WorksheetsTechnology
Total questions: 74
Worksheet time: 37mins
What is the best description of the FM-IT relationship?
Competitive
Subordinate
Collaborative
Independent
An organization must compete for investors with other organizations to gain the resources needed to grow its business. How would the improved use of facility technology most directly help this organization achieve its goal? It can:
increase workplace quality and occupant satisfaction.
increase compliance with laws and regulations.
provide greater control over facility assets.
provide transparent data about facility performance.
Which of the following statements about effective facility technology plans is true? They:
plan acquisition of the most current and most widely adopted technologies.
include metrics to evaluate plan results.
focus on clearly demonstrated economic results only.
provide a thorough description of how the technology works.
Which of the following facilities would benefit most from purchasing facility technology as software as a service (SaaS)?
Organization that has recently invested in an IT upgrade
Organization with multiple, unique needs and ample capital
Organization with an overburdened IT function
Organization with young, technologically proficient FM staff
How can facility technology support knowledge management in the organization?
making past information about the facility’s systems and performance accessible to future members of the organization
demonstrating the organization’s ability to stay current with technological advances
attracting younger workers who are more familiar with the latest technological trends and products
allowing individual FM employees to increase their technical skills and knowledge.
How would IT’s use of "green" computing help FM achieve its own strategic objectives? It might:
increase IT's computing power.
decrease the amount of facility space required for IT.
decrease IT's vulnerability to power fluctuations and outages.
increase IT's asset value.
Which of the following facilities would benefit most from cloud computing capabilities? A facility:
that has recently acquired an Integrated Workplace Management System (IWMS)
whose processing needs are liable to fluctuate sharply with the economy
with a larger footprint than it needs and cash flow problems
with cash supplies on hand and confirmed future need
A large manufacturer with sophisticated and proprietary processes is considering networking diverse facility systems wirelessly by using the Internet Protocol (IP). This would also facilitate integration of these facility systems with enterprise systems and databases. What disadvantage of IP must be considered first?
The system will not have enough speed to serve the stated purpose.
IP cannot be used to integrate multiple databases.
The system will not have enough capacity to serve the stated purpose.
IP is not inherently secure from intrusions, theft and tampering.
FM leaders spent an entire day offsite to draft their technology plan, drawing on their own experiences in previous jobs and what they had learned from vendors at FM-focused expositions. Management rejects the plan. Where did FM go wrong?
The meeting should have included consultants and technology experts.
Recommendations were not based on an organizational technology needs assessment.
The starting point should have been the function’s annual budget allocation.
Management should have been included in the offsite retreat.
Facility managers must become leaders of technological change in their organizations. What is the best way to prepare for this role?
Hire younger employees with computer skills
Take online classes in IT basics
Network socially with senior management
Network with peers and discuss experiences with technology projects
A facility manager is describing the benefits of an Integrated Workplace Management System (IWMS) to the Senior Director of Human Resources. Which of the following benefits would be most important for the facility manager to mention?
Automating assignment of offices and security badges for new employees
Ensuring that the facility can meet local emissions requirements
Opportunities for FM employees to acquire new skills and knowledge
Dashboard, real-time view of the facility’s performance
A facility manager must justify all expenditures to an increasingly cost-conscious and conservative senior management. What trend in facility technology can help this manager present the best case to management?
Improved interoperability of systems and products
Decreasing cost of technology
Focus on business analytics in FM technology products
Ability to decrease operating costs by using automation
One of the major advantages of the use of Internet Protocol (IP) in networking FM technology is that it:
guarantees a higher level of transmission quality.
allows the facility to avoid using the public Internet.
is more secure than proprietary protocols.
supports wireless communication among system components.
The trend towards interoperability of facility systems has been supported by:
the creation of open protocols.
the introduction of the graphical user interface.
greater collaboration between FM and IT.
merging voice and data communication.
FM technology may be influenced by which of the following organizational trends?
Greater need for knowledge workers
Decreased need for meeting space
Decreased diversity in workplaces
Greater centralization of workplaces
FM has purchased a project management system and asked IT to help install and integrate the program with the organization’s enterprise system. IT refuses angrily. What is the most likely reason for this response?
The timing possibly conflicts with IT's work schedule.
IT believes FM's software is FM's own responsibility.
FM failed to consult with IT before the purchase.
IT prefers not to work with unfamiliar products.
An organization operates call centers in five separate facilities. It has won a contract to provide customer support to a global financial services business that specializes in high net-worth clientele. However, the organization must ensure uninterrupted service. Consequently, all functions have been charged with developing strategic plans to support that objective. Previously, FM focused on ways to lower the cost of space. How can FM support this new strategic direction?
