This document describes a general methodology for planning
and constructing appropriate facilities manufacturing/configuration/rework activities.
Planning - commonly known within the facilities field as "programming",
is an obvious and essential starting point. No other single item is as
critical to the overall success of the facility. Such programming
should properly be based upon a corporate "facilities plan", as a part
of the overall company business plan. The decisions for any
new facilities should be directly responsive to this plan; such
plans should be reviewed periodically and updated prior to the
acquisition and development of a new site.
The output of the strategic planning process (programming) will be a
planning document or "program". Inputs to the program will
be derived from an examination of all the aspects which drive this
particular business activity, head counts, equipment lists, etc.
Not only will the "program" serve to ensure the facility meets the
business objectives, it can also be a useful tool to promote the
project and develop support within the company. After the process
is underway, the "program" will serve both as a bassis for derriving
the RFPs for various vendors and contractors, as well as the initial
input to project management software tools.
While the leadership of many companies contain individuals with
experience in planning new facilities, the organization will often be
best served by retaining the services of a professional organization to
facilitate the process. Adapticom has a background in factory and
laboratory architecture, engineering, construction and/or facilities
setup and has the resources to devote full time staff to the process.
Some Common Program Checks:
- Use Permits.
- Utilities infrastructure serving the
building/space/site.
- Back-up power requirements.
- HVAC
system. 100% outside air? Number of air changes per
hour and/or CFM/SF?
- Floor loading capacity
- Ceiling height and column spacing
appropriate? (space allocated for exhaust ductwork and other utilities, making usable clear heights critical and too many
columns make efficient bench and equipment layouts a challenge).
- Additional mechanical space (ground, basement, rooftop or
penthouse) available (and suitable) for the placement of future
equipment (HVAC, electrical generator, etc.)?
- Expansion space – adjacent or otherwise?
- Abandoned plumbing, ductwork, ground, from previous owners/tenants, related liabilities
- Cable Abatement requirements as per 2002 NEC
- Is facility layout and casework modular, flexible and/or moveable? Freestanding,
skid-mounted and bench top equipment/instrumentation makes for faster process modifications.