Tapping Into Facility Information

College campus facility directors have been instrumental in discovering creative and unexpected ways to utilize the ARC Facilities app to streamline their operations and innovate in unexpected ways in areas outside buildings. Here are some inspiring examples and the potential for future applications.

Enhancing Parking Management

On college campuses, parking is often at a premium, particularly for big events like football games, graduation ceremonies, and move-ins. With the ARC Facilities app, teams can map and maintain detailed records of parking spaces, including:

• Handicapped parking spots
• Bicycle parking areas
• Electric vehicle charging stations
• Total parking capacity by lot

Traditionally, this information was tracked manually or inconsistently. Now, with a simple glance at a tablet, users can access a real-time overview of parking availability and layout. This improves operational efficiency and enhances visitor satisfaction, particularly during events where shuttle services or overflow parking may be required.

Optimizing Irrigation and Landscaping

Maintaining outdoor spaces is a critical part of campus management. The ARC Facilities app is being used to:

• Map planting beds for seasonal updates.
• Inventory plants by type and condition.
• Collaborate with arborists to track tree species, health, and age.
• Track irrigation zones, controllers, and valves for proactive maintenance.

These capabilities allow teams to stay ahead of potential issues, ensuring that landscapes remain vibrant and well-maintained.

Improving Lighting Safety and Efficiency

Facility lighting is another area where our app shines. Campus teams are using ARC Facilities to:

• Map the locations of light poles, step lighting, and wall-mounted fixtures.
• Track bulb types, maintenance history, and replacement schedules.
• Identify lighting issues during security patrols.

Organizations can quickly address outages, enhancing safety and security while demonstrating a commitment to community well-being.

Transforming Paper-Based Processes with Fillable Forms

In most organizations, paper checklists and inspection forms are still common, but there are significant downsides: they can be lost, forgotten, or damaged, and there’s no guarantee they reach the right person. The ARC Facilities app eliminates these challenges with fillable forms.

Teams are now using these forms for:

• Equipment maintenance checklists.
• Documenting fire drills and other routine procedures.
• Performing inspections and site walks.

These forms are accessible on mobile devices, allowing technicians to work more efficiently and reliably. With built-in prompts for frequently used terms, the app also ensures accuracy and consistency across reports.

Supporting Asset Tracking Across Outdoor Spaces

Tracking and maintaining outdoor assets is a labor-intensive task made easier with ARC Facilities. Examples include:

• Trash cans, dumpsters, table/chair sets, bike racks/storage locations: Preventing loss and ensuring consistent placement.
• Security patrols: Streamlining the process of reporting issues like leaks or strange odors with photos, videos, and building plans attached.
• Parking lot management: Counting spaces and tracking usage with precision.

These features enable facilities teams to stay proactive, ensuring that outdoor spaces are as well-managed as the buildings they surround.

Elevating Campus Aesthetics and Value

A well-maintained campus creates a positive first impression, reflecting an organization’s values and commitment to quality. Beyond aesthetics, it can:

• Serve as a powerful recruiting tool.
• Generate positive media coverage.
• Foster goodwill with the community.

Facilities teams, empowered by the ARC Facilities app, play a crucial role in achieving these outcomes. By managing both visible elements and behind-the-scenes infrastructure, they ensure that campuses remain functional, safe, and attractive.

The Future of Facilities Management

These creative use cases highlight the versatility of the ARC Facilities app. The potential for innovation continues to grow.

What’s next? We’re excited to see how customers will continue to drive creativity and share best practices as they explore new ways to leverage ARC Facilities. Whether it’s field-verifying assets, mapping hardscaping elements, or streamlining inspections, the possibilities are endless.