How Can Facility Managers Prepare for COVID-19 Pandemic?

In the modern world, where uncertainty has become a constant companion, the COVID-19 pandemic stands out as a monumental challenge that has reshaped nearly every aspect of our lives. From the way we work and interact to how we manage public spaces, the pandemic's impact has been profound. Amid this upheaval, facility managers have found themselves at the forefront, tasked with a complex and evolving responsibility – maintaining the health and safety of occupants while ensuring the smooth operation of various spaces.

How Can Facility Managers Prepare for COVID-19 Pandemic?

As the pandemic continues to remind us of the importance of adaptability and preparedness, facility managers have been given a unique opportunity to rethink their strategies, harness innovative solutions, and create resilient environments.

In this guide, we delve into the strategies, insights, and best practices that facility managers can adopt to effectively prepare for and respond to the challenges posed by COVID-19.

Understanding the Impact of COVID-19 on Facility Management

The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted Facility Management, requiring facility managers to adapt and implement new strategies to ensure the safety and well-being of occupants.

Health and safety protocols
The spread of COVID-19 has necessitated the implementation of strict health and safety protocols within facilities. Facility managers are responsible for developing and enforcing these protocols, which often include increased cleaning and disinfection practices, social distancing measures, as well as the provision of personal protective equipment (PPE) for employees and visitors.
Occupancy restrictions
Many facilities have had to limit occupancy to comply with social distancing guidelines. Facility managers must closely monitor and manage occupancy levels to ensure compliance. This may involve implementing reservation systems or staggered scheduling to control the number of people within a facility at any given time.
Remote work arrangements
With the rise of remote work during the pandemic, facility managers have had to adapt their strategies to accommodate employees working from home. This may involve adjusting facility operations, such as reducing building services or reconfiguring workspaces to create a more flexible and agile environment.
Ventilation and airflow management
The transmission of COVID-19 can be mitigated by improving ventilation and airflow within facilities. Facility managers need to assess and optimize ventilation systems, ensuring that they meet recommended air circulation and filtration guidelines to minimize the risk of virus transmission.
Communication and collaboration
Effective communication and collaboration have become crucial in managing facility operations during the pandemic. Facility managers must establish clear communication channels with occupants, employees, and stakeholders to provide regular updates on safety protocols, changes in facility operations, and any relevant information regarding the pandemic.

Assessing and Updating Safety Protocols

Here are some key steps facility managers should take when assessing and updating safety protocols:

Stay informed
Stay updated on the latest guidelines and recommendations from reputable health authorities such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO). These organizations provide valuable information on best practices for preventing the spread of COVID-19 and can help inform your decision-making process.
Develop a comprehensive safety plan
Based on your risk assessment, develop a detailed safety plan that outlines specific protocols and measures to be implemented. This plan should include guidelines for cleaning and disinfection practices, social distancing measures, personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements, and other relevant safety procedures. Communicate these protocols to all occupants and employees to ensure compliance.
Regularly review and update protocols
Continuously evaluate the effectiveness of your safety protocols and make necessary updates as new information becomes available. Stay informed about research findings, emerging trends, and changes in guidelines to ensure your protocols align with the latest knowledge about COVID-19.
Train and educate occupants and employees
Provide thorough training and education to all occupants and employees regarding the updated safety protocols. Promote awareness and understanding of the importance of following these protocols to maintain a safe and healthy environment. Consider conducting regular refresher training to reinforce adherence to the established guidelines.

Implementing Social Distancing Measures

Facility managers are crucial in ensuring these measures are effectively implemented within their facilities. Here are some steps that facility managers can take to implement social distancing measures:

