In today’s business world, where it seems that every penny is scrutinized, management wants to see a return on investment. Building maintenance is no exception. How can you establish a link between building maintenance and reduced operational costs? Here are some thoughts on the subject.
Preventive Maintenance vs. Reactive Maintenance
Preventive maintenance can reduce the costs of upkeep. When you wait until something breaks to fix it, costs can be greater due to potential overtime pay, additional workers that may be needed, possible expedited shipping for parts and operational interruptions, among other factors.
Reducing energy costs is a bonus of preventive maintenance that many managers don’t realize initially. For example, regular commercial HVAC maintenance can help the system function more efficiently, which can result in significant energy savings. According to Facilities.net, facilities in which proper HVAC maintenance is completed will use at least 15 to 20 percent less energy than those where systems are allowed to deteriorate.
Maintenance can also help reduce operational costs through enhanced worker safety. Lack of proper maintenance can result in faulty equipment and injuries that can be costly in terms of human suffering and operational expenses, plus regulatory fines in some industries.
What Facilities Managers Can Do
Consider a predictive testing and inspection program
This can reduce facilities maintenance costs and enable just-in-time maintenance of systems and related equipment. Predictive testing monitors the condition of system components to detect trends that indicate excessive wear or impending failure so that maintenance can be performed in time.
Automate preventive maintenance tasks
This can also be beneficial in reducing operational costs. Building maintenance software programs can help organize workflows and decrease deferred maintenance, giving facilities managers the information they need to be more efficient.
Partner with a professional pest control company
Pest control specialists have the knowledge and experience to spot potential pest problems before they wreak havoc in facilities. In addition to being unsightly and unhealthy, some pests can be destructive. For example, pests such as rodents, termites, and birds can cause structural and equipment damage. Much like preventive maintenance, an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program addresses the reasons why pests may be present in a building and helps prevent future infestations. Hiring a professional pest control company enables facilities managers to take a proactive approach to pest control rather than a reactive approach after pests become an issue and potentially increase operating costs through productivity loss and downtime.
When considering maintenance cost reduction strategies, be sure to factor in the times when systems and equipment could be repaired due to timely maintenance practices instead of replaced at greater expense. Proper maintenance can reduce operational costs and increase the lifespan of essential equipment and systems in many cases.
