Designing Buildings - User contributions [en]

User:O&M I.T.Ltd. www.oandmit.co.uk

2015-02-10T13:46:26Z

O&M I.T.:

We provide a service to Main Contractors, M&E Contractors, Building Owners and Subcontractors to compile and produce Operation and Maintenance Manuals and other handover documentation.

We have tried and tested templates that meet most client requirements but we also allow for customising these to meet the particular needs of each job.

Documentation is issued featuring our client's branding in printed and / or electronic format.

Electronic Disc (cd / dvd) versions of the manuals have a user friendly navigation system similar to a website that enables the end user to easily find and access the information they require.

We have different levels of service to match different budgets.

Very simply, we have a business based around removing the hassle of O&M Manuals from construction professionals who are better off spending time on what they do best than fighting with this documentation.

O&M Manuals

2015-02-10T13:45:19Z

O&M I.T.: Created page with " = O&M Manuals (Operation and Maintenance Manuals). = These form part of the usual handover documentation and go hand in hand with the likes of As Built Drawings and Signed Tes..."

= O&M Manuals (Operation and Maintenance Manuals). =

These form part of the usual handover documentation and go hand in hand with the likes of As Built Drawings and Signed Test and Commissioning sheets.

The job spec will usually have details of the expected content and layout of the O&M Manuals but in the event that it doesn't, a rough guide to the content would be something like:

'''Volume 1 – Introduction and User Guide'''
#Introduction 
#Residual Risk
#Scope of Works
#Contract Directory
#Handover Checklist
#Modifications
#Document Register
#Architectural As-Built Drawings
#Statutory Approvals
#Asbestos Report

'''Volume 2 – Architectural. For each works package the following information is supplied:'''
#Contractor Details
#Scope of Works
#Suppliers’ Directory
#Manufacturers’ Directory
#Manufacturers’ Information
#Operation and Maintenance Procedures
#Recommended Spares
#Guarantees / Warranties
#Testing and Commissioning Certificates
#Drawings
#Residual Risk
#Safety Information Relating to any Maintenance / Operation Tools Left on Site
#Manufacturers’ Literature

'''Volume 3 – Mechanical'''
#Introduction
#Subcontractors’ Residual Risk
#Scope of Works / Description of Systems
#Spares and Spares Policy
#Operating Procedures
#Maintenance Procedures and Fault Finding
#Disposal Information
#Modifications
#Testing & Commissioning Details
#Record Drawings
#Manufacturers Directory/ Equipment and Literature

'''Volume 4 – Electrical'''
#Introduction
#Subcontractors’ Residual Risk
#Scope of Works / Description of Systems
#Spares and Spares Policy
#Operating Procedures
#Maintenance Procedures and Fault Finding
#Disposal Information
#Modifications
#Testing & Commissioning Details
#Record Drawings
#Manufacturers Directory/ Equipment and Literature

These sections can easily be combined into one document if space permits.

The size and complexity of the O&Ms vary hugely depending upon the size and type of job and the client requirements. If you add BIM, Health and Safety Files, BREEAM BUGs, Non Technical Building Occupier guides, Homeowner Packs and other variations and additions then it all starts to get a bit confusing.

Luckily, if you wish to sub out the O&M Manual and other Handover Documentation then there are specialist companies who will do a good job at a reasonable price. 

--[[User:O&M I.T.|O&M I.T.]] 13:45, 10 February 2015 (UTC)

Operation and Maintenance Manuals - Cheap Options

2014-06-10T15:50:42Z

O&M I.T.: Created page with " = O&M Manuals in the lean times. Skimp on them at your own risk! = A Specialist O&M Manual production company warns of the potential pitfalls of Going cheap on O&M Manu..."

= O&M Manuals in the lean times. Skimp on them at your own risk! =

A Specialist O&M Manual production company warns of the potential pitfalls of Going cheap on O&M Manuals.

Whatever you might think about H&S Files / O&M Manuals, they exist for a reason, they have to be done and, if they’re compiled and used properly they can save money and help save lives. They certainly aren’t going to go away so it makes sense to put in the effort to do them properly and leave a good document on site that reflects well on you and your company.