Continue its present focus but ensure emergency preparedness at all of its sites.
Add redundant systems, automate facility system monitoring and work with IT to implement integrated data and voice systems.
Analyze operational cost savings from combining the five call centers.
Focus on increasing the capacity, reliability and quality of facility communication systems.
FM must decide how to spend its limited budget to lower the facility’s increasing energy consumption. How could an energy management system (EMS) help in this situation?
Lighting systems could be set to go on and off by occupancy levels.
Forecasting data could help establish the need for action.
Certain processes could be shifted to periods with lower electrical rates.
FM could analyze different project scenarios to identify greatest potential over time.
Which of the following statements best describes an Integrated Workplace Management System (IWMS)? IWMS:
facilitates integration of enterprise data to perform certain facility functions.
is a methodology for creating a virtual image of a building.
automates the facility management workflow process to increase technician productivity.
manages vendor relationships and allows vendors to access enterprise data.
An effective automated FM system project requires effective processes, good communication with IT and:
full integration with all existing building systems.
a large amount of accurate data.
a high level of technical expertise among FM team members.
a flexible implementation schedule.
A facility finds that it is being billed at the highest demand rate by its electricity provider. FM has already invested in energy efficient equipment with the highest return on investment. The organization cannot cease any of its processes without impairing its function. How could an energy management system (EMS) demand management capability help in this case? The EMS could:
commission new equipment to ensure it is delivering anticipated benefits.
automatically reschedule some processes that are not time-sensitive.
analyze total facility use to identify areas of excessive demand.
selectively shut down certain processes for brief periods.
Which of the following statements about Energy Management Systems (EMS) is correct?
Most EMS support mobile access.
Each facility EMS is an autonomous system, managed onsite.
Current EMS analytic capability is limited.
Energy tracking is limited to electricity.
A building automation system (BAS) can generate real-time system status information. What is the most direct benefit of this feature to FM?
Better understanding of patterns of energy and water use
Faster technician response time to problems
Longer equipment life
Lower operating costs
When buying a new building automation system (BAS), a facility manager is likely to receive the most helpful advice from:
conducting a tenant and occupant survey
the sales representative for a BAS developer
an FM colleague at a comparable facility
the organization's own IT function.
Which of the following statements best describes the purpose of an energy management system (EMS)?
Manage electrical consumption for lowest cost
Ensure compliance with local energy acquisition and consumption requirements
Track and manage a facility's use of energy and water
Generate dashboard view of real-time facility energy consumption
How does a building automation system (BAS) create business intelligence? By:
benchmarking the facility operations against comparable facilities.
distributing current, focused data on facility operations.
creating opportunities for sustainable resource use.
integrating diverse building systems.
In the following illustration of a building automation system (BAS), the purpose of the controller is to:
manage communication between the network and system devices and sensors.
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rovide a firewall to deter intrusion into the enterprise network through the remote sensors.
provide local access to system data and local system control.
program the operating scheduling for systems and devices (e.g., lighting).
When a facility reaches a certain level of demand, its energy management system begins to raise cooling set points in a predefined sequence. This is an example of:
demand response.
demand limiting.
demand reassignment.
load shifting.
Which of the following characterizations about the evolution of building technology is correct?
Systems tend to be wired or cabled due to concerns about security.
Building automation systems have become less dependent on IT.
Building intelligence and computing have become less centralized.
Issues related to component and system compatibility have been overcome.
How does a stand-alone Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS) differ from an Integrated Workplace Management System (IWMS) with a CMMS module? The stand-alone CMMS:
cannot automate occupant notification related to workflow events.
can extract data from the enterprise Asset Management (EAM) database.
is more functional from FM perspective.
is probably not integrated into the enterprise database.
Which of the following statements about Integrated Workplace Management System (IWMS) is correct? IWMS:
includes a Building Information Modeling (BIM) application.
is primarily a project management tool, allowing all project team members to access data related to the project that might reside in different enterprise databases.
is evolving into a strategic management, rather than departmental, tool.
has allowed greater independence and autonomy among organizational functions.
Which component of building costs changes the most over time?
Structure
Space
Infrastructure
Technology
FM notes a sudden spike in the facility’s water bill. How could an EMS help manage this challenge?
Historical reports could generate trends to establish reasonable future budgets.
Sub-meter reports and history could help locate problem areas.
EMS could issue alerts when consumption exceeds anticipated levels.
Data could support installation of water-saving fixtures and appliances.
