care services increases as snow, moisture, and de-icing chemicals are tracked indoors.

Facilities planning encompasses a holistic view of assets and environments. By aligning data-driven insights with strategic planning, organizations are empowered to achieve operational excellence and preserve long-term brand value.

A well-functioning maintenance strategy is essential to the success of any modern-day facilities portfolio. To make sure your facilities maintenance strategy is meeting your needs, request a demo to learn more about how our programs can help you.