Facility Management Insights: How Limbach, in Collaboration with Winterthur Museum, Utilizes Data to Reduce Operating Costs
In the ever-evolving realm of facility management, translating insights into tangible actions is pivotal for seamless operations. These insights serve as a catalyst, revolutionizing the management of facilities by optimizing efficiency and championing sustainability. Thanks to cutting-edge technology and advanced data analytics, facility management insights are no longer abstract concepts; they are now accessible tools for informed decision-making aligned with strategic goals.
The Limbach team, led by Erika Carl, Senior Sales Representative, and Richard Davis, Director of Product Development, had the honor of showcasing a practical use case at the International Association of Museum Facility Administrators (IAMFA) Annual Conference. Collaborating with our esteemed client, John Castle of Winterthur Museum, Garden, and Library, our team delivered a session that went beyond theory—demonstrating how the strategic integration of technology and facility data can preserve the past and safeguard the future. This session aimed to bring to life the role of insights in the daily challenges faced by facility managers, showcasing the transformative power of leveraging technology for practical solutions.
In essence, this session was groundbreaking in theory and its tangible application, illustrating how facility managers can actively utilize technology and data for efficient, cost-effective, and sustainable facility management.
Winterthur’s Unparalleled Challenge
Winterthur, a custodian of an extraordinary collection of American decorative arts spanning centuries, confronted the monumental task of managing 175 rooms housing nearly 90,000 objects dating back to 1640. Limbach was called upon to elevate operational efficiency, and our innovative strategies showcased technology’s transformative power in handling a vast and diverse museum.
Preserving & Preparing for Future Collections
Collecting and Analyzing Data
Limbach seamlessly integrated service history data with Winterthur’s BAS system, creating a centralized repository for facility data. Leveraging technical expertise, we dissected and simplified this data to pinpoint operational inefficiencies.
Data-Driven Solutions
The collaborative effort resulted in co-authored, prioritized, and implemented solutions that optimized systems. The Ann Low Collection’s room conditions were meticulously maintained at 65-75°F, 50% +/- 5% relative humidity, and five ft. candles of light exposure, ensuring the preservation of the priceless collection.
As for the remainder of the facility, the Limbach team proactively addressed and corrected over 100 severe FDD issues. This included resolving stuck dampers, closed valves, overwritten commands, and erratic equipment operation. By analyzing the values, the team identified deficiencies in the system design that were leading to unsatisfactory space conditions. Furthermore, they played a pivotal role in helping Winterthur prioritize Capital Planning initiatives by identifying recurring problems and proposing strategic solutions.
The Limbach team’s systematic and data-driven approach not only rectified existing issues but also laid the foundation for ongoing operational optimization, ensuring that Winterthur’s facilities are efficiently managed and well-prepared for preserving their invaluable collections in the years to come.
Improving & Promoting Operational Efficiency
Uncovering Potential Risks to Collections
In preparation for the Ann Lowe Collection, Limbach’s data insights identified critical issues with VAV boxes affecting space conditions. Timely maintenance interventions ensured the space was impeccably prepared for the collection, mitigating potential damage.
Utilizing Technology for Facility Performance
Limbach seamlessly integrated data from 12 buildings on a sprawling 60+ acre compound, each equipped with different control systems. By Applying Fault Detection & Diagnostic (FDD) techniques, we uncovered and rectified severe issues, leading to improved system design and prioritized capital planning initiatives.
Making Decisions About Risk Management
Identifying and Addressing Issues
Through comprehensive data analysis, Limbach’s team pinpointed increased humidity, excess energy consumption, and higher operating costs. Our swift response addressed a mechanical high-limit issue, preventing potential damage and fortifying the museum’s long-term sustainability.
Key Takeaways
Technology Beyond BAS
Limbach demonstrated that tapping into facility data extends beyond typical BAS systems—offering comprehensive insights into system operations and inefficiencies.
Quicker Problem Identification & Resolution
The accessibility of technology and data enables rapid identification and resolution of issues, averting potential damage and ensuring seamless operations.
Future-Ready Facilities
By leveraging technology, facilities can proactively address upcoming challenges, such as hosting special collections, ensuring precise environmental control, and reducing operational costs.
Choose Limbach
Limbach’s collaboration with Winterthur exemplifies how leveraging technology and facility data is not just a strategy but a necessity for preserving the past and safeguarding the future of museums. Our experience at the IAFMA conference highlighted data and technology’s critical role in facility management, particularly in spaces like museums where preservation is vital.
As technology advances, integrating data-driven solutions will play a pivotal role in shaping the efficient and sustainable future of facility management. At Limbach, we remain committed to harnessing the power of technology and data to help our clients achieve their vision. Whether it’s a museum, an office building, or any other facility, we believe in creating efficient, sustainable, and tailored environments to meet specific needs. Contact us today to safeguard your facilities!