'''Farming them out versus In-House'''

The outsourcing of O&M Manuals can be one of the first things to get cut as Main and Subcontractors attempt to be as competitive as possible. But, beware. it can prove to be a false saving.

There is a growing number of cases of main contractors coming to us with only a short period of time left before the manuals are due to be handed over. It is usually the same story. Contractors know that doing the manuals themselves will save money, but they underestimate the amount of work or complexity involved and before they know it they’ve left it too late.

This is bad news for a number of reasons:

There is a good chance that by this time the client is already annoyed with the way that the manuals’ are being done. ‘Homemade’ manuals can sometimes be handed over too late and the last memory the client has of the job is of scruffy O&M Manuals turning up weeks or months overdue.

If you have to hand the manuals over to a specialist manual production company, they realise that these late jobs are always going to be awkward and that they will disrupt their existing work, so they will charge accordingly.

Clients often postpone sign off of a job because the O&M Manuals are not up to scratch.

The manuals reflect on the Main contractors, regardless of who produced them.

The building management / maintenance team have frustratingly inadequate manuals that at best make their lives more difficult and at worst can endanger staff.

CDM Coordinators need to produce Health and Safety Files that work together with the manuals, but will these manuals have the required information? 

In short, it’s all rather nasty and messy.

'''The solutions'''

The options available are:
#Do the manuals in house, on site but ensure they’re done properly.
#Keep them in house but allocate main office personnel to do them.
#Employ a specialist company like us.

The potential problems with the above are:
#Site staff are usually pretty busy, especially towards the end of a job (the time when the manuals require the most input). Their time is split between the manuals and their main work and either, or both can be affected adversely.
#Centrally-based staff can produce good manuals but there’s also the problem of them getting snowed under when a number of projects finish at the same time and of being underused during other periods.
#Specialist O&M Manual compilation companies cost money. Also, how do you know whether they are going to produce the standard of manual that you want?

As is so often the case, it boils down to an issue of cost versus quality.

'''Choosing your best option'''

So, whoever you choose, ask the following questions: 
#How much do they cost? 
#Do they have the time, knowledge and skills to produce a good quality manual that does the job and impresses the client? Ie:

Can they use advanced word processing, computer graphics, CD autorun packages etc?

Do they have a good understanding of exactly what is required in an O&M Manual, and appreciate the requirements of H&S files and building log books or a database system?

Does the IT system allow for large file uploads to avoid email size problems?

Is there a progress report available for client and client reps to consult?
#Does point b justify point a?

If you go for the in-house option make sure that those entrusted with the O&M production have enough knowledge, time and resources. It’s just unfair and unsafe to expect them to do it all without these things.

If you use a specialist manual compiler then choose a good one.

A quick search on Google for ‘O&M Manuals’ or similar will bring up a number of companies who make a living out of doing this kind of work.

Go for one that specialises in Manual production, not an offshoot of a larger company

Make sure that they can answer yes to most or all the points mentioned in above

Every job has different O&M needs. Check the spec for details. Avoid companies who try to stick to their own layout. Find one that is happy to customise manuals to meet the job requirements.

Quiz them on their information gathering methods. Too many simply issue a template and sit back and wait. Opt for a someone who keeps communications open at all times.

Check their existing clients. Large construction companies are unlikely to use companies that don't produce the goods.

Figure in the costs and don't necessarily go for the cheapest.

User:O&M I.T.

2014-06-10T15:12:27Z

O&M I.T.:

User:O&M I.T.

2013-11-21T10:46:51Z

O&M I.T.:

We provide a service to Building Owners, Main Contractors, M&E Contractors and Subcontractors to compile and produce Operation and Maintenance Manuals and other handover documentation.

We have tried and tested templates that meet most client requirements but we also allow for customising these to meet the particular needs of each job.

Documentation is issued featuring our client's branding in printed and / or electronic format.

Electronic Disc (cd / dvd) versions of the manuals have a user friendly navigation system similar to a website that enables the end user to easily find and access the information they require.

We have different levels of service to match different budgets.

Very simply, we have a business based around removing the hassle of O&M Manuals from construction professionals who are better off spending time on what they do best than fighting with this documentation.

File:O&M IT Company Profile.pdf

2013-11-21T09:21:20Z

O&M I.T.: A brief company profile summary

A brief company profile summary