FEATURE


SIMPLIFYING COMPLEXITY


Is there a sufficient understanding of how applying smart technology can improve the running of facilities? Tomorrow’s FM talks to FSI to find out.


Technology is evolving at lightning speed. Ongoing development of areas such as the Internet of Things (IoT) and artificial intelligence (AI) is making today’s buildings smarter than ever, capable of generating and collecting a vast amount of powerful data each and every day.


There is no question that convergence between the digital and physical worlds has never been greater. But the question remains – with this abundance of technology available, are we harnessing it to improve how our facilities operate? And if not, why not?


We believe there are still gaps here; ones that, when bridged, will unlock incredible opportunities for FM teams, building managers and other professionals to make their estates as efficient, comfortable and productive as possible.


First, the idea of adopting and implementing IoT sensors, AI programs or CAFM/IWMS solutions can feel complicated to someone encountering this technology for the first time.


AI and smart technology have expanded to many areas of modern life, from organising our social media feeds to the adverts we come across online. But, bombarding users with acronyms and jargon is unlikely to inspire the use of this technology in how their facilities are run.


As an industry, we need to emphasise the capabilities of smart technology in a way that is digestible for everyone, and that is relevant to issues they face on a daily basis. Having more accessible conversations about this technology and what it can accomplish is vital to removing any barriers that form due to a lack of understanding or education.


When more building managers recognise exactly how IoT or AI can enhance their approach, there is no doubt they will want to take advantage of these opportunities.


Bringing user cases to life In a similar vein, strong user cases are vital to improve understanding of the benefits of smart technology and the data they generate. These allow FM teams and building managers to visualise tangible examples of how this technology streamlines current manual processes and cut down costs.


For example, imagine a theatre or shopping mall that has a two-hour rota for cleaning the toilets. In times of high footfall, this might not be frequent enough to keep the


64 | TOMORROW’S FM


area sanitary. During quieter hours, it represents a waste of resources.


By installing a headcount sensor in these facilities, this time-based schedule can be replaced by one where a task is automatically created and sent to the appropriate cleaner after 100 people have entered. This ensures toilets are cleaned in accordance with usage as opposed to arbitrary timeslots, meaning this task is conducted more appropriately.


Alternatively, consider walking into a meeting room in your building and lighting, heating and equipment are instantly switched on. IoT sensors that track when someone enters a room can make this possible.


Smart technology also enables FM teams to identify problems faster and more efficiently than ever before. One of our clients received constant complaints that a meeting area was often too cold, despite the heating system being set up correctly.


“As an industry, we need to emphasise the capabilities of smart technology in a way that is digestible for everyone”


Well-placed heat sensors positioned across the room determined that the main doorway was allowing a curtain of cold air inside. Rather than a costly, time-consuming investigation, smart technology ensured that the problem was resolved seamlessly.


Bringing more of these examples to the forefront will improve people’s understanding of how smart technology applies to their facilities, and the far- reaching benefits it unlocks.


Misconceptions of cost and


performance Previously, the cost and performance were major hurdles in the acquisition and application of smart technology.


Like any emerging technology, everything from individual sensors through to the systems gathering and interpreting the data carried a significant cost. They could also be huge drains on energy, and their size made them impractical to place in particular environments.


Now, everything has changed. The market has grown exponentially, with an ever-increasing number of


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