TECHNOLOGY campusreview . com . au
Choose software that gives you a clear picture of costs about developing capital projects .
‘ Ticking time bomb ’
Why sewerage is keeping vice chancellors up at night
By Peter Nikoletatos
We recently brought together hundreds of university professionals for a series of technology user groups . I asked one Vice Chancellor who was there what was keeping him up at night , and his answer surprised me – sewerage and pipes .
And he wasn ’ t the only person who said this . Facility maintenance and concern over assets and the ability to forecast funding was a hot topic .
In essence , effective asset management is crucial for higher education institutions to optimise the use of resources , meet their legislative and regulatory compliance , support planning and budgeting , manage risks , and promote sustainability .
Naturally , student retention , wellbeing , and international rankings were also mentioned , but - after periods of empty classrooms and underutilised student accommodation there was serious uncertainty for that VC over whether the pipes ( and sewerage !) would be able to continue to manage the onslaught of students returning to campus .
The ticking time bomb of how long they would last before needing a financial injection ( and where this would come from ) was real .
In a data driven world , and a time when every single dollar is needed , an asset management solution that connects and talks to the rest of the organisation is vital .
So here are my five tips for organisations looking to improve their asset management with technology :
Asset management solutions that plug in to the rest of your systems ( including finance , HR and student management ) is a no-brainer . Integrated solutions – such as those available to universities running on ERP software , provides accurate , consolidated data from across the organisation . Data from a single point of truth allows universities to reduce operational costs , make a strong case for new capital investment , and manage facilities in ways that maximises return on investment - not to mention keep students and staff safe and happy .
Plans based on great data ensure facilities can be funded and actually support the services you want to provide . How will your facilities keep pace with rapid changes in the programs and technologies shaping student demand and growth in research fields ? Your solution should help you to make informed investment decisions . That means being able to predict long-term asset costs , prioritise building projects , and use best practice modelling to plan capital works based on different financial scenarios .
If you don ’ t have an integrated asset register – get one . An integrated asset register allows universities to classify and accurately monitor all types of buildings , equipment , utilities , and green spaces . High-level visibility should combine with sophisticated management and cost analysis tools . That way , you can optimise availability , reduce wear and tear , and more easily determine how assets can be used to solve new problems or support new revenue streams in the future .
Offer self-service so students and staff can flag facilities management issues and get feedback . An ideal solution also enhances communication with workers . For instance , an asset register that harnesses spatial information so you can manage assets visually , which helps field staff and contractors quickly find the location of problems and get to work . Plus integrated apps to record work completed on-the-go .
Smart tools that do the hard work exist – use them . Choose software that gives you a clear picture of costs about developing capital projects ; the maintenance , renewal and operation of assets over their entire lifecycle ; and how well spaces are being utilised . For accurate insights , facilities management costs must dovetail with supply chain management transactions — like inventory , purchasing and contractors — and also feed into overarching financial planning tools .
If there is anyone else out there losing sleep over sewerage , pipes , or the ability to maintain their assets on campus , please don ’ t .
Using spreadsheets for portfolio , program and project management is like a puzzle , a piece goes missing and you don ’ t get the full picture . ■
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