Outlining the major areas to be considered when deciding whether or not to computerize physical plant services in higher education institutions, the author points out the shortcomings of manual record keeping systems. He gives five factors to consider when deciding to computerize: (1) time and money, (2) extent of operation, (3) current and future workload, (4) institutional policy, and (5) the pros and cons involved. In part 1 the options for the physical plant manager to consider in computerizing are presented: the overall system design, the basic hardware decisions, the types of input and retrieval systems, and the software options. The author gives detailed explanations of hardware options and software design (and documentation) to be considered during the decision-making process. In part 2 a modular approach to implementation of sample programs is presented for six specific services of the physical plant department: facility maintenance, groundskeeping, housekeeping, fire safety, vehicle maintenance, and stores inventory. Appendixes list nearly 400 higher education physical plants that are computerized and offer a glossary of technical terms. (MD)