--- title: 10 Ways to Wrap up 2017 and Look Ahead to 2018 - ARC description: 2017 was an exciting year for construction and building management with developments and innovations in new technologies, mobile apps and artificial intelligence. A best practice of any professional is a time to reflect back on accomplishments and failures in order to prepare for a more productive, efficient, successful year ahead. What are your goals for […] image: https://blog.e-arc.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/AdobeStock_162177578-300x200.jpeg --- [![ARC](https://blog.e-arc.com/hs-fs/hubfs/raw_assets/public/ARCDocumentSolutions_November2020/images/arc-logo.png?width=1000&height=47&name=arc-logo.png "ARC")](https://www.e-arc.com/) - [Locations](https://www.e-arc.com/locations/) - [Equipment & Supplies](https://shop.arcsupplies.com/store/default.aspx?Adsrc=ARC01) - [Scanning & Imaging](https://www.e-arc.com/services/scanning/) - [Printing Services](https://www.e-arc.com/services/scanning/#) - 2020 Holiday Gifts & Graphics - [Cube Mate Desk Screens](https://www.e-arc.com/cubemate/) - [Return to Work COVID-19 Graphics](https://www.e-arc.com/return-to-work-covid-19-graphics/) - [School Graphics – COVID-19](https://www.e-arc.com/school-graphics-covid-19/) - [COVID-19 Customer Resources](https://www.e-arc.com/covid-19/) - [Order COVID-19 Signs](https://healthandwellnessposters.myprintdesk.net/DSF/SmartStore.aspx?SITEGUID=0af86288-83db-45dc-945f-3245fc8194f0#!/Storefront) - [Enterprise Customer Solutions](https://www.e-arc.com/enterprise-customer-solutions/) - [Office Backdrops](https://www.e-arc.com/office-backdrops-banner/) - [The ARC Print App](https://www.e-arc.com/arc-app/) - [Franchise Printing Services](https://www.e-arc.com/printing-solutions/franchise/) - [Color Prints](https://www.e-arc.com/printing-solutions/color-signage/) - [Construction Signage](https://www.e-arc.com/printing-solutions/construction-site/) - [DIY Design & Print Tool](https://www.e-arc.com/diy-design/) - [Digital Storefront](https://www.e-arc.com/services/digital-storefront/) - [Environmental Graphics](https://www.e-arc.com/printing-solutions/color-signage/) - [Small Format Color](https://www.e-arc.com/small-format-printing/) - [Mounting, Binding & Finishing](https://www.e-arc.com/services/binding-services/) - [Onsite Managed Print Services](https://www.e-arc.com/printing-solutions/managed-print-services/) - [Reprographics](https://www.e-arc.com/printing-solutions/reprographics/) - [Smart Color](https://www.e-arc.com/printing-solutions/smart-color/) - [Vehicle Graphics](https://www.e-arc.com/printing-solutions/color-signage/) - [Fabric Prints](https://www.e-arc.com/printing-solutions/soft-signage/) - Quick Links - [Return to Work COVID-19 Graphics](https://www.e-arc.com/return-to-work-covid-19-graphics/) - [COVID-19 Customer Resources](https://www.e-arc.com/covid-19/) - [Place Order](https://www.ishipdocs.com/FileTransfer/PrintFiles.aspx?data=SUlDL1jf5EsZSXVsgv3rBs9fd/z9rt9M0w+IU+V3VT4+M1Hy8jPnny3XwD8LpzUI24b0aVAyWNvR8C06g25uBg==) - [Pickup Order](https://www.ishipdocs.com/FileTransfer/PrintFiles.aspx?data=SUlDL1jf5EsZSXVsgv3rBs9fd/z9rt9M0w+IU+V3VT4xFEKqxtrYCegdgxU5bNhfX+GSqDRcV2mMRE50svK3zw==) - [Request Quote](https://www.ishipdocs.com/FileTransfer/PrintFiles.aspx?data=SUlDL1jf5EsZSXVsgv3rBs9fd/z9rt9M0w+IU+V3VT7DDiCt/v4AGnvoWE76+ac/5zXwcpSsH6MNGAE2gVK9o8dPdcRGUjtKmxD7tkxa0pw=) - [Send Files](https://www.ishipdocs.com/Filetransfer/TransferFiles.aspx) - [Track Orders](https://www.ishipdocs.com/FileTransfer/PrintFilesTracking.aspx) - [Order Supplies](http://shop.arcsupplies.com/store/default.aspx) - [Public Planroom](https://order.e-arc.com/arcEOC/ARCPlanRoom.aspx) - [MPS Client Portal](http://www.e-arc.com/equipment-service/) - [Locations](https://www.e-arc.com/locations/) - [International Locations](https://www.e-arc.com/locations/international-locations/) - [Credit