From office space to restaurants, the importance of facilities management cannot be overstated. Facilities managers are responsible for overseeing the overall upkeep of your facility, and when it comes to maintenance, these facilities management trends show a renewed interest in keeping your facility in tip-top shape.
The Use of Facility Management Software and Platforms Is Increasing
Facilities maintenance has traditionally focused on a series of outbound calls and service calls. However, modern facilities management professionals are ditching the reactive approach to facilities maintenance in favor of automated processes, using facility management software and platforms to reduce the burden of reactive maintenance. Additionally, centralized facility management and maintenance helps ensure everything is addressed and well documented.
There Is a Renewed Interest in Mobile Workflow Among Facility Management Trends
The use of platforms and services is also becoming important as more facilities managers tackle their responsibilities through remote means. In other words, the use of mobile devices allows facilities managers to focus more on getting things done on-site, not just sitting on a computer or phone. Furthermore, the use of mobile technology will allow service technicians and facilities managers to work together.
More Sensors Are Being Used in Facilities Management
Gradually decreasing costs of sensors will also introduce a greater level of technology and integration between facilities management systems. As a result, facilities managers will be able to gain better visibility and control into their facilities. Furthermore, supply chain managers will rely more on technology and less on human actions to manage the facility.
For example, motion sensors will reduce the amount of energy required to operate lighting, air conditioning and refrigeration systems across all industries. If these devices are connected to the intranet, the so-called “Internet of Things,” additional insights can be gleaned by reviewing when and how often such equipment was activated and when problems arise.
Facilities Management Is Becoming More Sustainable
There is an overwhelming push to make facilities management more sustainable. This includes the use of automated systems and reducing the number of times service calls are needed.
For example, a preventative, scheduled maintenance program reduces the number of service calls needed to address the finer aspects of facilities management and maintenance. As a result of your calls, less gas is used by the service technician, which reduces the overall impact on the environment.
Furthermore, integration between technology allows facilities managers to better track, monitor and scrutinize their operation to ensure sustainability met standards are met.
Data-Driven Decision-Making Is the New Standard
Greater use of technology naturally leads to data for application in making facilities management decisions. In other words, data-based decisions reduce doubt and ensure accuracy and accountability when making any and all decisions relating to the overall management of your facility. As this trend grows, your company will face increased pressure to implement automated, intuitive systems to maintain a competitive advantage.
What Does It Mean?
The role the facilities management is changing and these facilities management trends allude to a tech-savvy future in facilities management. By taking the time to understand these trends, your organization can gain better control and visibility into everyday facilities management costs and become part of a sustainable future.