CAFM & IT ARE WE READY FOR ROBOTS IN RECEPTION?
Gary Watkins, CEO for Service Works Group explains why we need to work with the changing tech trends across the FM sector.
From robots that welcome guests in Japanese hotel receptions, to Automatic Guided Vehicles (AGVs), which transport food, linen and hospital stores; voice-driven mobile apps for helpdesk; and machines that talk to each other through wireless technology (M2M), technology is reducing downtime, improving productivity, and reducing the scope for human error.
It may be some time before facilities managers employ humanoids with blinking lashes to greet hotel guests in the UK, but technology is fast becoming part of everyday life in the FM sector.
“FMS NEED TO
HARNESS THE POWER OF TECHNOLOGY TO MEET THE TRENDS.”
Many FMs are already using CAFM (Computer Aided Facilities Management) software to meet the challenge of improving the performance of staff, contractors, and assets; reducing spend; and assuring compliance. Among the numerous business benefits, they list increased efficiency, improved auditability, enhanced health and safety, and better KPI and SLA performance, along with significantly reduced costs.
CAFM systems have significant measurable benefits, however, they are only one tool in the FM technology mix. FMs need to harness the power of technology to meet the trend for fewer fixed workplaces, more flexible working hours, and a focus on cross collaborative working environments and workspaces that support employee and customer satisfaction.
40 | TOMORROW’S FM
The growing global trend for self- service technology is revolutionising customer-centric FM. An increased use of touchscreen and interactive tablets facilitates the logging of jobs and booking of rooms, as well as improved interaction with the premises and the FM team.
Mobile technology has had the biggest recent impact on the FM industry and businesses are embracing the trend for Bring Your Own Device (BYOD). The availability of mobile smart devices and advances in mobile capability have transformed the typical work setting. The technology is an enabler of easy, regular communication, and flexible and remote working. Facilities managers are offered better flexibility and control of daily operations, along with improved reporting and huge potential to drive service levels up. Smart tagging technology and dynamic resource scheduling help to get the most appropriate person to the job at the right time. Combined with GPS tracking, the technology optimises processes and productivity by locating the closest service provider or operator and pinpointing building locations and smart routes within a facility.
Mobile devices are increasingly supporting the upskilling of staff through online collaboration; giving staff the ability to confer live on-site with more experienced colleagues, to seek expert advice on the job and to increase the opportunity of a first-time fix.
The development of apps for smart devices further impacts on daily operations, as managers use apps to monitor assets, run reports and set up alerts. The instant access to these features increases transparency in the
service, opening up new possibilities and creating an FM service that is proactive instead of reactive.
“MOBILE TECHNOLOGY HAS HAD THE BIGGEST RECENT IMPACT ON THE FM INDUSTRY.”
There is a new wave of integrating CAFM with other expert systems to ensure that conditions in the workplace support optimum productivity. By integrating FM software with BMS (building management systems), ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning), space planning applications, HR tools and environmental management systems, FMs will support business objectives and improve data quality through one version of the truth. And working collaboratively with the construction and design industry, FMs have the opportunity to integrate BIM with CAFM systems to meet end-user needs by providing quality, meaningful data, which will impact the whole life- cost of a building. Technology is of key importance for managing the lifecycle of assets, for driving resources more effectively and for influencing investment decisions.
The overall impact of developing technology and ubiquitous connectivity will be one of increased productivity in FM but also one of improved workplace well-being. Technology is making an immensely positive impact on the future of FM to shape and support the changes that will have a dramatic bearing on the workplace as we know it.
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