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:
●●
Real estate and lease management
●●
Facilities and space management
●●
Maintenance management
●●
Project management
●●
Environmental sustainability Emerging technologies and tools are expected to assist FMs in their work:
●●
Virtual reality – Allow FMs to simulate an environment for design or maintenance purposes
●●
Machine Learning – Enable computer systems to do more with less management.
●●
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