Asset management is a sticking point for many building managers, especially those who have to manage thousands of valuable assets. One recent survey found that more than 80% of managers felt as though they could improve asset management, and there’s a good chance you do too. Everyone can improve, however, and better asset management translates not only to happier tenants, but longer asset longevity, fewer routine breakdowns, fewer resources spent on repairs, and a better reputation for you as manager. Let’s take a look at a few essential maintenance tips for building managers.
Have a Well-Organized Inventory of Assets
This might be deceptively simple, but it is so essential. If you want to keep everything in order, you have to have a clear database of all the assets that are under your care. You should be able to see things such as the year it was purchased, the maintenance calendar, where it’s located, the asset name and category, and serial number, among other things.
You might be able to get away with an Excel spreadsheet at first, but it’s not recommended. One of the issues with these is that they can become very difficult to manage once they reach a certain size. You’ll also have to remember to manually input information every time work orders are fulfilled, which can be easy to forget during busy weeks. And you can’t expect deskless technicians to have access to a PC, so that’s something that will fall on your already overworked shoulders.
Instead, you should use a quality work order application that will allow you to index assets fast, make updates via smartphone, and enclose pictures for reference.
Look for a CMMS Solution
You should then look at the manufacturer guidelines for critical assets and determine which ones need routine care. This can be done by using a computerized maintenance management system, or CMMS.
This will allow you to schedule maintenance tasks easily. These programs combine asset management, work order scheduling, and cost analysis all in one package. The top CMMSs on the market are cloud-based and won’t require that you have some dedicated IT professional to look after them. Most of them are Saas products too, so you’ll only have to pay a monthly fee and get constant updates.
A good CMMS will also allow you to eliminate repetitive tasks. You’ll have work order templates already saved up and you’ll be able to track inventory in real-time. You’ll be able to do things like set user permissions and manage maintenance requests as well.
Work with the Right Service Providers
Vetting your service providers properly will also be essential, especially for important pieces of equipment like elevators. Teams like ATIS, for instance, will do much more than simply run routine inspections; they will work as advisors as well. Look for a team that will be transparent and accountable while being reliable and easily reachable.
These are a few simple maintenance tips all building managers should live by. Using the right tools is essential if you want to have a clear view of your assets, reduce breakdowns, and avoid problems.
