This guide provides a framework for collecting, evaluating, and maintaining education facilities data. It is written to help officials design a school facility information system that supports policy and decision making; management and operation; capital budgeting and project management; public participation in school facilities planning; and the integration of facilities data into other education and municipal data sets. Best practices are given for the design, development, implementation, and use of facilities management information systems, along with a list of standard data elements. These elements can be used to develop indicators for measuring and comparing the quality of education facilities; and, in turn, answering policy questions and informing new education policies. The facility data elements presented in this guide are described in greater detail in the NCES Handbooks Online at http://nces.ed.gov/programs/handbook. 80p

Santa An Unified School District, one of the nation's largest, finds success in upgrading its maintenance management software.

Explores the Job Order Contracting (JOC) procurement method that allows school administrators to complete a large number of high quality maintenance projects quickly with a single, competitive bid contract.

Describes how to control energy use by integrating the mechanical, lighting, and other building systems so that each system can be scheduled and the systems can work together and monitor performance.

Compares computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS), enterprise asset management (EAM) systems, computer-aided facility management (CAFM), and integrated workplace management systems (IWMS). The four systems are described and the matching of their attributes to the organizational configuration and facility portfolio is addressed.

Describes how three school systems have converted to cloud computing, and discusses administrative, management, bond proposal, and transportation applications.

Details eight steps for an effective transition of a green building from its builders to its operators. These concentrate on including the facilities management staff in the construction process and training them on systems as they are completed.

Discusses the use of computerized maintenance management software (CMMS) to conserve energy by scheduling regular inspections and maintenance of systems, analyze energy use data, and invoking condition-based monitoring and work order generation.

Demonstrates that with the dramatic increase in use of more technology in school maintenance, upkeep, and repair, computerized maintenace management systems (CMMS) are a vital tool for tracking problems and identifying solutions, including appropriate inventory.

Advises on computerize inventory management for facility supplies, noting the features that it can provide and the benefits to flow, economical purchasing, and a reliable supply of correct parts. Supply vending machines and radio frequency identification (RFID) of parts and personnel are also discussed.

Advocates the use of building information modeling (BIM) in school facilities maintenance as well as design and construction. The features and abilities of BIM software are described, and advice on conversion to BIM from other applications is offered. Potential interface possibilities with facilities management software is also addressed.

Discusses the advent of automated scheduling programs in higher education institutions. These can be used to make appointments, and to reserve rooms and equipment. Examples of systems in place are also offered.

Describes many of the varied functions that computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS) can perform in facilities management, including preventive maintenance, documentation for licenses and permits, work orders, and inventory management. Advice on selecting a system, how it can contribute to LEED certification, and its role in retrocommissioning is also included.

Advises on effective implementation of a computerized maintenance management system (CMMS). Recording accurate data for equipment, scheduling preventive maintenance, establishing procedures, and staff information are discussed. The typical features that a CMMS provides, and how these features must be integrated with accounting, purchasing, codes, mobile application, and back up are also addressed.

Briefly addresses how to analyze and justify facility computerized maintenance and management systems (CMMS).

Discusses prudent use of maintenance resources in times of strained budgets. Preventive and predictive maintenance is recommended over a run-to-failure or reactive approach, which can create expensive emergencies that may not be fundable. Elements of preventive and predictive maintenance are addressed, as is computerized maintenance management.

Discuses building automation system (BAS) technology, which arrived on the scene in the 1980s, promising to revolutionize the way facility managers control critical mechanical systems and improve building performance. More than two decades have passed and it is clear that building automation has largely lived up to its promise, creating a new standard of smarter, safer, more energy-efficient buildings.

Discusses the advantages of wireless computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS), with particular attention to implementation in a facility where technicians might resist the technology. The total cost of ownership, use of the keyboard, and connectivity is also addressed.

Discusses the impact of the current recession on higher education facility construction, the growth of distance learning that requires fewer facilities, and advises facility managers on putting wasted space. Computer-aided facility management is recommended, and seven references are included.

Discusses the use of infrared camera systems to detect electrical problems in buildings. The latest, hand-held units can detect loose connections, corroded elements, short circuits, and overloaded circuits.

Advises on how to maximize the benefit of a computerized maintenance management system (CMMS) by accessing typically underutilized features such as web-based purchasing, preventive maintenance scheduling, warehouse and inventory control, and human resources functions.

Reviews historical problems with paper-based building maintenance management, and then describes the benefits of computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS). The abilities of handheld devices, the software applications that use the information they gather, wireless communication, and advice on selecting a system are addressed.

Discusses how higher education institutions are using electronic procurement to achieve economies of scale across campuses, support local enterprises, and encourage sustainable purchasing. Examples from six universities are provided.

Discusses effective use of building automation systems (BAS), which often fall short of expectations due to lack of integration and employee training. Examples of successful integrated systems are described, including one at Ave Maria University.

Describes more accurate energy data collection for schools by submetering for lighting, HVAC, and electrical outlets. Combination of submeters with energy intelligence software can help detail and analyze energy use. Information gathered can be used to assess energy use at events, in leased spaces, and within departments, as well as to help identify equipment in need of maintenance.

Describes "sustainability dashboards" that display and interpret data from various building systems, facilitating observation of energy and water use, as well as systems conditions. Advice on selecting a dashboard program is included.

Describes how two higher education institutions automated their space management and discovered unused capacity that was put to use for expanded course offerings and as rentals to outside groups.

Discusses the advantages of wireless building automation systems, which avoid the disruption and expense of cabling, conduit, or other infrastructures. Both proprietary and more open standards- based systems are discussed, as is battery life, the reluctance of IT staff to open their networks to additional wireless access, and system security.

Reviews the use of wireless devices in facilities management that can hold more data, create electronic forms, produce reports, access the Internet, and synchronize with other hardware. Advice on selection of wireless devices covers screen size, memory, durability, keyboard, wi-fi ability, real time versus synchronized transmission, capacity, CAD and code table support, operating systems, and costs.

Describes the Whole Building Design Guide (WBDG), a web-based portal providing government and industry building professionals with access to current information on a wide range of building-related guidance, criteria, and technology. The WBDG is organized into categories of Design Guidance, Project Management, and Operations and Maintenance. Its Resource Pages provide topic summaries, and links to resources developed by a variety of government agencies. The article emphasizes resources and links that are of particular use to facilities management professionals.

Advises on combining building information modeling (BIM), which gathers data at the beginning of a building project, with total cost of ownership (TCO), which gathers information over the life of the building.

Proposes adoption of Uniformat II for all phases of higher education building, from planning through to construction, operation, and demolition. The National Park Service's use of Uniformat II is detailed as an example, with similarities to higher education campus management and suggestions for higher education applications included.

Advises on achieving thorough communication from planner to designer to contractor and then to facility operator through building information modeling (BIM). Tools for getting started are recommended and the particular advantages to large portfolio operators, such as school systems and universities are addressed.

Advises facility managers on how to obtain and then use building information modeling (BIM) in their work.

Describes the advantages of building information modeling (BIM) to facility management, including minimizing the effort and cost of collecting data, convenience and accessibility of documentation, efficiencies with projecting moving of people and equipment, accurate analysis and minimizing of energy use, enhanced information for first responders, and improved space and asset management.

Discusses benefits of a computerized maintenance management system, or CMMS. Managing employee time on projects, reducing breakdowns, tracking parts, and managing warranties, deferred maintenance, and outside contractors are addressed.