Assess the facility layout
Start by evaluating the layout of your facility to identify areas where social distancing may be challenging. Look for spaces where people typically gather or come into close contact, such as break rooms, conference rooms, and common areas. Consider rearranging furniture or implementing physical barriers, such as partitions or dividers, to create distance between individuals.
Set occupancy limits
Determine the maximum number of people safely occupying different facility areas while maintaining social distancing. This may involve reducing the number of desks or workstations in open office areas, closing off certain facility sections, or establishing staggered shifts to limit the number of employees present at any given time.
Display signage
Clearly communicate social distancing guidelines throughout the facility by posting informative and visible signage. Use floor markers to indicate appropriate distancing, and place signs in prominent locations reminding occupants to maintain a safe distance from others.
Implement one-way traffic flow
To minimize contact between individuals, establish designated paths for movement throughout the facility. Mark entrances, exits, and hallways to create a one-way traffic flow, reducing the chances of people crossing paths and coming into close contact.
Provide personal protective equipment (PPE)
When maintaining physical distance is impossible, provide employees and occupants with appropriate PPE, such as face masks or shields. Encourage their use in areas where close interactions are necessary, such as reception areas or service counters.
Promote hygiene practices
Alongside social distancing, emphasize the importance of proper hygiene practices, such as regular hand washing and sanitizing. Install hand sanitizing stations throughout the facility, especially in high-traffic areas. Encourage frequent handwashing and provide clear guidelines on proper hand hygiene techniques.

Enhancing Cleaning and Sanitization Practices

Along with implementing social distancing measures, enhancing cleaning and sanitization practices is crucial for facility managers in preparing for the COVID-19 pandemic. Here are some steps facility managers can take to enhance cleaning and sanitization practices:

Conduct a thorough assessment
Start by evaluating the current cleaning protocols and practices in your facility. Identify high-touch surfaces and areas that require regular cleaning and disinfection, such as doorknobs, light switches, countertops, and restroom fixtures. Consider the frequency of cleaning required for each area based on occupancy and use.
Use appropriate cleaning products
It is essential to use cleaning products that are approved by relevant health authorities and are effective against the virus that causes COVID-19. Look for disinfectants that are EPA-approved and follow the instructions for use carefully. Ensure that cleaning staff have access to necessary personal protective equipment (PPE), such as gloves and masks, while handling cleaning products.
Develop a cleaning schedule
Establish a comprehensive cleaning schedule that outlines the frequency and specific tasks to be performed. Pay close attention to high-traffic areas and frequently touched surfaces, ensuring they are cleaned and disinfected more frequently. Consider implementing additional cleaning shifts or dedicated cleaning personnel to maintain a consistent and thorough cleaning routine.
Train cleaning staff
Provide training and education to cleaning staff on the proper use of cleaning products, disinfection techniques, and safety protocols. Train them to focus on high-touch surfaces, emphasize proper hand hygiene, and ensure they understand the importance of their role in preventing the spread of COVID-19.
Collaborate with cleaning contractors and vendors
If your facility relies on external cleaning contractors or vendors, collaborate closely with them to ensure they follow the recommended cleaning protocols. Maintain open lines of communication, share updates on cleaning guidelines, and verify that their practices align with your facility's requirements and standards.

Communicating with Tenants and Employees

Facility managers must establish transparent and empathetic communication lines with tenants and employees to address concerns, share crucial information, and foster a sense of unity. Regularly update occupants about the implemented health and safety protocols, detailing the steps to mitigate risks. Provide clear instructions on hygiene practices, physical distancing guidelines, and any changes in facility operations. Utilize various channels such as emails, newsletters, signage, and even virtual town hall meetings to ensure that everyone is well-informed. Beyond relaying information, create an environment where feedback is encouraged. Listen to the concerns and suggestions of tenants and employees and address them promptly. By establishing a culture of open communication, facility managers can build trust, alleviate fears, and promote a shared commitment to overcoming the challenges posed by the pandemic.

Monitoring and Adapting to Changes in Guidelines

As the situation evolves, it is important for facility managers to stay informed and up to date with the latest guidelines and recommendations from health authorities.

Regularly monitor updates from reputable sources such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Create a dedicated team or designate an individual responsible for keeping track of evolving guidelines and translating them into actionable measures for your facility. Flexibility is key – be prepared to adjust your protocols, procedures, and even physical layouts in response to new information. Moreover, communicate these changes transparently to occupants, explaining the rationale behind the modifications. By maintaining vigilance and promptly incorporating new guidelines, facility managers can ensure that their spaces remain compliant, safe, and aligned with the latest insights in the battle against COVID-19.

Planning for Future Disruptions: A Crucial Step for Facility Managers

Here are some ways on how Facility managers can plan for future disruptions.

