The Seven Myths of Lean Thinking

Professor Edward Finch looks at an often misunderstood theory that still holds promise for both office management and facilities management.

One approach that is becoming a key weapon in the facilities management armoury in dealing with inefficiency and waste is ‘lean thinking’. Sometimes the term ‘lean’ trips off the tongue so easily without realising its deep-seated potential. We use expressions like ‘mean’, ‘green’, ‘efficient’ and ‘lean’ almost interchangeably without acknowledging the commitment the lean approach entails.

Tips from the Top

Learning from best practice makes good sense in a world dominated by health & safety and environmental concerns. David Frise explains how the Association of Interior Specialists is helping with this.

A ceiling falling down might make a classic comedy sketch, leaving flustered actors covered in dust, but when a ceiling falls down in real life it’s no laughing matter.

Acoustic solutions to contemporary problems

By Russell Hand, Business Team Leader, REHAU Furniture Products.

The negative impact of background noise on employee performance has long been acknowledged by facilities managers. Noise above 35dB is said to disturb concentration, whilst anything above 65dB is said to increase stress. If you consider that a PC and monitor even on standby can generate noise between 30 and 50dB, typing on a keyboard is estimated at between 55 and 70dB and a photocopier in operation is 60-70dB, then it is easy to see why balancing acoustics remains a hot topic.

The Interconnected Workplace

Lawrence Morison of Steelcase Solutions looks at how creating a modern workplace and putting employee needs front and centre can improve your business.

The key to maximising employee efficiency and productivity in today’s world is through ensuring your business is working together to the best of its ability. Welcome to the age of the Interconnected Workplace.

Dealing with objections to utilisation studies and how to choose the best system

Last year I submitted what could be considered an introduction to using technology for Time Utilisation Studies (copy available on request). This time I want to look at potential objections that can be encountered from various sources and look at the best way to ensure you get off to a good start.

 

That seat’s taken – why FM needs a place at the design table

By Tony Cole, design and manufacturing director of Staverton

For a long time there has been a distant relationship between facilities management (FM) and design, with FM treated as a post occupancy issue rather than a valuable consideration during the design process.

Sound advice

What’s the one issue virtually guaranteed to lead to complaints in the office? Noise. But now, designers, specifiers and occupiers have a place to turn for help. David Frise explains

How technology effects utilisation studies

You may be planning your next utilisation study for a workplace project or you may feel they offer little real insight. However you look at it, technology now allows us to take a fresh look at the issue, address some of the more negative points and further see how we can integrate the process into a broader on-going maintenance system

Laptop Thigh

Modern life afflicts us daily with new and pernicious ways of harming ourselves. One of the most recently identified has been named by researchers at the University of Basel as ‘Laptop Thigh’. Caused by prolonged exposure of the skin to moderate heat, the physical condition itself is nothing new. It goes by the medical name of erythema ab igne.

The rise of the multi-service provider

Contract catering companies are surviving well in this recession because they are taking an increasingly commercial approach to the provision of catering and facilities management. We interviewed Phil Hooper, Chairman of the British Hospitality Association’s Food and Service Management Forum, to find out more.

Setting the standard for commercial moving

The British Association of Removers is committed to the highest levels of service. As part of its continuous improvement programme, the BAR pioneered the new moving standard PAS 126. So, what are the next steps?

The value of qualifications

Huw Hilditch-Roberts argues that now, more than ever, is the time for FMs to be thinking about investing in professional development.

Creating career pathways in FM

Karen Waterlow outlines plans for new vocational qualifications that aim to meet the industry’s needs.