A user may interface with a building automation system (BAS) by means of:
dashboard and laptop
conventional workstation, laptop or tablet or smart phone.
smart phone and RF device.
central workstation and satellite displays at controllers.
An organization is growing quickly, each year leasing more space in one building. To avoid the disruption of a move and the risk of taking on more space than it needs, the organization has turned to alternative workplace strategies. Still there is constant competition for meeting rooms and desk space. How could FM justify the purchase of an Integrated Workplace Management System (IWMS)? An IWMS space management application:
could ensure the landlord is fulfilling the terms of the leased space.
would not be wise at this point since the organization may be moving soon.
could calculate the true cost of space to encourage more efficient use of available space.
could manage access to meeting rooms and workstations more easily and equitably.
An organization contracts with an energy service company (ESCO) to manage its energy systems and consumption. What building automation system (BAS) feature would be useful in this situation?
Benchmarking capabilities
Ability to confirm ESCO performance claims independently
Provision of redundant energy management systems
Scheduling building systems operation
FM has decided to purchase a computerized asset management system and has included in the acquisition budget the cost to purchase the system and cross charges from IT to install and maintain the system. What important cost factor has FM omitted?
Cost of backing up system data regularly
Time to input and quality check existing facility data
Licensing fees
Diminished staff productivity during learning curve period
The purpose of the demand management function in an energy management system (EMS) is to:
identify facility areas with high electrical need.
identify the reason for increased electricity consumption in specific facility areas.
lower the amount of electricity the facility consumes.
lower the rate of the facility’s electrical consumption.
FM has been able to lower its energy consumption by investing in energy-efficient equipment and managing consumption with an energy management system (EMS). FM, however, would like to receive further financial benefit from that reduction to show management the merit of these improvements. The EMS supports demand response arrangements. How could that help in this case?
The EMS can apply certain criteria to demand for energy from different parts of the facility and disallow certain requests automatically.
FM can aim for lowering demand even further incrementally.
The facility can sell energy it creates onsite to its local utility to generate offsetting revenue.
The facility can trade lower consumption during peak periods for a lower overall rate.
Which of the following capabilities can a building automation system (BAS) provide?
FM project management
FM workflow management
Support building/system commissioning
Sustainable certification
Middleware is:
the controlling layer in building automation system (BAS) architecture.
a communication gateway between equipment made by different manufacturers.
transitional technology used to bridge the gap between present and future needs.
a controlling device that processes data from remote sensors and communicates with a server.
A facility is committed to sustainable operations and has undertaken gradual replacement of equipment with more energy efficient models. How could an automated system help the facility further improve its energy performance? An automated system could:
Qualify for credits in many building certification systems.
Adjust system performance more frequently and accurately.
Overcome flaws in existing FM processes.
Generate more accurate performance reports.
FM in a small software organization with a single building would like to purchase an Integrated Workplace Management System (IWMS). Their most immediate need is to capture data related to energy performance since the organization has committed to reporting its carbon footprint annually and is interested in carbon trading. FM inherited a Building Automation System (BAS) when the current building was purchased. There is no other automated or integrated facility technology at present. The organization has been growing quickly and estimates it will grow out of its current facility in four years. How would you advise FM in this situation?
Purchase limited IWMS functionality as Software as a Service (SaaS).
Wait until the organization has moved into a more permanent facility so that full integration between enterprise and FM systems can be accomplished.
Install a fully functional IWMS now so that FM can prepare for future demands.
Add an Energy Management module and populate it with data from the existing BAS.
To build the organization’s overall financial performance, FM has been prohibited from hiring additional staff, although the facility footprint has not decreased. How could automation help in this case?
Automation can increase staff productivity.
Automation can reduce organizational risk.
Reports can support the return on investment from hiring additional staff.
It will decrease need for staff training.
How does client-server architecture differ from service-oriented architecture (SOA)?
SOA enables web-based, self-service processes for FM.
Client-server architecture enables connection to enterprise systems by mobile devices.
Client-server architecture uses Internet Protocol (IP).
SOA provides greater security by interacting directly with the enterprise’s mainframe.
In terms of building technology, a small grid is a:
network of autonomous computers working in parallel on a task.
a closed feedback loop of remote sensor equipment and controllers.
networking of remote sensors with enterprise servers.
form of crowd sourcing, used to develop applications.
Which of the following is an example of “4D” building information modeling (BIM)?
Visualization of information about renovation project at Week 8 in the project
Visualization of structural elements in an enclosed building space
Inclusion of data and feedback from entire project team
Dimensional and attribute data linked to the same object
of the following statements about laser scanning is correct?
Because light is being bounced in different directions, only one projector set up is required.
