What is the role of technology in facilities management?

The role of technology in facilities management has grown over the past decade and will continue to grow as more people move into technology-heavy jobs. These days, it’s hard to imagine how facilities managers might do their jobs without taking advantage of the various technological tools and systems that are available to them. Here’s an overview of how this role has developed and where we can expect to see it going in the future.

Introduction

What is the role of technology in facilities management The role of technology in facilities management has grown exponentially over the past decade. It’s not just about touch screens, tablets, and interactive kiosks. Today’s technologies have evolved to include things such as energy-efficient lighting, sensors that monitor temperature and humidity levels, and access controls that limit who can come into certain areas. These developments are all driven by a need for efficiency as well as keeping up with today’s standards for design and usability. The role of technology in facilities management will only grow more important as time goes on. Technology is constantly changing, and it’s becoming increasingly necessary for companies to take advantage of these changes. There is no doubt that the role of technology in facilities management will continue to evolve.

The history of technology in facilities management

Technology has always been a part of the facilities management industry. From using remote-controlled security cameras to monitor property to using computerized card readers that allow employees and visitors to enter without ever opening a door, there has been constant innovation within this field. But what role does it play now and what role will it continue to play as new technologies emerge in the future?
The Role of Technology In Facilities Management: Past and Present The use of advanced technologies in building maintenance, upkeep and operations has become one of the defining features of the industry. As electric locks became more commonplace, for instance, they were quickly adopted by many establishments as an efficient way to restrict entry into buildings on certain days or at certain hours.

The present state of technology in facilities management

As with any industry, facilities management has evolved as a result of technological advancements. However, unlike other industries that have benefited from these advances, there are still many areas where we struggle to integrate new technologies. One such area where technology has been slow to catch on is energy efficiency. While software exists that can help manage energy usage and maximize savings for our customers, it’s not yet widespread among FM providers. The same goes for video surveillance which has been adopted by some properties but hasn’t seen widespread adoption yet. One area that has seen significant technological advancements though is the use of mobile devices and tablets in an organization’s facility. These devices have made a major impact on productivity and communication among employees working remotely or in different locations within a building.

The future of technology in facilities management

The role of technology in facilities management will come to focus more on data collection and analysis. The need for real-time data on building performance will require technologies such as sensors, RFID tags, and video analytics to collect and analyze data generated by building systems. This type of information can be used by facility managers to make better decisions about how to improve their assets. For example, a sensor that detects vibration levels could be used by a facility manager to pinpoint where cracks are forming on a floor so that appropriate repairs can be made. Similarly, RFID tags and video analytics may help predict when equipment needs servicing or replacement before it fails completely. Facility managers who are able to effectively leverage these new technologies will have an advantage over those who do not.

Conclusion

Technology plays a huge role in how facility managers do their jobs. The most important thing a facility manager can do is to understand what type of technology they need and when they need it. Whether it’s to manage assets or maintain systems, there are numerous technologies that can help make a facility manager’s job easier and more efficient. Facility managers should think about the best ways for them to use technology, said Phillips. There is not just one way. Depending on the work you have to do, you may have different options. When thinking about your needs as an FM professional, ask yourself Is my current system meeting all my needs? and How much time am I spending on non-value added tasks? If not, consider implementing new technology into your day-to-day workflow. You may find it has helped you cut down your workload significantly!