Since the beginning of 2020, external factors have compounded the difficulty of maximising the efficiency of a complex estate. With ever-changing COVID-19 restrictions, Facilities Managers have had to be adaptable and flexible in their approach to make their estate compliant with restrictions. Additional regulations limiting carbon emissions and changing attitudes towards hybrid working have resulted in a tumultuous two years in the industry.
Further, the world of facility management is always evolving. Facility management professionals today are tasked with not only improving operations and reducing costs, but also creating a better overall work environment. In recent years, dozens of facility management technology solutions have emerged, including more advanced facility management software and mobile applications.
To stay successful in facility management, one needs to be able to adapt quickly to changes as they happen. Through this article, we will explore some of the latest trends that are shaping facilities management in the contemporary times.
Using Data Analytics and Harnessing IoT, AI & connected devices
The depth of data being used to make key facilities management decisions is increasing in scope. A data-rich approach is key in modern facilities management, as it allows you to address cost and performance issues that can be combated through strategic decisions. Using IoT (Internet of Things) technology, data can be collected from multiple sources, aggregated, and consolidated into a centralised facilities management software.
While the Internet of Things (IoT) and artificial intelligence (AI) have been available to the facilities management industry for a while, every year this technology continues to evolve and become more readily accessible to organisations globally:
75.44 billion IoT devices are anticipated to be installed worldwide by 2025 as per an estimate by Statista.
Yet, while this technology is now more available than ever, relatively few businesses are reaping its benefits. It is expected this balance will be addressed in times to come as awareness of these devices and sensors continues to grow.
For example, AI-based facilities management systems can automatically generate maintenance schedules, repair reports, replacement requests and more without any human involvement. This can greatly improve efficiency and productivity, particularly when these tools can perform outside working hours. IoT and connected devices will empower FM teams to maintain quality, comfortable workplace environments remotely. Whether this is automatically adjusting climate control settings, or capturing data from entry points that can steer crucial operating decisions, this technology will be relied upon more heavily in the coming days.
Environmental & Social Responsibilities
Building owners, Facilities Managers and the tenants occupying their buildings will have an increased focus on reducing environmental impact and making big progress towards the carbon net zero target. Solutions that improve energy efficiency and carbon reduction, waste reduction and recycling, and water preservation will be high on the agenda of every Facilities Manager.
2021 arguably brought environmental issues and climate challenges to the forefront more than any year prior. People are increasingly conscious of the need to turn the tide to protect the health of our planet, and regulations are being – and will continue to be – introduced in response to this.
These regulations will no doubt impact all forms of buildings and organisations, which will need to take strides to reduce their carbon footprint. It is therefore anticipated many FM teams to start moving in this direction in the days ahead, harnessing their software solutions to address energy consumption. This could include:
- Utilising smart building sensors to only switch on lighting, heating and other climate control systems when spaces are occupied
- Introducing energy management software to track energy usage in real-time and identify opportunities to reduce consumption
- Adopt asset management software to extend the lifecycle of components, reducing the need to manufacture and acquire replacements
Movement towards predictive maintenance
Going forward, it is widely anticipated that multiple steps will be taken towards the adoption of predictive maintenance or planned preventative maintenance (PPM).
It is still the case that too many organisations rely on reactive maintenance practices, which are more costly and less efficient than planning works in advance. By having FM software in place that understands the assets within a building, teams can predict when they need maintenance to keep performing optimally.
Planned preventative maintenance unlocks numerous benefits to any organisation, including:
- Extended asset lifespans
- Minimal risk of business interruption
- More organised workforces
- Better budget management
In addition, AI and IoT technology have a part to play here. By tracking the performance and behaviour of assets over time, this experiential data can inform PPM schedules based on real-life feedback, meaning that over time asset maintenance will only improve.
Building Information Modelling (BIM) Technology
Building information modelling is the process of creating and managing digital models of physical buildings. While it’s by no means a “new” technology, it has become much more powerful in recent years. BIM technology enables organizations to visualize specific components of a space, including structural elements like walls and windows and exact asset locations. Modern BIM is a highly intelligent, supercharged version of 3-D modelling.
Originally developed to assist architects and contractors in the design and construction of new buildings, the applications of BIM have evolved to include the improvement of maintenance plans and space management processes. BIM helps facility managers make data-driven decisions about space utilization, energy consumption, and redesigns.
BIM software will be integral in mapping a building’s lifecycle and constructing smarter buildings. As well as delivering efficiencies, BIM software is now required for all public sector estates in the UK, to improve standards and compliance.
Advanced HVAC Technology
Heating, cooling, and ventilation comprise a significant portion of a building’s electric bill. Any way to cut back on energy consumption is a big win, both financially and environmentally. New HVAC technology powered by the Internet of Things (IoT) is making it easier than ever to curb energy usage while improving the workplace experience.
This technology can help your team identify and reduce energy waste, automate climate regulation, and stay on top of HVAC preventive maintenance. Smart thermostats and climate zones help keep areas comfortable for employees while ensuring server rooms and other equipment areas stay cool. HVAC analytics can also help identify potential issues with equipment before it breaks down.
To summarize, the digital world evolves fast — and facility management software is no exception. Over the past few years, we’ve seen plenty of new facility management solutions enter the field and become part of our daily lives. And as we move forward, relying on modern facilities management technology will become even more critical to an organization’s success.
Facilities managers are increasingly taking on a strategic role within their companies. A major challenge for them is determining how to exploit these changes to benefit the workplace.