VFA Facilities Capital Planning and Management Software Training

Software training courses are conducted by VFA professional education staff in the Boston training facility according to a published monthly schedule. Our state-of-the-art classroom accommodates up to 10 students. Enrollment is on a first-come first-serve basis, with special arrangements for dedicated classes available. We also offer courses via WebEx. For information on training conducted at your site, please contact Cath Ronan at cronan@vfa.com or call (617) 772-8165.

Cancellation Policy:
Should the Company (or Participant) cancel attendance at a Training Session less than five (5) business days prior to the date that such engagement was scheduled to commence, the Company shall pay VFA one hundred percent (100%) of the Training Session fees, and less than ten (10) business days prior to the date that such engagement was scheduled to commence, the Company shall pay VFA fifty percent (50%) of the Training Session fees. VFA reserves the right to cancel a Training Session prior to the session if the minimum number of participants is not met.

VFA.facility

VFA.facility facilities capital planning and management software training familiarizes end users with the fundamentals of the facility condition assessment process, enabling them to become proficient using the facility condition database. Courses 101 and 201 are each offered as one-day instructional modules with individual classes tailored so that instructional emphasis matches customer needs and the specific makeup and skill set of learners.

Course 101: Asset Database Management (One day)
This intensive one-day class is intended for all users of VFA.facility, including database administrators, facility managers, analysts, and senior managers. It can be taken as an individual session or in series with VFA.facility 201 Capital Planning and Budgeting. Topics covered in Course 101 include:

  • Summary of the assessment process and building a central repository of asset information
  • Navigating the Assets module
  • Understanding the database hierarchical structure
  • Entering and updating records
  • Developing detailed cost models, system lifecycles and component renewals
  • Estimating costs for deferred maintenance and improvements using the built-in RSMeans Estimator

Course 201: Capital Planning and Budgeting (One day)
This comprehensive one-day class is designed for senior managers and facility analysts. It explores the VFA.facility database as a dynamic tool for planning, budgeting and project implementation. It can be taken as an individual session or in series with Course 101. Topics covered include:

  • Navigating the Reports module
  • Navigating the Funding module
  • Navigating the Project module
  • Case Studies
  • Merging asset data records, reports and/or graphics to create presentations

VFA.facility Overview: Quarterly WebEx Training
Provides an overview to VFA.facility; is well suited to managers who will just need to run reports, or can be used as a refresher. Ideal for organizations that have one or two participants that need training.

The session consists of two approximately two-hour modules given in the same day.

Topics include:

Module 1 – Data Management/Maintenance (11am-1pm EST)

  • Using Reference Materials: On-Line Help and Software User Manuals
  • Understanding Basic Navigation and the Database Hierarchy
  • Utilizing Productivity Tools – Sorting, Filtering, Column Layouts and Favorites
  • Understanding content of Asset Module records
  • Closing Requirements and Updating System records
  • Enhancing Data Records with Photos and Attachments

Module 2 – Capital, Forecasting, Budgeting and Planning (2pm-4pm EST)

  • Understanding Report Selection Criteria
  • Analyzing Data thru Reports
  • Constructing Ad-Hoc Queries
  • Creating and Analyzing What-if Funding Scenarios
  • Prioritizing Requirements and Creating Capital Budget (demonstration)
  • Creating Projects and Fiscal Plans (demonstration)

Prerequisites:
Participants should possess basic Internet and Microsoft Windows navigation skills, have previously used Microsoft Word and Excel or other similar programs, have an understanding of facility management and be familiar with the cost estimating concepts.

Client Responsibilities:

  • VFA utilizes the WebEx platform. Clients must be able access WebEx and to download active X controls required.
  • Participants must have computers with Internet access.

VFA.auditor Responder/Approver Overview: Quarterly WebEx Training
Provides participants with knowledge of the survey process, as well as of the mechanics of the software. Session concentrates on data entry, as well as reviewing data though reporting. Each session can accommodate up to 10 participants.

Topics covered include:

  • Survey Overview
  • Getting Started
  • Survey Basics
  • Conducting Your Survey
  • Responding to a Survey
  • Approving a Survey
  • Running Auditor Reports

Prerequisites:

  • Participants should have sufficient experience in facility management, architecture, mechanical engineering or electrical engineering necessary to recognize building system issues.
  • Participants should possess basic Internet and Microsoft Windows navigation skills.

Client Responsibilities:

  • VFA utilizes the WebEx platform. Clients must be able access WebEx and to download active X controls required.
  • Participants must have computers with Internet access.