Facilities Management · Commercial & Critical Built Environment

When the building
is the asset —
know its condition.

From corporate headquarters and data centres to retail estates and critical infrastructure — Optimal delivers engineering asset condition assessments, structural integrity surveys and RCM-based maintenance strategy optimisation that gives facilities managers the evidence base to act with confidence.

Book a Discovery Call Benchmark with GARPI™

Sandton, Johannesburg · Corporate HQ

2 Scopes

Structural integrity assessment and full engineering asset condition assessment — HVAC, electrical, fire, UPS and standby generation — delivered simultaneously on a live, occupied building.

Critical Engineering Assets · Assessed

6 Systems

Chillers, pump house, UPS battery rooms, 6×850KVA Caterpillar generator sets (A & B side), HV transformers & switchgear, and fire detection & suppression systems — all assessed and reported.

Structural Assessment · Northern Building

6 Floors

3 basement floors plus 3 office floors. Rebar concrete structural frame. SANS 10400 compliant assessment by a registered Competent Person — structural certification delivered.

Corporate HQ & Office Estates

Data Centres & UPS-Critical Environments

Retail & Mixed-Use Assets

SANS 10400 · NFPA · OHSA

Structural Certification · NHBRC

RCM · Condition Assessment

The Facilities Management Challenge

Assets you can't see
failing are the ones that
cost you most

Facilities managers are responsible for assets that operate continuously, are rarely inspected to the depth their criticality warrants, and are maintained to schedules inherited from OEM manuals rather than derived from actual risk. The consequence is not gradual deterioration — it is the sudden, expensive, reputationally damaging failure of a generator, a chiller, a UPS system or a structural element at the moment it is least acceptable.

The organisations that manage this well are not those with the largest maintenance budgets — they are those with objective, evidence-based knowledge of their asset condition and maintenance strategies that are aligned to what that evidence actually shows.

How ARaaS® solves this

Reactive maintenance without a strategyMaintenance plans exist in name — but they are not derived from failure mode analysis. Tasks are performed on schedule regardless of asset condition. Risk is not managed; it is assumed.

Unknown structural conditionBuildings are occupied and operated for years past their last professional structural assessment. Statutory obligations under SANS 10400 are not proactively managed — only addressed when something goes wrong.

Critical system reliability not trackedGenerators, UPS systems and chillers have no performance KPIs. Availability is assumed until an outage occurs. No visual management system exists to track or trend reliability.

CMMS underutilised or absentWork order history exists but is not structured to enable analysis. CMMS is used as a task scheduler, not a reliability management tool. No failure coding, no trend analysis.

Regulatory and statutory exposureFire suppression, HVAC and HV electrical systems with compliance requirements that are not rigorously tracked — creating audit exposure and liability for facilities managers and property owners.

Engineering assessment of commercial building mechanical and electrical assets

The Optimal Approach

Assessment first.
Strategy from evidence.

Optimal's approach to facilities asset management begins where all good engineering begins — with an objective assessment of current condition. Before recommending any maintenance strategy change, our reliability engineers assess the physical state of every critical asset against its OEM specification, statutory requirements, and actual observed performance.

That assessment evidence then drives a structured, defensible maintenance strategy — tasks aligned to failure modes, resources prioritised by criticality, and CMMS work instructions built to ensure every maintenance action is traceable, repeatable and auditable.

Engineering asset condition assessment — all building systems →

Structural integrity survey — SANS 10400 compliant certification →

RCM-based maintenance strategy optimisation →

CMMS work instruction development — audit-ready →

Reliability KPI framework and performance tracking →

NFPA and statutory compliance verification →

Explore the ARaaS® framework

Engineering Asset Coverage

Every system that keeps
the building operational

From critical power and cooling infrastructure to fire life safety systems and structural fabric — Optimal assesses the full built environment asset portfolio.

HVAC

Chiller Plant & HVAC Systems

Chillers, ductwork, AHUs, FCUs, cooling towers, pump house, MCC panels and associated controls. Airflow studies for data centres and critical spaces. Thermal performance assessment.

Critical Power

Standby Generation & UPS

Diesel generator sets, automatic transfer switches, sectionalisers, diesel storage and transfer pumps. UPS battery banks — capacity, health and autonomy verification. Load testing programmes.

HV Electrical

HV Transformers & Switchgear

High voltage transformers, MV/LV switchgear, protection relay coordination, earthing systems and cable infrastructure. Statutory compliance with SANS 10142 and OHS Act requirements.

Fire Life Safety

Fire Detection & Suppression

Addressable fire detection systems, deluge and sprinkler suppression, gaseous suppression in server rooms. NFPA 72, NFPA 13 and SANS 10139 compliance verification. Certification status review.

Structural

Structural Integrity Assessment

Rebar concrete frames, floors and roof slabs. Curtain walling, brick, drywalling and external fabric. SANS 10400 rational assessment. Structural Engineering Compliance Certificates. NHBRC and A19 compliance.

