Tricks of the Trade Column

Facility Management Guru, Kevin Folsom fields all kinds of questions from other facility managers and executives around the world. Submit your questions.



Tricks Of The Trade: Career Advice In A Difficult Employment Climate

When the opportunity to transition from maintenance to management presents itself, what steps should a person take to be best prepared?

Tricks Of The Trade: Global Trends In Integrated Facilities Management

IFM is a very respected process; its practices and techniques should be learned fully. There is no short cut, and in most cases, an fm is simply passing through in the life of an organization; the person’s legacy is what is left behind for the next generation of career fm. So why isn't it widely practiced around the world?

Tricks Of The Trade: Vibration Analysis

Are there any existing studies that examine the issue of vibration analysis? I'm thinking about adopting a program and would appreciate input.

Tricks Of The Trade: Pond Marshes

How do facility management professionals address specific landscaping issues that deal with ponds and marshes?

Tricks Of The Trade: Data Management

Ideally, I would like to create a central deposit center to manage these systems with easy access. Do you know of a resource that would work with our many different operating systems (building and equipment) and compile this information in a central point for viewing and alarm conditions?

Tricks Of The Trade: Battery Operated Faucets

When making a decision regarding faucet selection for his facility, one manager struggles with battery life and maintenance questions. New "Tricks" Columnist Kevin Folsom helps out.

Tricks Of The Trade: Tech Headcount

TFM Columnist Jim Elledge reveals the best methods of headcount calculation. Former Tricks Columnist Elledge, facility/office services manager for Dallas, TX-based Summit Alliance Companies, is the recipient of the Distinguished Author Award from the International Facility Management Association (IFMA), is an IFMA Fellow, and is a member of TFM’s Editorial Advisory Board.

Tricks Of The Trade: Maintenance Timetables

TFM Columnist Jim Elledge looks at labor hours per square foot. Former Tricks Columnist Elledge, facility/office services manager for Dallas, TX-based Summit Alliance Companies, is the recipient of the Distinguished Author Award from the International Facility Management Association (IFMA), is an IFMA Fellow, and is a member of TFM’s Editorial Advisory Board.

Tricks Of The Trade: Hospital Staffing Support

TFM Columnist Jim Elledge helps answer questions about staffing requirements for a VA hospital.

Tricks Of The Trade: Evaluating Labor Costs

TFM Columnist Jim Elledge looks at estimates for custodial labor costs.

Tricks Of The Trade: Economic Issues

TFM Columnist Jim Elledge examines how economic issues are having an impact in today's climate.

Tricks Of The Trade: Disease Free Elms

TFM Columnist Jim Elledge puts on his horticultural hat.

Tricks Of The Trade: Color Temperature Recommendations

TFM Columnist Jim Elledge takes a look at light temperatures.

Tricks Of The Trade: Energy Costs For Gas Dryers

TFM Columnist Jim Elledge estimates energy costs for commercial grade laundry operations.

Tricks Of The Trade: Asset Tracking Recommendations

TFM Columnist Jim Elledge suggests some software for tracking certain facility assets.

Tricks Of The Trade: The War Of The Thermostats

TFM Columnist Jim Elledge helps one building occupant get to the bottom of some temperature problems.

Tricks Of The Trade: Stretched Resources

TFM Columnist Jim Elledge attempts to level the playing field.

Tricks Of The Trade: Facilities Vs. Real Estate

TFM Columnist Jim Elledge breaks down the differences between these key operational departments.

Tricks Of The Trade: Data Rich BIM

TFM Columnist Jim Elledge explores the BIM revolution.

Tricks Of The Trade: Staffing Demands

TFM Columnist Jim Elledge answers questions about staffing demands.
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