  • Anticipate various potential scenarios, considering health crises, natural disasters, technological failures, and more.
  • Develop a comprehensive business continuity plan outlining essential functions, roles, and communication strategies during disruptions.
  • Establish protocols that enable swift changes in facility operations, ensuring seamless transitions during disruptions.
  • Adopt technology that aids remote operations, virtual communication, and remote monitoring of systems for continued functionality.
  • Allocate resources wisely, considering reserve supplies, staffing plans, and alternative solutions to sustain operations.
  • Develop a communication plan informing tenants, employees, and stakeholders about changes and expectations.
  • Conduct drills and training sessions to familiarize occupants and staff with response protocols, enhancing readiness.

How is Cryotos CMMS Responding to this Pandemic?

Cryotos CMMS is committed to following guidelines recommended by ICMR (Indian Council of Medical Research) and the World Health Organization to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and the virus that causes it.

Our precautions include
  • Allowing all employees to work from home to ensure social distancing and equipping employees with the technology they need to continue their full-service activities without interruption.
  • Suspending all business travel.
  • Conducting scheduled meetings remotely.
  • Reminding all employees of recommended hygiene measures, such as handwashing, to help reduce the potential risk of virus transmission.
  • Continuing to monitor the situation and remaining vigilant for any updates.

We are well-equipped for remote work while still providing uninterrupted service, support, and solutions for our customers and colleagues. We take a practical approach to safety and health, but we remain calm and confident in maintaining business continuity.

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In the uncharted territories of the COVID-19 pandemic, facility managers have emerged as frontline guardians of safety and functionality. This guide underscores that their preparation involves a delicate blend of health-conscious protocols, agile communication, and future-proof planning. Amid these challenges, the integration of innovative tools such as Cryotos CMMS (Computerized Maintenance Management System) stands as a beacon of support. With Cryotos, facility managers can streamline operations and communication and bolster their pandemic response capabilities. As the world continues to grapple with uncertainties, these strategic measures, coupled with the advanced capabilities of Cryotos CMMS, equip facility managers to navigate the pandemic's complexities with resilience and effectiveness.

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What Do Our Clients Says ?

Amrapali Exports - Esteemed Clients of cryotos
Anuraj Sharma - Maintenance Manager

The best thing about Cryotos CMMS software is that it always tells me when something needs to be fixed - before it breaks and cost me a fortune!

The software is very user-friendly, and even if I don't know how to do something, the support team is always there to help me out.

Most importantly, unlike other such software, Cryotos is editable and hence the user can modify how the software works as per their need, we made several changes in the workflow & flowchart with the help of development team.

I don't know what I would do without Cryotos! I've been using it for years, and it has saved me so much time and money. I highly recommend it to anyone who wants to manage their assets efficiently.

Resil Chemicals - Esteemed Clients of Cryotos
Jeevan Belliappa - Head, Information Technology

Since we've been using Cryotos CMMS Software, our asset maintenance management has been running more smoothly than ever. We're able to track and optimize our preventive maintenance with ease, thanks to the customized process workflow. This has been a lifesaver for our team!

The Cryotos CMMS software has allowed us to manage our assets more effectively and efficiently. It has helped us to improve our asset utilization. The software is user-friendly and easy to navigate, and the support team is always quick to help with any questions we have. We're very happy with the results we've seen so far and we're confident that we'll continue to see improvements in our asset management as we use the Cryotos CMMS software.

Planys - Cryotos Esteemed Client
Antony Jacob Ashish - Lead, R&D

Cryotos goes above and beyond when it comes to customer satisfaction. Planys Technologies use Cryotos for preventive/ corrective maintenance of our critical systems and not once did we face a problem that was not dealt with immediately. The team is extremely professional and helpful. We can rely on Cryotos when it comes to the operations and processes.

Thanks to the whole team for the amazing performance and thought leadership. It's rare to see teams that can put themselves in the customer's shoes and think from their perspectives - Cryotos team doesthat and more.

We recommend Cryotos if you are looking to put an end to your preventive maintenance problems and sign up with them!

Thanks to the team for an awesome job.

Xpert IFM - Esteemed Clients of Cryotos
Siva Shankar - AGM, (Operations & BD)

On behalf of Xpert FMS we would like to express our sincere appreciation for the excellent support Cryotos team have provided us for our building and facility management. Cryotos has always provided support that is timely and meets our expectations. Professionalism and quick response are the hallmarks of this team.

Sincere appreciation for the team's brilliant performance and wish them continued success. We highly recommend Cryotos as they have executed well on all assigned tasks and continue to outperform.

Thanks to all the hard work, our lives have become easier.