Application](https://www.e-arc.com/arc-customer-credit-application/) - [COD Application](https://www.e-arc.com/arc-customer-cod-application/) [Order Prints](https://www.ishipdocs.com/FileTransfer/PrintFiles.aspx) [Locations](https://www.e-arc.com/location/) - [Locations](https://www.e-arc.com/locations/) - [Enterprise Customer Solutions](https://www.e-arc.com/enterprise-customer-solutions/) - Managed Print Services - [Managed Print Services](https://www.e-arc.com/printing-solutions/managed-print-services/) - [Savings Calculator](https://www.e-arc.com/printing-solutions/mps-savings-calculator/) - [Abacus – software](https://www.e-arc.com/printing-solutions/abacus/) - Scanning & Imaging - [Scanning and Document Management Services](https://www.e-arc.com/services/scanning/) - [Archives](https://www.e-arc.com/technology-solutions/archives/) - [HIPAA Compliant](https://www.e-arc.com/services/hipaa-compliance/) - Design & Construction Solutions - [3D Laser Scanning](https://www.e-arc.com/services/3d-laser-scanning/) - [3D Printing](https://www.e-arc.com/services/3d-printing/) - [Archives](https://www.e-arc.com/technology-solutions/archives/) - [BIM](https://www.e-arc.com/services/bim-and-rendering/) - [Drone Services](https://www.e-arc.com/services/drone/) - [Linking](https://www.e-arc.com/services/hyperlinking/) - [Productivity Suite](https://www.e-arc.com/design-and-construction-technology/) - [Project Closeout](https://www.e-arc.com/services/close-outs/) - [Project Management](https://www.e-arc.com/services/project-management/) - [SmartScreen](https://www.e-arc.com/services/smartscreen-displays/) - Equipment & Supplies - [Art & Drawing Supplies](http://shop.arcsupplies.com/store/c-8-art-drawing.aspx?Adsrc=ARC01) - [Drafting Furniture](http://shop.arcsupplies.com/store/c-5-furniture.aspx?Adsrc=ARC01) - [Drafting Supplies](http://shop.arcsupplies.com/store/c-1-drafting.aspx?Adsrc=ARC01) - [Filing & Storage](http://shop.arcsupplies.com/store/c-3-filing-storage.aspx?Adsrc=ARC01) - [Measuring Tools](http://shop.arcsupplies.com/store/c-6-measuring.aspx?Adsrc=ARC01) - [Office Supplies](http://shop.arcsupplies.com/Store/c-4-office.aspx?Adsrc=ARC01) - [Paper & Printing Supplies](http://shop.arcsupplies.com/Store/c-7-paper-printing.aspx?Adsrc=ARC01) - [Printers, Plotters & Scanners](http://shop.arcsupplies.com/store/c-908-equipment.aspx?Adsrc=ARC01) - [SmartScreens](http://shop.arcsupplies.com/store/c-912-smartscreens.aspx) - Software - [Abacus](https://www.e-arc.com/printing-solutions/abacus/) - [SkySite](https://www.skysite.com/) - [Green Initiative](https://www.e-arc.com/green-initiative/) - About us - [About Us](https://www.e-arc.com/about-us/) - [Careers](https://jobs.jobvite.com/arc/jobs/) - [Contact Us](https://www.e-arc.com/contact-us/) - [Customers](https://www.e-arc.com/customers/) - [Ethics & Compliance](https://www.e-arc.com/ethics-compliance/) - [Investors](https://ir.e-arc.com/investors/overview/default.aspx) - [Locations](https://www.e-arc.com/location/) - [Press Releases](https://www.e-arc.com/press-release/) - Contact us - [Corporate offices](https://www.e-arc.com/contact-us/) - [All Locations](https://www.e-arc.com/contact-us/#contact_form_section) - [Send us an email](https://www.e-arc.com/contact-us/#contact_form_section) - Resources - [Blog](https://www.e-arc.com/blogs/) - [Collateral](https://www.e-arc.com/collateral/) - [Customer Stories](https://www.e-arc.com/customer-story/) - [Customer Resources](https://www.e-arc.com/resources/) - [Green Initiative](https://www.e-arc.com/green-initiative/) - [Events](https://www.e-arc.com/events/) - [Videos](http://www.e-arc.com/video/) - [Webcasts](https://www.e-arc.com/webcasts/) # 10 Ways to Wrap up 2017 and Look Ahead to 2018 ### ARC| December 21, 2017 Subscribe to ARC's Blog 2017 was an exciting year for construction and building management with developments and innovations in new technologies, mobile apps and artificial intelligence. ![](https://blog.e-arc.