Every Project Needs A Starting Point - Plan Ahead

It is the time of year when facility management professionals are attending industry conferences, conventions, and trade shows. While there, we learn of new technologies and products, and network with peers to share thoughts and ideas, and speculate on future trends.

Jack Randall and Sharon Chamberlin of the in₄mation team recently presented an educational session at the TFM Show in Chicago, titled Computer Aided Facility Management Systems for Beginners. While there, they also attended events within the Show and collaborated with many facility managers and service providers. They noticed a recurring theme throughout the educational sessions and the trade show exhibitions - the importance of proper planning.

This seems such a simple concept, common sense really. Yet it is so often overlooked or underestimated. Consider the process of painting a wall. One option would be to grab a can of paint and a brush, and begin to paint the wall. A second option is to plan the work – check the quality and availability of your tools, prepare the wall by first cleaning it with a dry cloth and then repairing imperfections; move or protect the furniture, cover the baseboards and flooring, and then start the actual process of painting. Although both methods will produce a freshly painted wall, it is suggested that the second option will produce longer lasting, higher quality results with less ongoing maintenance needs. Granted, this is a rather rudimentary look at project planning, but it gains exponentially more meaning when applied to large construction projects, major renovations and relocations, as well as replacing an existing service contractor, or implementing new software.

In each of these examples, the target is successful completion, where success can be defined by staying within the allocated budget, achieving a certain customer satisfaction rating, meeting deadlines, or any combination of these or other goals. The success we reach depends on our ability to identify needs, research options, define expectations, identify and allocate resources, gather support, garner buy in, and communicate, coordinate, and follow up. When combined, these steps constitute proper planning.

Most of us know what steps are necessary, although we may not possess the experience needed to ensure the success that our job demands. When this is the case, partner with those who have the knowledge and the skills so you can soon celebrate your achievement. A great way to find partners is to attend the annual conferences, conventions, and trade shows, and talk with your peers. More often than not, you’ll return home with new wisdom that will benefit you and your organization.