Plumbing & Hydraulic

Water & Pump Infrastructure

Domestic water supply, fire hydrant systems, pump house and motor control centres. Water storage tanks, booster sets and pressure systems. Hydraulic testing and leak detection programmes.

Structural Integrity · Statutory Certification

Know what your building
can actually carry.

Structural failure in a commercial building is a low-probability, catastrophic-consequence event — and the statutory framework exists precisely because the consequences of ignoring it are unacceptable. Optimal's structural engineering team provides SANS 10400 compliant assessments, rational design evaluations and Structural Engineering Compliance Certificates delivered by registered Competent Persons under South African National Standards.

Rational assessment — SANS 10400 Building Regulations and Building Standards Act 103 of 1977

Structural Engineering Compliance Certificates for buildings and civil engineering infrastructure

NHBRC certification for building projects and evaluations

Regulation A19 rational assessment of alternative construction methods

Structural assessment of rebar concrete frames, floors, roof slabs, curtain walling and external fabric

Post-assessment recommendations report with prioritised remediation actions

Proof test documents and equipment method statements

Commission a Structural Assessment Asset Integrity services →

Services for Facilities Management

From assessment to strategy
to certified compliance

The full Optimal capability applied to the built environment — from initial condition survey through to optimised maintenance strategy and statutory certification.

Engineering Asset Condition Assessment

Physical inspection of all building engineering systems

Condition grading against OEM specification and age

Failure mode identification and risk classification

Photographic evidence and detailed findings report

Prioritised remediation and capex recommendations

Structural Integrity Survey

SANS 10400 rational assessment — registered Competent Person

Structural Engineering Compliance Certificate

NHBRC certification for building evaluation

Regulation A19 — alternative construction assessment

Proof test documents and method statements

Maintenance Strategy Optimisation

RCM-based strategy for all building engineering systems

Criticality analysis aligned to building risk profile

FMECA — HVAC, critical power, fire and electrical

Scheduled PM rationalisation — eliminate over-maintenance

Shutdown and outage window optimisation

CMMS Work Instructions

Asset register build — functional locations and BoMs

Work instruction development — audit-ready and traceable

PM task sets with frequencies, resource and materials

Failure coding and work order classification structure

CMMS population and validation support

Reliability KPIs & Performance Management

Reliability KPI framework — availability, MTBF, MTTR

Visual management dashboard design and setup

Predictive & condition-based monitoring deployment

Root cause analysis (RCA) framework and training

Monthly reliability reporting for FM leadership

Compliance & Statutory Advisory

NFPA 72 and NFPA 13 fire system compliance review

SANS 10142 electrical installation compliance

OHS Act Section 8 — safe asset management obligations

Compliance register build and ongoing tracking

Regulatory inspection preparation and gap closure

Regulatory & Standards Framework

Assessments that stand up
to scrutiny — and certification.

Structural · South Africa

SANS 10400 & Building Standards Act

Structural assessments conducted by registered Competent Persons in terms of SANS 10400 Building Regulations and Act 103 of 1977. Structural Engineering Compliance Certificates issued.

Fire · International

NFPA 72 & NFPA 13

Fire detection (NFPA 72) and suppression (NFPA 13) systems verified against current code requirements. Maintenance plans aligned to manufacturer requirements and statutory obligations.

Electrical · South Africa

SANS 10142 & OHS Act

HV and LV electrical infrastructure assessed against SANS 10142 wiring code requirements and OHS Act Section 8 safe maintenance obligations. Compliance register maintained.

Beyond Assessment — Ongoing Reliability

From condition known
to failure prevented.

A condition assessment is a point-in-time snapshot. The sustained value comes from embedding what was found into a structured, ongoing reliability programme — maintenance strategies that are reviewed against what the assessment revealed, KPIs that track whether those strategies are working, and predictive monitoring on the highest-criticality assets.

Optimal's ARaaS® framework is designed precisely for this transition — from reactive fire-fighting through structured assessment and strategy development to a genuinely proactive maintenance culture that compounds improvement year on year.

Condition assessment → gap analysis → strategy update →

Critical asset predictive monitoring deployment →

Reliability KPI dashboard — real-time visibility →

Annual re-assessment programme — trending over time →

GARPI™ benchmark — where does your portfolio stand? →

Facilities management reliability programme and asset performance tracking

Trusted by Facilities Operators

Optimal has delivered engineering asset assessments and reliability programmes for facilities management organisations managing some of South Africa's most prominent commercial and critical buildings — including:

Major Integrated FM Provider · South Africa

Corporate & Investment Bank HQ · Sandton

Detailed case study below is anonymised. Client consent is required before specific project details are attributed publicly. Contact us to arrange reference calls with relevant operators.

