Facilities

Before August 2011, Texas A&M Health Science Center Facilities & Construction office (FCO) employees frequently used hand-written notes to record and track building problems reported on its eight campuses. Faculty, students, staff, and visitors used a variety of methods to report problems, including phone calls, email, and catching someone in the hall to request help. From building temperature issues to electrical problems or falling ceiling tiles, there was no process for tracking requests or operational trail of the department’s daily work, outside of purchases made.

Anyone who’s done a home remodel knows the incredible amount of paperwork it generates. Agreements, invoices, punch lists, change orders, and more have to be mailed, faxed, consulted, and filed, so that by the time the project is done, the homeowner can be forgiven for feeling as if he’s drowning in forms.