Scanning range can be as close as one meter (39 inches).
Scans can be accurate to approximately two inches (five centimeters).
Scanned surfaces must be covered with a reflective material.
Which of the following is an example of raster data in a Geospatial Information System (GIS)?
Indication of the location of a sewer line on the campus
Evidence of escaping effluent from the sewer line
Satellite photo of a campus
Age of a particular segment of the sewer line
A 2D or matrix barcode:
uses horizontal lines of varying widths, separated by spaces of different widths.
can be read at greater distances than conventional bar codes.
combines various geometric shapes within a square.
is a more robust version of a bar code that can survive heavy handling.
Operations has complained to FM that the motor on a particular piece of factory equipment has burned out twice, and they doubt the problem is related to the equipment itself. What technology could help FM track the source of this issue?
Thermal scanning
Building automation system (BAS)
Building information modeling (BIM) tools
Laser scanning
FM must complete a risk assessment for a newly built transportation depot. How could a Geospatial Information System (GIS) help?
Quantify damage from risk different scenarios in different locations
Indicate structural weaknesses in area infrastructure
Provide accurate "as built" drawings for inclusion in the plan
Overlay local crime statistics on area map
How could a Geospatial Information System (GIS) increase the productivity of FM staff? By:
organizing work orders to minimize travel time
tracking location of technicians
tracking time spent at each work site
allowing technicians access to online parts ordering
FM manages a headquarters office and multiple sites (plants, labs, offices) through a metropolitan area. A new research facility must be added. What facility technology tool could FM use to identify locations that would mean less travel between the new location and the other facilities with which it is likely to interact frequently?
Geospatial Information System (GIS)
3D imaging
Integrated Workplace Management System (IWMS) Real Estate Portfolio Management
Global Positioning System (GPS)
What is missing in the following illustration of a Radio Frequency Identification System (RFID)?
Interpreting software
Enterprise database
Scanning device
Emitter
FM is meeting with designers of a facility addition and project managers. FM is proposing changes that will make maintenance easier and safer in the future. The team is worried about the additional costs and time these changes will involve. How could Building Information Modeling (BIM) help in this situation?
The proposed changes could be visualized and more easily understood by the entire team.
FM’s proposal could be accessed and analyzed by all project members.
Detailed blueprints could be generated for the new design.
Different impact scenarios could be quickly created to quantify effects of the changes.
What facility technology would allow FM to visualize an enclosed space not shown on as-builts or building models?
Geospatial information system (GIS)
Thermal scanning
Building automation system
3D imaging
FM for a large medical campus is considering a new asset automated inventory system that will help support longer equipment life and better performance, improve accountability for expensive tools and avoid mistakes in deliveries. Sometimes important shipments go missing for days before they reach the correct destination. What facility technology should FM consider?
2D barcoding
Radio frequency identification (RFID)
Geospatial information system (GIS) tracking
Conventional barcoding
Which of the following statements best described the difference between two-dimensional computer-assisted design/drawing (2D CAD) and Geospatial Information Systems (GIS)?
2D CAD can combine digital dimensional information with images.
CAD can be used by BIM tools; GIS cannot.
GIS is useful for imaging outside a building; 2D CAD is useful for imaging inside a building.
GIS images can depict more types of data than 2D CAD images.
Which of the following statements about building information modeling (BIM) is correct? BIM:
is essentially next-generation computer-assisted drawing (CAD).
is a methodology and a set of digital tools.
offers few advantages for FM not involved in building design and construction.
creates one snapshot of a structure at one point in its life cycle.
FM for a property management company oversees a 70-story office building with more than fifty tenants. Managing lease requirements on space upkeep is challenging. How can FM use the building information model created during the building’s construction to address this challenge?
Improve communication with contractors involved in building projects.
Organize facility data related to leases by tenant.
Integrate data from building automation system.
Retrieve historical data on specific building objects.
What is the implication of the use of standards such as Industry Foundation Classes (IFC) in building information modeling (BIM) tools?
Standards enable full functionality of BIM software tools.
FM can be assured of compliance with most major building codes.
FM can be more assured of the accuracy of data from BIM projects.
Standards facilitate data exchange into post-construction building databases.
the following statements about fiber optic cabling is correct? It:
creates more heat that must be dissipated.
is not as reliable as copper wiring.
cannot transmit video signals at an acceptable level.
has greater capacity than coaxial cable.
Which of the following is the most recent technology in voice and data communications?
