Facilities Management Services Feature Library

Operations Engineer's library catalogues editorial features going back five years.

Access to all archive material is free to all, including non-members of IPlantE (the Institution of Operations Engineers) or BES (Bureau of Engineer Surveyors), under the umbrella of SOE (Society of Operations Engineers). However, to discover the many benefits of becoming an SOE member, please click here.

08/04/2025 Fixing the pockets Libby Peacock, compressed air expert at Rubix, explains why production facilities across the continent are costing manufacturers more than necessary, and what they can do to fix it » Read More

18/03/2025 Ensuring fire safety for electrical connections Fire-protected enclosures mounted directly onto a wall surface can make maintenance and installation of electrical junctions faster while maintaining the required safety standards. Chris Lloyd, managing director at Spelsberg UK, explains ... » Read More

05/12/2024 Towering achievement The only way to the top of the Elizabeth Tower (home to Big Ben) was up 334 narrow, ancient steps from street level. The installation of two lifts as part of a major restoration project has proved transformational. Brian Wall investigates » Read More

05/12/2024 Enhancing efficiency Tom Austin-Morgan looks at some of the ways in which warehouses can be run more efficiently in a modern climate, where working at peak speed while delivering value is imperative » Read More

05/12/2024 Delivering efficiency Sustainable and energy-efficient technologies are what every industry is looking for. An opportunity lies in delivering HVAC efficiency with permanent magnet motors, according to drive systems firm Nidec Drives » Read More

08/08/2024 In the shadows Implementing a total cyber defence strategy to repel the onslaught of attacks now targeting organisations across the industry is no longer a choice, but an absolute. Brian Wall investigates the ways and means business are battling the ... » Read More

10/06/2024 Machinery in mind The risk of damage to machinery from fire should be taken seriously in all industrial settings. The measures in place to prevent it include important procedural and operational requirements that should be closely noted. Darren ... » Read More

08/05/2024 Mitigating risks via engineering services In today’s complex and highly regulated business environment, compliance with regulatory standards is of paramount importance. Engineering services are very much in the game when it comes to helping organisations navigate these challenges » Read More

08/03/2024 Legal Report: On the back foot The arbitration process has been the cause of concern across a number of industries in the past. Philip Harris, partner at Wright Hassall, believes it might be time for a re-think » Read More

05/12/2023 AI metrics for lifts A set of standardised metrics would be helpful for consultants and building management when considering an investment in AI, and for evaluating the efficacy of an installed AI system. However, some of the concepts common in lift industry ... » Read More

05/12/2023 Digital developments TK Elevator offers views about how digital elevators (lifts) transform buildings in a new report available via www.is.gd/ataduy » Read More

12/10/2023 Safety fears over RAAC Reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete has come under intense scrutiny since late 2018, following a school roof collapse. How do you identify it and what is the best means of remediation, asks Brian Wall » Read More

12/10/2023 Building ahead To comply with the Building Safety Act, engineers will have to prove their competence and assure the safety of the buildings they construct. A recent discussion between two technical directors, CABE’s (Chartered Association of Building ... » Read More

12/10/2023 Why is security so important for industrial control systems? Eaton describes the steps users must take to protect industrial controls and automation components from cyberattacks » Read More

31/08/2023 Parts storage: the vital links Establishing efficient ways to store small components at small and large scales – from bins, racks to vertical conveyors – is the gateway to achieving the highest levels of productivity… and profit, reports Brian Wall » Read More

08/08/2023 Dealing with cyberattacks Ransomware is a type of malware which prevents access to devices and the data stored on them, usually by encrypting files, the key to which requires paying a ransom. How can organisations resist such attacks, and respond if the worst were ... » Read More

08/08/2023 Cyber round-up ?Cyber attacks resulting from vulnerabilities within the supply chain can result in devastating, expensive and long-term ramifications for affected organisations, their supply chains and their customers. But despite these risks, many ... » Read More

31/05/2023 UV light for decontamination While UV light is effective at destroying pathogens, it also poses dangers for their hosts – namely people. How can UV-C irradiation be used for disinfection in healthcare without endangering those in its vicinity, asks Brian Wall » Read More

31/05/2023 All about high-efficiency motors Motors driving HVAC air-handling units can devour vast amounts of electricity. Now, high-efficiency motors are rapidly changing the status quo, writes Brian Wall » Read More

29/03/2023 Down the drain The UK government is pushing for sustainable drainage systems in new developments. Ben Spencer finds out how users of commercial buildings stand to benefit » Read More

29/03/2023 Optical sensors and ambient light Baumer explains why ambient light has such a significant influence on optical sensors. It contends that its sensor toolbox provides the benefits of ambient light immunity, eliminating many error sources in production » Read More

20/03/2023 Changes to building energy efficiency With 1 April 2023 fast approaching, it is time to get serious about the upcoming changes to the Minimum Energy Efficient Standard (MEES) Regulations, which come into force then. By Kylie Cooper, partner, Wright Hassall » Read More

20/02/2023 Thermal imaging tips and tricks Thermal cameras continue to come down in price and are entering the mainstream industrial world to provide help in maintenance and inspection tasks. However, they are not necessarily as simple to use as they appear, with the emissivity ... » Read More

01/02/2023 Details really do matter Dominic Dawson, chief engineer, Zurich Engineering, who is the new chair of BES, discusses the safety and compliance issues raised in last month‘s article ‘Details Matter’ » Read More

09/01/2023 Keeping cleanrooms clean Understanding how to monitor and properly maintain cleanroom environments is critical to guarantee the best possible performance. Tom Austin-Morgan reports on how to reduce the risk of contamination » Read More