The Professional Retail Store Maintenance Association (PRSM) launched the 2013 National Conference at the Omni Dallas Hotel and adjoining Dallas Convention Center in April. Facilities maintenance professionals gathered together to share, and be educated on, best practices as well as challenges within the industry. Those in attendance had the opportunity to benefit from innovative facility maintenance programs, new products and services, and advanced industry education. Educational seminars included such topics as energy management, HVAC, flooring, sustainability, budget planning, and more.
One topic of discussion at the conference was the latest trends in cloud-based Energy Management Systems, reflecting the rapid pace of dramatic change in the way stores are run. A cloud-based EMS has the ability to monitor energy usage in real-time while providing the continual monitoring of systems for performance problems. Systems are composed of wireless sensors and monitors placed in the facility, and a controller on which adjustments can be made either onsite or even remotely via a web interface. Store comfort can be maintained while at the same time decreasing costs and permitting remote monitoring and control. An additional benefit of the cloud-based EMS is that facility managers can be alerted to abnormal power consumption by various systems, such as HVAC, that could indicate an impending failure.
Also, Cherry Logistics delivered a talk on “Fundamentals of Contractor Qualifications” as part of the conference’s Fast Track Trades Education, in which back-to-back 20 minute presentations provide fast, fun, and focused educational experiences. In his talk, Michael D’Aversa discussed “the objective of contractor qualification, strategic considerations, vendor identification scenarios, qualitative and quantitative validation practices, and actual results achieved by Cherry Logistics by using best practices.”
If you were unable to attend this year’s PRSM National Conference, you’ll have another chance on April 6th through the 8th, 2014. One thing that was definitely proven by this conference was the fact that the facilities maintenance industry is undergoing massive and rapid change. It’s more vital than ever to take advantage of whatever educational opportunities are available. For more information on the latest in facilities maintenance, please contact us.
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