Case Study · Facilities Management

Major FM Provider
— Corporate HQ, Sandton

All case studies

Facilities Management · Sandton, Johannesburg · 2024

Engineering Asset Condition Assessment & Structural Integrity Survey — Major Corporate & Investment Bank Headquarters

Client: Major Integrated Facilities Management Provider · South Africa

One of South Africa's largest integrated FM providers — managing over 50,000 buildings across 23 million square metres of commercial space — required a comprehensive engineering asset condition assessment and independent structural integrity survey for a major Corporate and Investment Bank Headquarters in Sandton, Johannesburg.

The headquarters comprises two wings (East and West, designated critical and non-critical) plus a Northern Building — a six-storey structure of 3 basement floors and 3 office floors, constructed with a rebar concrete structural frame and a combination of brick, glass curtain walling, steel curtain walling and drywalling. The engagement required two simultaneous scopes of work conducted by separate specialist teams across the live, occupied building.

Engineering asset condition assessment — Electrical infrastructure, HVAC, Fire detection and suppression systems

Structural integrity survey — Northern Building, 6 floors, SANS 10400 compliant

Site visit conducted 4 April 2024 (engineering) and 11 April 2024 (structural)

Deliverables: Structural Report, Compliance Certificate, Equipment Assessment Report, CMMS Work Instructions

Scope 1 · Structural

SANS 10400

Rational assessment of Northern Building conducted by registered Competent Person. Structural Engineering Compliance Certificate issued. NHBRC and Regulation A19 compliant.

Scope 2 · Engineering Assets

6 Systems

Chillers, pump house, UPS battery rooms, 6×850KVA Caterpillar generators (A & B side), HV transformers & switchgear, fire detection & suppression — all assessed and reported.

Generation Capacity Assessed

6×850KVA

Three 850KVA A-side and three 850KVA B-side Caterpillar generator sets, sectionalisers, diesel storage tanks and transfer pumps — full condition and strategy assessment.

Findings & Opportunities

RCM Gap

Site identified as relying primarily on reactive and preventative maintenance. Clear opportunity to introduce full RCM methodology, reliability KPI tracking and CMMS utilisation improvement.

Scope 1 · Structural Integrity

Northern Building — SANS 10400 Assessment

Six-storey building assessed by a SANS 10400 registered Competent Person (NHBRC certified). Rebar concrete structural frame, floors and roof slabs evaluated. External and internal fabric inspected. Structural Report, Compliance Certificate and Proof Test Documents delivered.

Scope 2 · Engineering Asset Condition Assessment

Electrical, HVAC, Fire, UPS & Generation — Full Survey

Assessment conducted by Optimal Reliability Engineers across both East (critical) and West (non-critical) wings. Observations included HVAC airflow inconsistency in data centre environments, UPS maintenance strategy optimisation opportunity, fire suppression alignment to NFPA standards, and HV equipment strategy review. CMMS Work Instructions and Equipment Assessment Report delivered.

GARPI™ — Global Asset Reliability & Performance Index

How does your FM operation
compare against global peers?

GARPI™ is the first independent, ISO 55001-aligned global benchmark of asset performance management. For facilities managers, it provides an objective, structured view of where your operation sits across eight reliability dimensions — from maintenance strategy maturity and data quality to workforce capability and strategic outlook. Identify your gaps before your assets do it for you.

Take the Free Survey Discuss your results

Dim 1

Asset Performance Outcomes

Dim 2

Reliability Governance

Dim 3

Maintenance Strategy & Execution

Dim 4

Data & Digital Capability

Dim 5

Lifecycle Value & Financial Alignment

Dim 6

Workforce Capability & Knowledge

Dim 7

Spares & Materials Management

Dim 8

Strategic Outlook

Next Steps

Ready to know
what your building holds?

Whether you need a full engineering asset condition assessment ahead of a lease renewal, a structural certification to satisfy a landlord or insurer, or a maintenance strategy review that finally aligns PM schedules to actual failure risk — Optimal has delivered exactly this for some of South Africa's most prominent commercial buildings.

Start with a discovery conversation. We will tell you clearly what a scoped engagement would look like, what the deliverables are, and what you can expect to find.

Book a Discovery Call Explore ARaaS®

Global Enquiries

enquiries@optimal.world
optimal.world/contact-us

Credentials

ISO 9001:2015 certified · IAM Member 1035342
SANS 10400 registered Competent Person · NHBRC certified
SSIP Health & Safety accreditation

Related Services

Asset Integrity & RBI · RCM Studies · Predictive Maintenance

When the buildingis the asset —know its condition.

Assets you can't seefailing are the ones thatcost you most

Assessment first.Strategy from evidence.

Every system that keepsthe building operational

Know what your buildingcan actually carry.

From assessment to strategyto certified compliance

Assessments that stand upto scrutiny — and certification.

From condition knownto failure prevented.

Major FM Provider— Corporate HQ, Sandton