Twisted pair
Broadband technology
Fiber optic
Wireless technology
FM has been charged to prepare new space for the business applications division of a global software development company. Employees in this division are a mix of engineers and marketing specialists. Privacy is rarely an issue, but space to set up test networked computers is. Employees meet frequently, often using web meetings to discuss projects with other regions and with beta sites. Compared to the rest of the organization, they have a higher rate of employees working remotely and a greater dependence on mobile devices. The division’s director does not foresee any major changes in employee numbers or practices. How would this information affect how FM meets this function’s communication technology needs?
Avoid wireless networks because of security issues.
Plan on using more space for wiring cabinets and installing a lot more cable and wire drops.
Design a system with highly flexible connectivity and a great deal of capacity.
Spend more money on the scalability of communications systems, rather than on different types of network capability.
All of the computers in a facility are networked through different servers. Any computer can access data (with restrictions) within the network, but people outside the facility cannot access the network or its data. This describes a:
Local Area Network (LAN).
Firewall.
Wide Area Network (WAN).
Virtual Private Network (VPN).
Compared to conventional designs, an optimized voice and data communication design in a workplace would:
integrate wireless access points.
increases the number of wiring closets or cabinets.
provide connectivity for devices through the plenum.
use coaxial cable more extensively.
Which of the following illustrates the use of Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP)?
Using a broadband Digital Subscriber Line (DSL)
Making a phone call from one’s computer
Connecting via an Integrated Services Distribution Network (ISDN)
Connecting remotely to a secure private network
FM has installed a wireless access network in the facility. At first, occupants were pleased with their ability to connect and use the network in that manner. Now, however, occupants are complaining that there is something wrong with the system. Everything moves much more slowly. What has probably happened here?
Access points may not be located optimally.
More users have been added to the wireless network.
Building conditions have changed, affecting reception.
Signal strength needs to be boosted.
FM has been charged to prepare new space for the business applications division of a global software development company. Employees in this division are a mix of engineers and marketing specialists. Employees often use web meetings to discuss projects with other regions and with beta sites. Meeting size can range from two to eight. They live with their laptops. How could FM best spend available resources to provide this internal customer with "smart" meeting rooms?
Install room control systems to manage sound and light levels and adjust window blinds.
Install interactive whiteboards.
Include at least two full workstations in all meeting rooms.
Ensure digital projections systems and network availability.
An aeronautics manufacturer has added many employees and several new manufacturing lines after receiving a large contract but does want to increase its footprint. FM is struggling how to provide workspace for the additional occupants but also accommodate teams that want meeting space and scheduled training meetings. Team meetings range from four to eight attendees, while training sessions range from a dozen manufacturing employees to more than forty. All the groups need access to the company’s network, but the smaller groups usually can bring their own mobile devices. How could facility technology be used to address this need?
Install Wi-Fi hot spots in break rooms and cafeterias to support small meetings.
Work with the training department to convert training to individual delivery on the company network and install learning workstations throughout the factory area.
Install a "smart" meeting room that can be subdivided into smaller spaces as needed.
Install network connections in the manufacturing areas to allow those spaces to be used for training.
In an effort to cut costs, an insurance company reduced its leased space and directed a third of its employees to work from home three days a week. FM has used a space management application to manage hoteling when the remote workers bring their laptops into the office. They use docking stations to connect to the network. The wireless local area network works in only some parts of the building. Occupants rarely use the same space two days in a row. What additional communication technology could be used to support these workers?
Wi-Fi hotspots
Virtual private networks (VPNs)
Integrated voice/data lines
Softphone system
Senior management has charged FM to maintain the facility footprint while accommodating 10% growth in employees. As part of its strategic plan, FM is working with IT, Accounting and HR to install an online reservation system that would allow occupants to reserve meeting rooms and parking, request additional workspace and moves and other space management services. It would also support a chargeback system that would, for the first time, make departments more responsible for their use of facility space and services. FM wants to propose metrics in a business case for senior management. Which of the following would be a good metric? The system will:
receive favorable occupant ratings in annual facility occupant evaluation.
reduce expenses and time associated with internal moves by 30%.
be implemented within budget and according to schedule.
generate additional income to offset system purchase.
FM is working with IT, Accounting and HR to install an online reservation system that would allow occupants to reserve meeting rooms and parking, request additional workspace and moves and other space management services. It would also support a chargeback system that would, for the first time, make departments more responsible for their use of facility space and services. Senior management signed off on the expenditure. As the project neared completion, the departments heard about the project and began complaining vigorously. How could this facility IT project have been improved?
Occupants should have been involved in testing the system.
Senior management should have communicated its support more strongly.
Heads of influential departments should have been involved in planning.
The chargeback feature should have been removed.
