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  • 1.  Technology

    Posted 11-09-2017 05:32
    As a Young Professionals board, we all deal with technology every day.  I think this can be a great place for everyone to express the types of technology they are seeing and thumbs up/thumbs down.  Let us know if you had an amazing experience with a product or software, maybe it will change the industry or maybe it might make one day easier for a custodian.  Either way, this is a great resource for us to view and talk about technology.

    Let's hear it.

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    Jacob D'Albora LEED AP BD+C
    Director of BIM-FM Services, AVP
    McVeigh & Mangum Engineering, Inc.
    Charlotte NC
    704-547-9035
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  • 2.  RE: Technology

    Posted 11-13-2017 13:59
    A couple of our favorite office management technologies...

    Envoy, a visitor management kiosk and online dashboard
    Meeting Room Manager, by Asure Software

    We use SharePoint's Power App tool as a ticketing system. Interested in learning more about facilities management tools used by others.

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    Laura Svitak FMP
    Volunteer, IFMA's Young Professional Group

    Administrative Services Manager
    Cleveland Foundation
    Cleveland OH
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  • 3.  RE: Technology

    Posted 11-13-2017 14:17
    Fellow tech geeks, unite! This is a brilliant use of this forum, IMHO.

    Here are two thoughts, one that's a neutral observation and one that's an obviously biased plug:

    1. HoloLens (VR for FM) - imagine "Pokemon GO" for the boiler room. Brookfield and Trimble recently piloted an early effort to bring HoloLens headsets to the FM world to overlay information you might find in a BIM package, drawing set, or O&M, on top of your normal field of vision. YouTube clip: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OrYkRp_gm1E
    2. Workplace Experience Apps - software like Comfy (full disclosure: I totally work there) now gives anyone inside a building the ability to better connect and control their environment automatically. It's now possible for folks to do things like automatically request and receive more comfortable air temperatures, turn lights on, book and provide feedback on conference rooms, etc., all from their phone.
    Curious to hear what else you're all seeing in the market, what's working well, and what isn't. IMHO, we're living in a real renaissance for the buildings industry as technology has caught up with our long-held visions for the "workplace of the future" experience.

    ------------------------------
    Drew DePriest, CEM, LEED AP, WELL AP
    Comfy & MIT Climate CoLab Buildings Fellow
    drew.depriest@gmail.com
    (773) 704-9676
    Chicago, IL
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  • 4.  RE: Technology

    Posted 11-14-2017 12:12
    Drew,
    The Holo Lens for FM looks very interesting!

    We are using a variety of technology at my facility, we are continuously evolving with what and how we use this technology as well.

    We use many systems such as: HotSOS, AutoCAD, PhotoShop, EMS systems, MS suite (many databases with Access), dropbox, google drive, opera and a variety of other hospitality related programs. 

    One of my current projects I am working on is the programming and implementation of a new open proctocal BacNet system at my property. This is really existing for this facility since it is 45 years old and is currently lacking intelligence. Also working on  managmeing big data and taking "baby steps" to BIM.

    I think every program has their pro's and con's in the FM world but one thing for sure is: Garbage in = garbage out!

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    Cheers,
    Derek Bacigal
    Assistant Chief Engineer
    Hale Koa Hotel
    honolulu HI
    8087631139
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  • 5.  RE: Technology

    Posted 11-14-2017 15:19
    Congrats on the likely much-needed upgrade to a BACnet BAS, Derek! If nothing else, you'll now have measurable, trended data points around your facility from which to make better operating decisions. Here's hoping you see a marked improvement in energy efficiency and indoor comfort levels.

    And IMHO, you're 100% spot on with "garbage in = garbage out." Sounds like you've got the right approach to projects like your BACnet upgrade to ensure you're just implementing technology for the sake of doing it.

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    Drew DePriest, CEM, LEED AP, WELL AP
    Comfy & MIT Climate CoLab Buildings Fellow
    drew.depriest@gmail.com
    (773) 704-9676
    Chicago, IL
    ------------------------------



  • 6.  RE: Technology

    Posted 11-15-2017 07:27
    This is definitely the direction I am wanting to see this grow...

    Laura - I am glad to see Envoy on the list, I think especially on the use of iPads.  People, almost instinctively now, know how to use an iPad and the ability to find necessary information at a check-in or kiosk makes it's a little easier walking into a building.

    Derek & Drew - you guys are far surpassing the world of FM.  My <g class="gr_ gr_634 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Grammar multiReplace" id="634" data-gr-id="634">goal of</g> this post was hoping to show a lot of the FM's throughout the industry that technology is going to be driving this field.  Many of the older generation are resisting this but owner's need to realize that they have to find a way to bring in younger talent.  And technology is the way to do it.

    So:
    A. HoloLens is going to be a game changer - there is even a drywall subcontractor in southern California that is experimenting using it on construction (YouTube).  

    B. The BACnet protocol is a great idea.  You could actually even make that a monetary idea for other operations.  

    C. DATA! DATA! DATA!  Collecting and resourcing data is the key to future decisions.

    Lastly,  I collect data on the design and construction side for use on operations.  Or I should say leveraging BIM for Facility Management.  So Derek let's have a conversation, I can at least point you in the right direction.

    Looking forward to more guys!

    ------------------------------
    Jacob D'Albora LEED AP BD+C
    Director of BIM-FM Services, AVP
    McVeigh & Mangum Engineering, Inc.
    Charlotte NC
    704-547-9035
    ------------------------------



  • 7.  RE: Technology

    Posted 11-15-2017 07:29
    Many of issues I see aren't so much from a specific BAS software being good or bad. Most of the corrective projects and modifications I've been involved with as a controls program manager and programmer were due to lack of planning in the design phase. Issues crop up when too many different systems from different manufacturers are lumped together hidden under the guise of a single graphical overlay. It is possible but much more difficult to execute properly.

    The key is to involve all the right people during the decision making process. Building automation specialists are often left out in the design phase and are expected to just make it work.

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    Robert Sailer
    Assistant Critical Facility Manager
    BGIS
    San Antonio, TX
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