You can't pick up a trade magazine these days without reading about the problem of information overload — while at the same time being offered even more information on addressing the issue.

Every profession has its unique challenges when it comes to staying on top of the streams of information rolling through offices via cell phones, computers, PDAs, magazines, web sites and even good old word of mouth. Facilities management is no different, due to the expansion of information technology throughout all types of facilities and the growing role of facilities in any organization's mission and success.

Obviously, there is no single overarching strategy to manage information efficiently. Facilities are too different, managers deal with too many different pressures and tasks, and technology is moving too fast to settle on one strategy and hope it keeps working.

Instead, managers might do well to think small. Identify information sources that have worked, use the most appropriate technology to tap into those sources, and act prudently in adding new technology and information sources that threaten to drown managers in potentially useless information.

But even this is just my guess, and it's still probably too broad.

So you tell me (all of us, actually). What steps have helped you sift and winnow the vast amount of information you receive daily? The step might be related to a specific project, technology or information source.

And since I'm always looking for new ways to write about successful maintenance and engineering management practices in Maintenance Solutions, sharing your suggestion just might get you some recognition in the magazine.