ST Jude India Childcare Centers - Cryotos Esteemed Client
Mukesh J - CIO

We are able to raised the workorder and tracking of these till the closure as helped us to provide better services our beneficiaries. Workflow-based work order management has helped us to define processes for each locations separatley. System provide notification once order is raised for assignment to engineer.

Maspro - Esteemed Clients of Cryotos
Mr.Robert

This CMMS software is top-notch! I can't believe how much it has helped me with my facilities maintenance management. Customized reports and business intelligence have been invaluable in making better decisions.

The software offers a great deal of customization for each organization's specific needs. They are always updating the software with new features and improvements, which is great. The support team is fantastic - they are always quick to help with any questions or problems we have. This software has definitely made my life a lot easier! It's so easy to use and it's really helped me keep track of all my maintenance tasks in one place. I would definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a CMMS platform.

Al Zain Farms LLC - Esteemed Clients of Cryotos
Mr. Vishnu S Nair

Since we've started using Cryotos, our team has been able to stay on top of all the various SOPs. Checklists and safety procedures are now easily accessible to everyone, and we can quickly reference them whenever we need to. The software has definitely helped to improve our team's communication and efficiency. Plus, the fact that it's cloud-based means we can access it from anywhere, which is a big plus. It has been a great help in keeping everyone on the same page and up to date with the latest procedures.

Dinex - Esteemed Clients of Cryotos
B S Vijaya K. - Maintenance Engineer

At starting it felt some what difficult for scheduling but now it made to easy access.

Review from Capterra

Korrun - Esteemed Clients of Cryotos
Nithin G. - Maintenance Incharge

Overall: Nice Software
Pros: Scheduling, work order creation, asset inventory, records.
Reasons for Choosing Cryotos: Compared to other products it's easy to use and easy to understand the feature.

Review from Capterra

Aptiv8 IT Solutions
Hashim - Business Project Manager

This CMMS software is top-notch! I can't believe how much it has helped me with my facilities maintenance management. Customized reports and business intelligence have been invaluable in making better decisions.

The software offers a great deal of customization for each organization's specific needs. They are always updating the software with new features and improvements, which is great. The support team is fantastic - they are always quick to help with any questions or problems we have. This software has definitely made my life a lot easier! It's so easy to use and it's really helped me keep track of all my maintenance tasks in one place. I would definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a CMMS platform.

Gurit - Esteemed Clients of Cryotos
Mr. Mohanmurali R

I recently purchased Cryotos CMMS Software for asset management needs at my organization and after a few months of testing and monitoring, I'm incredibly pleased with the results. The software is user friendly, accessible and the design is very intuitive. It covers all the aspects of managing maintenance and repair, starting from preventive maintenance and standardizing operation cycles, to scheduling and streamlining workflows. I am highly satisfied with the performance and the range of features offered by Cryotos. Highly recommendable!

Metro Tyres - Esteemed Clients of Cryotos
Mr. Sanjay Beri

Before using Cryotos, asset management and maintenance seemed like an uphill task for my team. Manual processes laden with human errors did not work for us at all. We decided to go with Cryotos after checking out similar products in the market.

The user interface of the software is intuitive and easy to use, making it simple to navigate through the different features and functionalities. I particularly appreciate the ability to track all assets in real-time, allowing me to keep a close eye on their performance and maintenance needs.

Customized work order and workflow creation has reduced the needs to always follow a particular template. Depending on our needs we can create tailor made workflows to suit our requirements.

I highly recommend Cryotos to anyone who would like to unburden themselves of maintaining and managing their critical assets.

Dinex - Esteemed Clients of Cryotos
Mr. Yuksel Aksin

As a customer of Cryotos CMMS software for asset management needs, I must say that I am thoroughly impressed with the features and functionality offered by the platform. Cryotos CMMS software has made managing my assets a breeze, and I no longer have to worry about missing maintenance or inspections.

One of the standout features of Cryotos CMMS software is the ability to generate work orders and schedule maintenance tasks. This has made it easy for me to stay on top of maintenance and repair tasks, ensuring that my assets are always in optimal condition.

The software also allows me to track inventory levels which has streamlined my inventory management process. The ability to generate reports and analyze asset performance data has also been invaluable in helping me make data-driven decisions about my assets. Overall, I would highly recommend Cryotos CMMS software to anyone looking for a reliable and efficient asset management solution.

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