The evolution of office activity has significantly impacted the demands placed on facility managers. As the work landscape transforms, they must navigate a host of new challenges, ranging from adapting physical spaces to suit hybrid work models to integrating advanced technology to meet the needs of a more flexible and remote workforce.
Given the pressure to align with emerging industry standards, incorporating cutting-edge facility management technology is essential to ensure the seamless operation of commercial spaces.
Challenges facing FM professionals
Facility management professionals (FMs) are navigating the complexities of operational efficiency, sustainability, and collaborative workspace management, which are creating new demands.
Comprehensive Data Collection
Their role entails collecting data on the properties they manage and monitoring their team’s utilization of space, which can be daunting. It’s essential to track the usage patterns, identify occupants, and understand resource utilization. Leveraging robust data tools and analysis can empower FMs to make informed decisions, optimizing space and resource utilization effectively.
Documenting Facility Data
Documenting facility data is crucial, especially with evolving remote work and industry standards. As an FM professional, keeping accurate records of building conditions, maintenance schedules, and compliance requirements across various office setups can be challenging. It’s essential to maintain consistent
documentation and make relevant data easily accessible to ensure smooth operations and effective decision-making.
Capturing Data with Speed and Efficiency
FM is all about getting data quickly and efficiently. New technology can make it easy to generate accurate building information to help map maintenance needs and workflows. FM can quickly document the space, create a digital twin, and then use this information with IoT devices to make intelligent, informed decisions.
Sharing and Collaboration
It’s a delicate yet crucial task to balance transparent communication and collaborative workflows while maintaining data security and privacy. By using digital platforms, including digital twins and robust communication tools, smooth collaboration can be achieved across the organization while keeping data safe and intact.
Reviewing innovative technology
As the need for efficient FMs continues to evolve, staying on top of the latest technology solutions is paramount. From intelligent building systems to AI-powered maintenance tools, there is a diverse array of innovative options available to address the challenges faced in today’s dynamic environment.
Building Information Modeling (BIM)
Incorporating building information modeling (BIM) brings various benefits. BIM provides greater visibility, enabling better decision-making, sustainable options, and cost savings in architecture, engineering, and construction projects. It fosters better collaboration and communication, model-based cost estimation, pre-construction project visualization, and improved coordination during construction.
Asset Management Software
This software plays a crucial role in maintaining records of asset information and updates on utilities. It records equipment locations, required parts, and maintenance schedules, helping optimize asset management and utilization.
Integrating maintenance and inventory/parts management systems enhances an organization’s ability to prioritize and manage repairs, track maintenance activities, and identify inventory locations and supplies specific to work orders.
AI and VR in Facility Management
Integrating artificial intelligence (AI) automates tasks like scheduling maintenance and managing inventory in FM. AI enhances emergency response systems, optimizes energy usage, and provides data-driven insights. Meanwhile, virtual reality (VR) applications revolutionize FM with immersive simulations for space planning, maintenance, and safety training. This combination of AI and VR transforms operational effectiveness and safety protocols.
Smart Energy, Security, and Visitor Management
Intelligent energy management solutions enable remote HVAC, lighting, and temperature control during office downtime, promoting energy conservation and cost-effectiveness. Implementing smart security and visitor management tools tracks visitor data, manages access points, and responds to emergencies, enhancing security while streamlining access processes.
In a world where the only constant is change, facility managers must not only adapt but thrive. A resilient and agile work environment emerges with the latest tools and digital platforms. Addressing industry challenges and wholeheartedly embracing innovative solutions catapults professionals into a transformative journey, where operational efficiency, collaboration, and the overall experience within office spaces reach new heights.
The future of facility management is not just about meeting challenges; it’s about conquering them with visionary technology and shaping a workspace that is as dynamic and forward-thinking as the professionals who manage it.
Michael Vervena is vice-president of sales and business development at Planitar Inc (the makers of iGUIDE). Michael has been at the forefront of iGUIDE’s expansion into digitizing built environments in Facilities Management.
