Author: MaintenX

While the title of facility manager may only belong to one person in a company, it takes a team to successfully operate a business facility. Even though they might not be the most obvious partners, the sales team is an important ally for successful facility management.

The sales team helps fuel the rest of the facility as they help influence the amount of income being generated. Without steady revenue generation, it becomes difficult to sustain the manpower and resources needed for success. Therefore, it is important to enlist a highly-skilled sales team the knows the value of your service or product.

Conversely, if the sales team is ineffective at bringing in new customers, then there will be more downtime for employees, which wastes time and resources. If the sales team promises more than they can deliver on, either in quantity or the wrong kinds of good and services, it becomes difficult to meet the demand, taxing your equipment and human capital. It is therefore important for the sales team to understand the capacity and capability of your facility and employees. They can then tailor their sales approach to maximize what your facility offers.

Part of being a strong facility is equipping the sales team and the rest of the staff with the tools and technology they need for success. At MaintenX, we are able to help you with any facility maintenance needs. To learn more about the services we offer and how we can work with you, please contact us today.

Facility maintenance can be a tough business. Facility managers must make the necessary repairs, upgrades, and preventative maintenance to keep a building running while staying within a budget. This may sound tricky, but there are a number of things facility managers can do to reduce unnecessary costs.

Energy Efficiency

One of the simplest ways to reduce expenses is to cut down on power and utility bills. How can you use less power and water? By installing appliances and systems that are designed to be energy efficient, less power will be expended. While there is an upfront cost to installing systems like motion-sensor lighting, reduced flow faucets, or improved insulation, your reduced utility usage can save you money in the long run.

Preventative Maintenance

Preventative maintenance is the scheduling of regular inspections and small repairs to your equipment and facility. This is an excellent and very effective way to reduce expenses. By making small repairs, you can help reduce the need for large, emergency repairs should equipment or the facility breakdown. Moreover, failures create downtime, which can result in additional loss of profits.

Safety first

Safety procedures are an important part of any cost-reduction plan. Creating a culture of safety will help reduce the likelihood of worker’s compensation claims or equipment failure due to mishandling. Keeping your workforce safe is good for productivity and your bottom line.

Automated Processes

Technological advancements are helping to create a number of automated processes for all types of businesses. Whether it is new machinery, software, or workflows, automated processes can help you work at a fraction of normal speed. Staying on top of industry advancements can help reduce your overall costs.

A Maintenance Team You Can Trust

Many facilities have their own maintenance personnel that handles projects around the facility, including repairs and upgrades. If you do have your own, then training them to be as efficient as possible is always the ideal, but if you do not, then it is vital to work with a maintenance team that you can trust.

MaintenX aspires to be your trusted maintenance team. We have the skills and experience needed to help you with facility management and cost reduction. To learn more about the specific services that we offer, please contact us today.

Building sustainability is the idea that a building or facility should have as little impact on human health and the environment as possible. This can be through energy and water efficiency, reducing waste, and improving indoor air quality. School buildings are beginning to focus more on sustainability, and there are a number of important reasons they continue to do so.

The first reason why school buildings should be designed with sustainability in mind is because it helps create a better internal environment for all those inside. Sustainable buildings include better air flow, lighting, and temperature controls, which in turn makes students, teachers, and faculty more comfortable. This makes it easier for students and teachers to focus on learning, the main goal of the school.

Secondly, a sustainable school building uses fewer resources, leading to lower energy and utility costs. With less water and electricity being used, water and power bills go down, leaving more resources to be used elsewhere. Saving money is always a good thing, especially for a school where funding may be limited.

Finally, having a sustainable school building helps preserve the environment, allowing schools lead by example when teaching students to be eco-conscious. By using fewer resources and generating less waste, schools can set a standard for environmental friendliness. This is a message that certainly should be passed on to the next generation.

There are many benefits to sustainable school buildings. Implementing even minor changes can be beneficial for many years to come. To learn about how MaintenX can help your school building become more sustainable or assist with any of your other maintenance needs, please contact us today.

It’s popular to be a ‘green’ company, however being green isn’t always easy. That’s why it is important for consumers to be aware of greenwashing, or when a company provides false or misleading information to seem more environmentally conscious than they really are. These claims are unethical and can also create more harm on the environment.

When a company engages in greenwashing, it is purposefully trying to appear more environmentally friendly than it is. For example, if a hotel chain claims to be “green” because it allows guests to reuse sheets and towels, but does not work to conserve water through better appliances or widespread corporate practices, it could be considered greenwashing. The same could be said for grocery stores that allow shoppers to reuse bags, while at the same time still engaging in environmentally unsound practices. These are marketing tactics, not eco-friendly actions.

How can greenwashing harm the environment? If consumers believe in the false practices of a company, they may choose to purchase and support that company, thus perpetuating non-sustainable business. This allows companies to continue with such practices. To combat this, it is important that consumers do research before buying into the “green” labels that companies present. By being aware and informed, consumers can support companies that align with their environmental beliefs.

