How can you conduct a non-disruptive facility condition assessment?

1 Define the scope and objectives

Before you start the FCA, you need to define the scope and objectives of the assessment, as well as the level of detail and accuracy required. This will help you determine what components and systems to include, what criteria and standards to use, what data sources and methods to employ, and what deliverables and outcomes to produce. By defining the scope and objectives, you can also communicate your expectations and requirements to the stakeholders, such as the facility owners, managers, occupants, and contractors, and obtain their feedback and approval.

2 Plan the schedule and logistics

Once you have the scope and objectives, you need to plan the schedule and logistics of the FCA, taking into account the availability and accessibility of the facility and its components, the operational hours and activities of the occupants, and the potential impact of the assessment on the facility performance and safety. You should coordinate with the facility managers and occupants to identify the best times and methods to conduct the inspection and data collection, avoiding peak hours, critical functions, and sensitive areas. You should also prepare the necessary equipment, tools, and documents, such as inspection checklists, cameras, meters, maps, and floor plans, and ensure they are in good working condition.

3 Conduct the inspection and data collection

During the inspection and data collection phase, you should follow the established scope, criteria, and methods, and adhere to the safety and security protocols of the facility. You should inspect and document the condition and functionality of each component and system, using visual observation, measurement, testing, or sampling, as appropriate. You should also note any defects, deficiencies, or failures, and assign a rating or score based on the severity and urgency of the issue. You should use consistent and standardized terminology and formats to record and store the data, such as digital forms, databases, or software applications.

4 Analyze the data and generate reports

After the inspection and data collection phase, you should analyze the data and generate reports that summarize the findings and recommendations of the FCA. You should use quantitative and qualitative methods to evaluate the data, such as benchmarking, trend analysis, life cycle costing, or risk assessment. You should also prioritize the maintenance, repair, and replacement needs based on the condition, functionality, performance, and criticality of each component and system. You should present the reports in a clear and concise manner, using charts, graphs, tables, or dashboards, and highlight the key issues and opportunities for improvement.

5 Review and update the FCA

Finally, you should review and update the FCA periodically, as the condition and functionality of the facility and its components may change over time due to wear and tear, environmental factors, or operational changes. You should monitor and track the implementation and outcomes of the maintenance, repair, and replacement actions, and evaluate their effectiveness and efficiency. You should also conduct follow-up inspections and data collection to verify the current status and performance of the facility and its components, and adjust the ratings, scores, priorities, and recommendations accordingly.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?