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/AdobeStock_162177578-300x200.jpeg?width=300&height=200&name=AdobeStock_162177578-300x200.jpeg) A best practice of any professional is a time to reflect back on accomplishments and failures in order to prepare for a more productive, efficient, successful year ahead. What are your goals for yourself and your team? We prepared five ways to wrap up 2017 and five action items for getting a jumpstart on 2018. **5 Ways to Look Back at 2017: Reflect, Recharge and Recognize** Have you scheduled in some time to assess and celebrate what you and your team were able to achieve in 2017? How about some time to rest and recharge? This list of five items can help you get started on wrapping up the year. **1. Celebrate your successes in 2017** Did you and your team: complete a huge project, survive and recover from a natural disaster or equipment failure, adopt technology to improve your productivity, prepare an emergency plan? Pencil in time to review those accomplishments for lessons learned and to identify key drivers for your continued success. **2. Invite your team out to lunch or happy hour** Include a few minutes to thank each person for a specific contribution or highlight how they add value to the team. To keep it light, ask people to share their funniest story about a facilities management service request. **3. Schedule well-deserved time off to relax and recharge** Do yourself and your team a huge favor by taking some time off to recharge before 2018 kicks in. Can’t take a full week? Take a day or two off before and after Christmas and New Year’s Day. Encourage your team to do the same. **4. Take time out for a laugh** Check out the [60 Best Construction Funnies / Fails](https://www.pinterest.com/tradesman4u/construction-funnies-fails/) on Pinterest or the Friday Funnies blog posts on Facilities Executive. Here’s a seasonal laugh to get you started: [A Few of a Facilities Manager’s Least Favorite Things](https://facilityexecutive.com/2017/12/friday-funny-facility-management-least-favorite-things/). Then share the stories with your team. **5. Thank your best vendors for their excellent service** Let vendors know you haven’t missed the fact that their services have been provided seamlessly and flawlessly. They’ll remember your thoughtfulness when you reach out for their services again in the future. **Kicking Off 2018: Assessing, Looking Ahead and Planning** Get a jump-start on 2018 by assessing where your construction or facilities team can make the most impact through improved planning and productivity or by launching new initiatives. We created the following list based on industry insights highlighted in the [AIIM survey eBook: Information Management for Facilities and Operations: Knowing Your Gaps is Key to Catastrophe Preparedness](http://go.e-arc.com/paper/2017/aiim_catastrophe_ebook). **6. Identify opportunities to streamline operations in 2018** *Industry Insight:* Construction ends with a building that is well managed. However, in a recent AIIM survey, we learned that [less than 50%](http://go.e-arc.com/paper/2017/aiim_catastrophe_ebook?utm_source=website&utm_medium=website&utm_content=aiim_ebook) of facilities teams have current as-builts for every building. What about your team? *Action:* Schedule a date to start collecting and organizing current versions of every as-built for all of your buildings, with renovations and remodels included. Make the project manageable by organizing your work by building and setting target completion dates for each building. **7. Create an emergency preparedness plan or update your existing plan** *Industry Insight:* Building owners take note! Just 14% of Facilities Teams surveyed