Commercial Investment Real Estate Winter 2022 | Page 45

out of five plan to provide new workforce training in the coming year — the highest percentage of any surveyed region . In Germany , facility managers report that prioritizing financial resources to implement enhancements — including remote management and cybersecurity — is a top challenge . In Saudi Arabia , four in 10 facility managers say they manage a leading facility with respect to digital transformation , and nearly seven in 10 say that healthier buildings remain a top priority even after COVID-19 subsides . In the U . S ., 33 percent of facility managers say improving energy efficiency is a priority for the next 12 to 18 months . Another third ( 33 %) said improving operational technology and cybersecurity protocols and preparedness are priorities .
TRANSFORMING THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT Technology adoption in commercial facilities management was already evolving at a rapid pace before the onset of COVID-19 , but since , 56 percent of respondents have seen digital transformation pick up acceleration . Surveyed managers , however , are less likely to rate their digital progress as “ leading ” compared to other industries ( 67 percent versus 79 percent average for other industries ).
More technology means more exposure to cybercrime , and 35 percent of those surveyed are setting priorities to improve digital security over the next 12 to 18 months . Cyber-risk and privacy concerns were on the rise well before COVID-19 , but the pandemic

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The COVID-19 pandemic has inspired 71 percent of those surveyed to completely rethink commercial building management practices .
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quickened the drumbeat of negative incidents , and bad actors are constantly searching for new ways to breach security protocols .
Nearly nine in 10 surveyed organizations experienced at least one disruption in the last year alone , relating especially to outages / downtime ( 56 percent ), unplanned downtime ( 36 percent ), or a cyber or physical breach ( 36 percent ). In the coming 12 to 18 months , respondents are likely to invest in security products with increased cybersecurity protocols and design ( 33 percent ) and operational technology cybersecurity solutions ( 30 percent ).
Minimizing disruptions and maximizing business continuity are the top objectives that managers are seeking for their occupants and stakeholders . High on this list of priorities is taking more proactive measures in anticipating unexpected occurrences , especially in aging buildings and in after-hours situations . In all sectors , being prepared to respond and coordinate resources during emergencies is of greater importance after COVID-19 .
Occupants have become more aware of the role of buildings in their well-being , quality of life , and safety over the past 18 months . As a result , commercial real estate owners are implementing new technologies , procedures , and efficient , sustainable solutions that enhance their overall experience , not only with respect to near-term needs such as the return to offices , but for the long term as well .
Manish Sharma Vice President , Chief Technology Officer , and Chief Product Officer , Honeywell Building Technologies
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