Microcomputers and available software can be used to display spreadsheet information helpful to facility planners. This article discusses the nature of electronic spreadsheets, presents an applications procedure, and illustrates a practical facilities planning application by using software generally available. (MLF)

Faced with deteriorating buildings, overcrowding, an inadequate budget, and government regulations, Columbia University needed data to support facility management decisions. After contacting organizations with similar facilities, the unviersity chose a space inventory database program developed by MIT for a consortium of academic, medical, and…

Describes the following aspects of the State University of New York-Brockport's preventive maintenance computerization project: (1) software selection, (2) project implementation; and (3) problems and benefits of the system. (MCG)

As the cost of computing decreases, computer aids are becoming readily available for facility planning, construction, and operation; three important technologies are decision support systems, computer-aided design, and management information systems. This article discusses the applications and availability of these systems, hardware and software…

The Physical Plant Department at Portland State University (OR) performs accounting, inventory control, and purchasing tasks with a local online system. Using in-house software, this system has replaced and improved upon services formerly provided by the State System of Higher Education. (MCG)

Unusually hard hit by the 1970s recession, the University of Michigan accumulated more deferred maintenance problems than could be analyzed efficiently either by hand or with existing computer systems. Using an existing microcomputer and a database management software package, the maintenance service developed its own database to support…

Explains how school planners can use microcomputers to create electronic spreadsheets that reduce the time required to calculate educational specifications. (MLF)

By applying a computer-aided drafting system to a range of facilities layouts and plans, a division of Tektronix, Inc., Oregon, is maintaining staffing levels with an added workload. The tool is also being used in other areas of the company for illustration, design, and administration. (MLF)

Planners of a new Arizona school used the district's existing computerized master scheduling program to identify instructional spaces needed. Total classroom needs by subject were translated into total square footage requirements. (MLF)

This article presents a computer program for aiding prediction of how to make maximum use of the physical plant to accommodate the instructional program at a secondary school. It uses Conrad's formula for determining capacity, room needs, and utilization of facilities. The formula, BASIC program, and a sample table are provided. (DCS)

Demonstrates how "School Planner," a menu-driven educational facility cost simulation program, is used for showing the changes in space and cost requirements, given varying assumptions about such factors as number of pupils, class size, number of classes per week, and proportion of space used for instruction. (MLF)