n Tracks current status of actions
n Keeps records of action updates
n Tracks when actions are completed
n Archives work for future referenceThrough the use of wireless devices a system can notify technicians and
other mobile employees with service requests or other work order data on
any text-messaging or email device such as cell phones, tablet personal compu-
ters, or pagers. Systems may allow for tenants or occupants to send service
requests over a network or the Internet and be automatically notified on the
status of the service request.
A work order system tracks labor, materials, and travel expenses for work
orders. It can also attach documents to work orders, project labor demands
for any future time period based on the work orders and monitor work-
performance indicators in addition to cost or time.
Asset Management
An asset management module manages all necessary equipment data including
names and models, serial numbers, location, vendor, internal cost center, war-
ranties, performance and documentation. The company or organization may
have an asset management program that is part of their enterprise resource
planning (ERP) which is a business-level software platform, and in this case
the data on the assets of building systems and operation may reside in the ERP.
Material and Equipment Parts Management
A material management system tracks material and equipment parts that
are moved into and out of inventory, and that currently reside in inventory.
It ensures that the right level of inventory is maintained. The material manage-
ment module is typically tied to and integrated with the work order system and
purchasing system.
When a work order is generated the FMS may check the inventory for
the parts needed for the repair or to complete the work order. The inventory
system may have set thresholds for various parts and materials and auto-
matically triggers the reorder and restocking of parts and materials through
the purchasing system.
132 Smart Building Systems for Architects, Owners, and Builders