stated they were prepared for an emergency or catastrophe. Are your facilities teams in the 86% that aren’t prepared? *Action:* Add this important initiative to your team goals for the year with target completion dates and start researching specific compliance requirements for your industry. There’s a great deal of work to be done to create or update a comprehensive plan and communicate the details to all relevant stakeholders. **8. Adopt cloud print services to support geographically distributed teams** *Industry Insight:* In the AEC industry, sharing documents electronically between geographically distributed teams is now mainstream. Is your company realizing the savings and efficiencies of accessing a [global network](https://www.e-arc.com/blog/6-business-benefits-arcs-cloud-print-distribution-network/) of production facilities? *Action:* Equip your geographically distributed teams for being even more responsive to clients. Research your options for a one-stop print solution and lock-in a target implementation date in Q1 2018 to maximize the impact on your annual budget. **9. Define succession planning, staff training and development priorities for 2018** *Industry Insight:* On average, 29% of Facilities Team workers are 55 years or older, which means you could have someone on your team potentially retiring this year. How are you preparing for this reality? *Action:* Assess your team and schedule time on your calendar to start building out a succession plan. Get started by documenting knowledge that may currently only be held by one person. **10. Organize the Plan Room—Wait, there’s a better way.** *Industry Insight:* Nearly two-thirds of Facilities teams store critical building documents locally, where there is risk of loss or damage. Less than half of all important facilities information is [stored digitally](https://www.e-arc.com/blog/solving-plan-room-dysfunction-5-reasons-manage-facilities-info-cloud/). *Action:* Sure you’re used to the pain of spending time searching for paper documents; but there really is a better way. Get a jump start on productivity for 2018 by adopting technology solutions to transform your operations. Digitize all building information, implement cloud-based storage, and enable anytime, anywhere mobile access. **BONUS:** These 5 resources will equip you for achieving even more in 2018. 1. Discover other highlights from the 2017 AIIM Facilities and Operations survey: [Information Management for Facilities and Operations: Knowing Your Gaps is Key to Emergency Preparedness eBook](http://go.e-arc.com/paper/2017/aiim_catastrophe_ebook). 2. Get started on succession planning and optimize your onboarding process with the strategies presented in [Brain Drain: 5 STRATEGIES to Safeguard Building Information due to Employee Changes](https://www.e-arc.com/collaterals/stop-brain-drain-challenges-facing-todays-facility-managers/). 3. Streamline your document management processes by implementing one or more of the solutions presented in [Building a Digital Document Workflow for the AEC Industry](https://www.e-arc.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/ARC_Digital-Document-Workflow_white-paper.pdf). 4. Check out [5 WAYS Facilities Apps on iPads Supercharge Productivity](http://go.e-arc.com/paper/supercharge-facilities-productivity) to find out how integrating technology into your operations will raise your team’s efficiency and effectiveness. 