Tackling Challenges, Increasing ROI

Facility Condition Assessment (FCA)

An FCA involves a team of one or more specialists inspecting each system in a building to understand its condition. Systems include all mechanical, electrical, plumbing and architectural elements in a building. The condition is based on any deficiencies and the remaining useful life of the system. Armed with this information, you can determine when system repairs and renewals will be required, allowing you to target the proper level of investment based upon prioritization of facilities capital plans that aligns with the organization’s mission and goals.

Facility managers are required to maintain a facility condition index (FCI) for each facility that provides an objective benchmark against which the owners and operators can monitor changes over time. Divestment of an Asset is recommended on a case by case basis utilizing the FCI rating as one of the several determining factors.

Even if the organization is not required to do an FCA, there are numerous compelling reasons to do so as enumerated below.

• Assess cost to remediate a particular facility and decide to keep or dispose
• Give a good working environment and experience to employees
• Carry out perspective planning for future and leverage volume procurement
• Benchmarking condition of eachbuilding so as to invest the right amount to meet organizational needs

Maintenance involves keeping the workplace, its structures, equipment, machines, furniture and facilities operating efficiently and safely while also making sure that their condition does not decline. It includes many tasks, including repairing, replacing, servicing, inspecting and testing. This indirectly results in keeping the staff safe, fit and healthy. It requires a systematic and deliberate approach in planning and implementation.

Employers must make sure that those carrying out maintenance have the skills and experience to carry out the tasks they are given and are aware of what to do in situations they may be least expecting. This includes their own employees and any contractors or specialists they employ to carry out the maintenance. They must also ensure the employees have been informed of the safe systems of work for each task and that they understand the importance of these systems.