INGENIEUR
FEATURE
INGENIEUR
TOP TRENDS IN FACILITY MANAGEMENT
FEATURE
Facility management was previously perceived as operation and maintenance of buildings . It has evolved to a higher level whereby facility managers ( FMs ) ensure that the built environment ( residential , commercial , industrial and institutional ) function satisfactorily , involving people , financial , technological and managerial expertise . As it covers multi disciplines , this field is subject to numerous and constant changes . The practice and standard of facility management varies significantly between developed and developing countries around the world .
Various websites and blogs on facility management have outlined challenges and top trends that have significant impact on its future . We highlight the key areas : -
New environment
New work environments with unique functionality create challenges that many FMs will have to manage . Prompted by the need to attract millennial employees , the trend is towards using open office spaces and innovative workplace designs to encourage collaboration and build a sense of community . This can range from purpose-driven conference rooms to open-seated areas and quiet or ” contemplative ” spaces to workstations with modern furniture like sit / stand desks .
Driven by staff retention and marketing efforts , many facilities such as offices and shopping complexes are getting a facelift to better reflect the desired image of the owner or tenant . Companies are adding building features like concierge desks and creating spaces like cafes and workout facilities to drive employee satisfaction and improve work / life balance .
New technology
Technology and software play a large part in facility management . Sophisticated FMs use multiple building automation systems ( BAS ) to oversee many areas ( heating , security , lighting , waste management , etc .) The trend is rapidly moving towards integration , driven by the need for efficiency and integrated resource management .
Building Information Modelling ( BIM ) creates a virtual information model that can be passed from design team to contractor , building owner and FM . A lot of information is coming together through software such as the Integrated Workplace Management System ( IWMS ). It integrates five key components of functionality , operated from a single technology platform and database repository . These functional areas are :
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Real estate and lease management
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Facilities and space management
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Maintenance management
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Project management
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Environmental sustainability Emerging technologies and tools are expected to assist FMs in their work :
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Virtual reality – Allow FMs to simulate an environment for design or maintenance purposes
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Machine Learning – Enable computer systems to do more with less management .
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Robots - Cleaning robots , for instance , can carry out their duties automatically , receiving instructions ( via building management software ) on where they are needed . Rather than relying on manual human input to a digital system , many tasks can take place entirely on the network , increasing response time and reliability .
46 VOL 71 JULY - SEPTEMBER 2017