5. Make sure you have addressed 7 critical functions in your emergency planning if you’re in healthcare facilities management by reading [Emergency Preparedness: Critical Planning for Healthcare Facilities](https://www.e-arc.com/collaterals/emergency-preparedness-critical-planning-healthcare-facilities/). [« Previous Post](https://blog.e-arc.com/blog/6-business-benefits-arcs-cloud-print-distribution-network) [Next Post »](https://blog.e-arc.com/blog/designing-christmas-parade-float) ## Search Blog ### Blog Categories - [Printing (64)](https://blog.e-arc.com/tag/printing) - [Technology (29)](https://blog.e-arc.com/tag/technology) - [Construction (18)](https://blog.e-arc.com/tag/construction) - [Company (11)](https://blog.e-arc.com/tag/company) - [Facilities (2)](https://blog.e-arc.com/tag/facilities) - [Equipment (1)](https://blog.e-arc.com/tag/equipment) ## Recent Posts - ![Four Reasons to Centralize Your Print Infrastructure](https://blog.e-arc.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Abacus_general_image%20%20Mini.png?width=767&name=Abacus_general_image%20%20Mini.png) #### [Four Reasons to Centralize Your Print Infrastructure](https://blog.e-arc.com/four-reasons-to-centralize-your-print-infrastructure) - ![ARC’s GSA Contract Makes the Impossible Possible](https://blog.e-arc.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Mini_gsa.jpg?width=767&name=Mini_gsa.jpg) #### [ARC’s GSA Contract Makes the Impossible Possible](https://blog.e-arc.com/arcs-gsa-contract-makes-the-impossible-possible) - ![Three Reasons Top Companies Are Adding Print Rooms to the Their Offices](https://blog.e-arc.com/hs-fs/hubfs/minimasthead-133.jpg?width=767&name=minimasthead-133.jpg) #### [Three Reasons Top Companies Are Adding Print Rooms to the Their Offices](https://blog.e-arc.com/are-print-centers-dying) - ![Three Reasons Top Companies are Abandoning Their Print Rooms](https://blog.e-arc.com/hs-fs/hubfs/minimasthead-135.jpg?width=767&name=minimasthead-135.jpg) #### [Three Reasons Top Companies are Abandoning Their Print Rooms](https://blog.e-arc.com/are-print-centers-dying-0) - ![You Create, We Print - Custom Holiday Gifts & Displays](https://blog.e-arc.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/blog-img.png?width=767&name=blog-img.png) #### [You Create, We Print - Custom Holiday Gifts & Displays](https://blog.e-arc.com/blog/you-create-we-print-custom-holiday-gifts-displays) ### Blog Archive - [August 2019 (8)](https://blog.e-arc.com/archive/2019/08) - [April 2014 (5)](https://blog.e-arc.com/archive/2014/04) - [February 2015 (5)](https://blog.e-arc.com/archive/2015/02) - [August 2017 (5)](https://blog.e-arc.com/archive/2017/08) - [April 2019 (5)](https://blog.e-arc.com/archive/2019/04) - [May 2019 (5)](https://blog.e-arc.com/archive/2019/05) - [January 2020 (5)](https://blog.e-arc.com/archive/2020/01) - [February 2020 (5)](https://blog.e-arc.com/archive/2020/02) - [April 2016 (4)](https://blog.e-arc.com/archive/2016/04) - [December 2017 (4)](https://blog.e-arc.com/archive/2017/12) - [November 2018 (4)](https://blog.e-arc.com/archive/2018/11) - [January 2019 (4)](https://blog.e-arc.com/archive/2019/01) - [February 2019 (4)](https://blog.e-arc.com/archive/2019/02) - [June 2019 (4)](https://blog.e-arc.com/archive/2019/06) - [September 2019 (4)](https://blog.e-arc.com/archive/2019/09) - [October 2019 (4)](https://blog.e-arc.com/archive/2019/10) - [November 2019 (4)](https://blog.e-arc.com/archive/2019/11) - [March 2020 (4)](https://blog.e-arc.com/archive/2020/03) - [May 2016 (3)](https://blog.e-arc.com/archive/2016/05) - [February 2017 (3)](https://blog.e-arc.com/archive/2017/02) - [June 2017 (3)](https://blog.e-arc.com/archive/2017/06) - [October 2018 (3)](https://blog.e-arc.com/archive/2018/10) - [December 2018 (3)](https://blog.e-arc.com/archive/2018/12) - [March 2019 (3)](https://blog.e-arc.com/archive/2019/03) - [July 2019 (3)](https://blog.e-arc.com/archive/2019/07) - [April 2020 (3)](https://blog.e-arc.com/archive/2020/04) - [February 2016 (2)](https://blog.e-arc.com/archive/2016/02) - [October 2017 (2)](https://blog.e-arc.com/archive/2017/10) - [January 2018 (2)](https://blog.e-arc.com/archive/2018/01) - [February 2018 (2)](https://blog.e-arc.com/archive/2018/02) - [June 2018 (2)](https://blog.e-arc.com/archive/2018/06) - [August 