At MaintenX, we believe in helping the environment, not just saying it. Therefore, we are always ready to help you install and maintain eco-friendly equipment at any business or commercial facility. MaintenX technicians can also assist you with any other facility maintenance needs. To learn more about the kinds of services we offer, please contact us today!

For many parts of the country, the summertime is a season of fun and enjoyment, but it is also a time to complete some of the home or business maintenance projects that may be too difficult or time-consuming for the rest of the year. In addition to convenience, there are some maintenance projects that are best to complete during the summer. Here are some of the most common projects that businesses and homeowners engage in during the hot summer months.

HVAC System

One important summer facility maintenance project is the renovation or upgrading of the air conditioning system. During the summer, it is common to consistently run the HVAC system, especially in warmer parts of the country. This means right before the summer, is the perfect time to perform minor maintenance on the HVAC system to prevent it from breaking down or causing problems when it is needed most.

Windows and Roof

Pollen and dust can be particularly bad during the summer months, so outdoor cleaning is more pressing. It is easier to perform heavy cleaning or power washing when it is sunny and warm than when it is cold or snowy. Windows and roofs are particularly important to clean during these months, as they tend to collect the most dirt.

Flood Protection

When the summer rains come your way, you want to be sure that your facility can handle it. While flooding is somewhat rare, you still want to be sure that your facility has safety measures in place to block out flood water and fix any leaks or problems that would allow unwanted water to enter.

Landscaping

Summer rains wreak havoc on your landscaping. If the rains are heavy, and grass and plants are growing quickly, additional lawn work may be necessary to ensure that the exterior of the facility is being well maintained and doesn’t look overgrown. On the flip side, if there is not enough rain, you want to bolster the lawn so that it doesn’t look barren and unattractive.

Ventilation

Finally, the summer is a good time to invest in the ventilation system of your facility. This is different from the HVAC system in that ventilation systems promote good air flow rather than manipulate temperature. Installing new ceiling fans, for example, is a popular choice.

Whatever your summer maintenance plan may be, MaintenX has the skills to help you accomplish the task. With over 30-years of experience, MaintenX technicians will have your facility set for the summer – and all year round. Contact us at any time to learn more about we can help.

Being a facility manager is not always an easy job. It takes skill, dedication, patience, and experience to truly excel in this industry and it can take time to learn the trade. However, there are a number of facility maintenance practices that you can implement right now to maximize efficiency and accelerate your professional growth.

One of the best facility maintenance practices is developing a schedule for performing preventative maintenance. The mark of a great manager is not necessarily the ability to deal with problems as they arise, but the ability to prevent problems from happening before occur. Preventative maintenance is the first step to take to help prevent catastrophic problems from arising. It is more efficient and cost-effective to routinely perform minor fixes than it is to make a major emergency repair on a facility part or piece of equipment.

Another excellent facility maintenance practice is to surround yourself with a team that is prepared to assist you through any challenges you may face. Take the time to train employees to be able to handle different aspects of facility maintenance and help run the facility with you. It is more efficient to split the work among many people than to take it all on yourself. If you are not a business that staffs a maintenance team, consider partnering with a maintenance company that you can trust.

Finally, be proactive with facility upgrades to reduce costly breakages or equipment failures. While many facility improvements are contingent on budget, it is important to be aware of what upgrades will be necessary and prioritize them accordingly. If you know a certain piece of equipment is nearing its end of life, replace it now before it fails and causes unnecessary downtime. This applies for parts of the building as well as the equipment in it.

Becoming a skilled facility manager takes time and determination, but you don’t have to do it alone. At MaintenX, we are here help you use facility management best practices and execute any projects you have planned. Contact us to learn more.

Sustainability has become an important aspect of managing a facility. A sustainable building is resource efficient and environmentally friendly. There are a number of trends that are on the rise for facility sustainability that can help you run a more cost-effective and eco-minded business facility.

Energy conservation is at the forefront of the sustainability movement. Businesses across the globe are finding ways to reduce energy use and cutting emissions. Many of them do this by lessening the amount of fossil fuels, such as coal and oil, that are burned for business processes. Instead, companies are turning to energy sources like solar, wind, or hydroelectric power.

The sustainability movement doesn’t just affect big business; there are a number of things that smaller businesses and offices can do to be more environmentally friendly. One simplest way reduce water and energy consumption is to install new appliances and systems, as newer products can often run on less. For example, lighting that is equipped with motion sensors cuts down on power usage, while faucets that are motion sensitive limit water waste. Both of these types of systems cut down on the usage of energy and thereby also save the business in utility costs.

Businesses can also install appliances that actually generate power. Solar panels are the most popular apparatus for this, however they are most effective in locations that receive ample sunlight. Windmills are also a viable option depending on geographic location. Either way, these devices help recoup energy costs by providing their own power.

