Building and supply systems. Our factory sites, including in some cases infrastructure that has expanded over the years, require comprehensive technical systems to ensure their correct, safe, ecological and efficient use. These systems include for example: -   Electricity supply systems, - Heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems, - Water and cooling water systems, - Wastewater treatment and drainage, - Compressed air systems, - Natural gas and petrol supply systems, - Lifts, lifting equipment and cranes and - Safety and security systems (fire alarms, extinguishers, alarm systems, burglar alarms and surveillance equipment). Most of these systems are not only maintained but also operated in continuously by the "Buildings and supply systems" department. For this purpose, the department employs modern management, control and display systems spanning over the various departments of the facilities. The technical requirements of our in-house procedures and strategies for building and supply systems are as demanding as machine and plant technology.

I had not imagined the operation of a factory site to be so complex and expensive, or is this fairly cheap? No, not at all. The cost and work involved - although generally in the background - are considerable. High process reliability and the considerably increased demands at the workplace required cost-intensive investments. How demanding and sophisticated is the maintenance of building and supply systems at your plants? As examples of highly sophisticated tech-
nology, I would mention our building control systems and the energy management system. Here, the technical systems and control centers are networked over the entire
factory to ensure safe system operation. How do you organize the documentation of systems requiring regular inspections, such as pressure containers? Systems requiring inspection, like all other equipment requiring maintenance, are stored in a database and monitored according to the specified schedule. Does maintenance have a part in product quality? Well-serviced and maintained machines ensure that tolerances are met. In order to assure process reliability, supply systems are vital as well. Building equipment control center