You’re a Facilities Engineering professional. How can you stay current with changing technology?

1 Join professional associations

One of the best ways to stay current with changing technology is to join professional associations that cater to your specific area of expertise, such as the International Facility Management Association (IFMA), the Association for Facilities Engineering (AFE), or the Society for Maintenance and Reliability Professionals (SMRP). These associations offer networking opportunities, training programs, webinars, publications, and events that can help you learn from your peers, experts, and industry leaders. You can also get access to certifications, standards, and best practices that can enhance your skills and credibility.

2 Subscribe to newsletters and podcasts

Another way to stay current with changing technology is to subscribe to newsletters and podcasts that cover the latest news, trends, and insights in facilities engineering. For example, you can subscribe to the Facilities Management News (FMN) newsletter, which delivers daily updates on topics such as energy management, building automation, security, safety, and sustainability. You can also listen to podcasts such as the Facility Management Innovator Podcast, which features interviews with influential professionals and thought leaders in the field.

3 Follow online courses and blogs

A third way to stay current with changing technology is to follow online courses and blogs that offer in-depth and practical knowledge on various aspects of facilities engineering. For example, you can follow online courses such as the Facilities Engineering Certificate Program from Cornell University, which covers topics such as asset management, maintenance planning, risk assessment, and project management. You can also follow blogs such as the Facility Executive Blog, which provides tips, advice, and case studies on how to optimize your facilities.

5 Experiment with new tools and software

A fifth way to stay current with changing technology is to experiment with new tools and software that can help you automate, monitor, and improve your facilities engineering processes. For example, you can experiment with new tools such as the Fluke Connect, which is a cloud-based system that allows you to remotely access and share data from your test and measurement devices. You can also experiment with new software such as the IBM TRIRIGA, which is an integrated workplace management system that helps you manage your facilities' lifecycle, from planning to disposal.

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?