Evolution of Information Technology in Facilities Management
2021-07-13 by IFMSL
Facilities Management (FM) is a profession that has broad and complex scope itself. The responsibilities of operating building with space management, event management, environmental management, sustainability management, utility management, project planning and management, estate portfolio management, strategic asset management, entrepreneurship, and occupational safety and health are under facility manager.
With the evolution of IT, the FM industry takes the next step as a huge turning point. FM with the integration of IT enhances the capability of providing successful service itself effectively and efficiently.
IT improves project planning with accurate reporting methods.
This will help for the automated FM monitoring and collaboration with parties effectively and efficiently.
This can be improved hazard identification and disaster handling capabilities.
This is a good method of collecting, monitoring, analyzing, and standardizing data.
This provides a platform to merge the systems and processes under FM.
FM and IT integration software:
Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS) – used to manage the primary operations and maintenance activities including the scheduling of preventive maintenance and equipment.
Computer-aided Facility Management (CAFM) – used for space management including space planning and space allocation.
Integrated Workplace Management System (IWMS) – used for the FM information system and functions required under space management, maintenance management, project portfolio management, real estate, and lease management, and environmental sustainability.
Building Automation System (BAS)/ Building Management System (BMS) – used to control the building services in the building such as lighting, plumbing, electricity, fire safety, sewerage, transportation, communication, and heating, cooling, ventilation, and air conditioning system.
It is better to indicate that the usage of IT in the FM industry results in the utilization of asset management and reduction of operating costs of non-core businesses of a building. However, without an adequate understanding of the technology and definitions, malfunctions of input data, poor definition of data, lack of skills, and inadequate training result in barriers to the success of the integration of FM and IT.