2018 (2)](https://blog.e-arc.com/archive/2018/08) - [September 2018 (2)](https://blog.e-arc.com/archive/2018/09) - [December 2019 (2)](https://blog.e-arc.com/archive/2019/12) - [August 2020 (2)](https://blog.e-arc.com/archive/2020/08) - [October 2020 (2)](https://blog.e-arc.com/archive/2020/10) - [November 2020 (2)](https://blog.e-arc.com/archive/2020/11) - [January 2021 (2)](https://blog.e-arc.com/archive/2021/01) - [February 2021 (2)](https://blog.e-arc.com/archive/2021/02) - [March 2015 (1)](https://blog.e-arc.com/archive/2015/03) - [January 2016 (1)](https://blog.e-arc.com/archive/2016/01) - [March 2016 (1)](https://blog.e-arc.com/archive/2016/03) - [December 2016 (1)](https://blog.e-arc.com/archive/2016/12) - [March 2017 (1)](https://blog.e-arc.com/archive/2017/03) - [May 2017 (1)](https://blog.e-arc.com/archive/2017/05) - [September 2017 (1)](https://blog.e-arc.com/archive/2017/09) - [November 2017 (1)](https://blog.e-arc.com/archive/2017/11) - [March 2018 (1)](https://blog.e-arc.com/archive/2018/03) - [May 2018 (1)](https://blog.e-arc.com/archive/2018/05) - [July 2018 (1)](https://blog.e-arc.com/archive/2018/07) - [May 2020 (1)](https://blog.e-arc.com/archive/2020/05) - [July 2020 (1)](https://blog.e-arc.com/archive/2020/07) See all × ![newsletter image](https://blog.e-arc.com/hubfs/raw_assets/public/ARCDocumentSolutions_November2020/images/newsletter-image.png) ### Get the latest industry news! --- For information on designing, building and operating structures, we invite you to join our community. #### Solutions - [Printing Services](https://www.e-arc.com/printing-solutions/color-signage/) - [Managed Print Services](https://www.e-arc.com/printing-solutions/managed-print-services/) - [Scanning & Imaging](https://www.e-arc.com/services/scanning/) - [Equipment & Supplies](http://shop.arcsupplies.com/store/default.aspx) #### Corporate - [About Us](https://www.e-arc.com/about-us/) - [Careers](https://jobs.jobvite.com/arc/jobs/) - [Contact Us](https://www.e-arc.com/contact-us/) - [Customers](https://www.e-arc.com/customers/) - [Ethics & Compliance](https://www.e-arc.com/ethics-compliance/) - [Investors](https://ir.e-arc.com/investors/overview/default.aspx) - [Locations](https://www.e-arc.com/location/) - [Press Releases](https://www.e-arc.com/press-release/) #### Service Centers - [Place Order](https://www.ishipdocs.com/FileTransfer/PrintFiles.aspx) - [Track Order](https://www.ishipdocs.com/FileTransfer/PrintFilesTracking.aspx) - [Send Files](https://www.ishipdocs.com/Filetransfer/TransferFiles.aspx) - [Order Supplies](http://shop.arcsupplies.com/store/default.aspx) - [Public Planroom](https://order.e-arc.com/arcEOC/ARCPlanRoom.aspx) #### Resources - [Blog](https://www.e-arc.com/blogs/) - [Collateral](https://www.e-arc.com/collateral/) - [Customer Stories](https://www.e-arc.com/customer-story/) - [Customer Resources](https://www.e-arc.com/resources/) - [Green Initiative](https://www.e-arc.com/green-initiative/) - [Events](https://www.e-arc.com/events/) - [Videos](https://www.e-arc.com/video/) - [Webcasts](https://www.e-arc.com/webcasts/) #### ARC Companies - [ARC Facilities](https://www.arcfacilities.com/) - [Riot Creative Imaging](https://www.riotcolor.com/) - [SKYSITE Document Management](https://www.skysite.com/) #### FOLLOW US - - - - -  ISO/IEC 27001:2013 Certified   | [![GSA\_Schedule](https://blog.e-arc.com/hubfs/raw_assets/public/ARCDocumentSolutions_November2020/images/GSA_Schedule-_w_Contract.png)](https://www.e-arc.com/document-scanning-and-archiving/) [![GSA-Advantage](https://blog.e-arc.com/hubfs/raw_assets/public/ARCDocumentSolutions_November2020/images/GSA-Advantage_Color_only_2020.png)](https://www.gsaadvantage.gov/advantage/ws/search/advantage_search?searchType=1&q=19:5GS-03F-142DA) © ARC Document Solutions, LLC 2020 All rights reserved. Various trademarks held by their respective owners.