Final answer:
The involvement of a facility manager is critical during the design phase as they ensure the design is functional, within budget, aligns with operational requirements, and supports efficient facility maintenance.
Step-by-step explanation:
The presence of a facility manager during the design phase of a project is crucial due to their role in overseeing the development and ensuring that the design aligns with the operational, maintenance, and functional requirements of the intended use of the space. The facility manager can provide vital input on aspects such as the selection of materials, the integration of systems, and the layout for efficiency and safety, all of which are essential to the successful implementation of the design. They can anticipate and address issues that may affect the facility's operations, ensuring that the design optimizes performance while staying within budget constraints. Additionally, the facility manager's involvement can also guide the process in finding suppliers and components, as well as integrating manufacturing systems at an early stage.
Having the facility manager involved in the design phase incorporates their firsthand knowledge of managing facilities, which can help mitigate the risks of making poor design decisions that fail to meet customer needs or that are difficult to manage. Their buy-in and feedback are also fundamental to securing the support of the various stakeholders in the project. Ultimately, a collaborative approach during the design phase, involving the facility manager, can save time and resources, prevent costly redesigns, and lead to a more efficient, safe, and user-friendly facility.