At MaintenX, we believe in the power of sustainability and are willing and able to help you transition to more sustainable technology. If you have plans to update existing systems or install new equipment at your facility, please contact MaintenX today.

The concept of “going green” is popular with business owners and facility managers across the country. Unfortunately, not all green technologies are created equal, and some are much better at reducing your environmental impact than others. It is important to be aware of these inconsistencies so that you are installing systems that truly help your facility go green.

One item that gained popularity was a lightbulb that could last for 15 years. It sounds too good to be true – because it is; such a lightbulb was never invented, although prototypes were tried. Be aware that lightbulbs may not last as long or save as much technology as you assume. Always read reviews and fact-check marketing material when looking for the right kind of energy efficient lighting for your facility.

Water-based appliances can also over-sell their ability to protect the environment. There are a number of energy-saving washing machines, faucets, and toilets on the market. It can be helpful to do research when shopping for appliances that are meant to be environmentally and economically friendly to ensure you’re buying a product that does what it says.

Finally, even though an appliance may be certifiably “green,” it is important that you practice green behaviors in your facility. For example, you may be using longer-lasting light bulbs, but if you leave the lights on at all times, you are still likely wasting energy. In this scenario, a lighting system with motion sensors would be better suited for helping the environment and cutting down on energy costs.

At MaintenX, we value the environment and that many facility owners want to be more eco-friendly. We can help you go green by installing updated technologies and performing preventive maintenance. To learn more about the services we offer and what we can do for your facility, please feel free to contact us at any time.

An important aspect of facility preparation is security. While you may not necessarily house “high-end” materials, it doesn’t always protect you from burglary or vandalism. Thankfully, there are many things facility managers can do to bolster security systems and protect their facility.

More than Alarms

A security system should be more than just alarms that activate when an intruder is detected. Advancements have allowed security systems to perform numerous functions to help keep your facility safe. Some of the more popular systems alert law enforcement and can even notify users about environmental dangers, such as toxic gases or dangerous temperatures.

Lockdown

The best security systems alert facility managers about intruders and take measures to prevent those intruders from getting in. Systems that trigger a lockdown procedure can notify you of a breach and prevent a burglary from escalating.

Backup Power

In the event of a power outage, you want your facility’s security system to be properly functioning. Therefore, it is a good idea to have a system that is able to run on batteries or on backup generators, depending on the electrical system in the facility, so that even if the power is out, your facility can still be safe.

Asset Protection

While a security system is meant to protect the whole facility, you are also able to install asset protection devices to monitor specific parts of the facility. These parts may be certain kinds of equipment, safes or areas that have more valuable property. Asset protection systems can discourage a thief from committing a crime altogether. But should a theft occur, the system alerts can help during the investigation.

Preventative Maintenance

The best thing that you can do to ensure a facility security system is in proper working order is to schedule regular preventative maintenance. It does no good to have a system that breaks down or fails when you need it most. Have it inspected regularly so that any anomalies or minor fixes can be dealt with then the system is not in use.

At MaintenX, we know the value of a good security system and can easily help you install and maintain one. To learn more about how we can use over 30-years of experience to help your business facility be as safe as it can be, please contact us at any time.

Any landlord knows that one of the most difficult tasks of managing residential or commercial property rental is dealing with a high turnover rate for that property. As a rule of thumb, it is more expensive to bring new tenants into a building than it is to retain and re-sign the ones that you currently have, primarily due to the costs of screening and paperwork. There are things that you can do to increase tenant retention, including proper facility maintenance.

Preventative Maintenance

If a facility or residential area is well maintained, it will be more appealing to tenants in the long run. This includes fixing equipment as it breaks down and scheduling regular preventative maintenance to prevent equipment from breaking down in the future. This helps cut down on the cost of maintenance.

Move-In and Out Inspections

Similar to preventative maintenance, conducting inspections any time a tenant moves in or out is a good idea. This is because you can catch problems and make necessary fixes, which is always easier to do when the building is unoccupied.

Cosmetic cleanings

Every once in a while, and always between tenants, it is a good idea to clean the exterior of buildings and update the landscaping around them. If your lot is aesthetically pleasing, it will be more attractive to prospective tenants or those considering staying. Power washing, window cleaning, and other forms of cleaning maintenance are recommended.

Effective systems

Basic facility systems, such as plumbing, electrical, and HVAC systems, are essential to the comfort and productivity of tenants. Preventative maintenance is ideal to keep these systems at their best, as it can help you catch and fix minor problems before they become a major issue.

Streamlined Processes

Maintaining rental property can be hard, but you don’t need to do it alone. By consulting with a team of experts in facility maintenance you can keep the property in the best shape possible for many years to come.

Using our own team of trained technicians and over 30 years’ experience in the field of facility maintenance, MaintenX can be this trusted partner for you. For more information about the services that we offer and how we can help with all your maintenance needs, contact us today.