Digital Adoption of CAFM in Facilities Management
Digital Adoption of CAFM in Facilities Management
New findings indicate that almost 50% of facilities managers (FM) express concerns about the lack of digital adoption within their organisations. A recent study highlights the fact that nearly half of FMs believe their businesses could face viability issues if they fail to enhance their digital technologies and skills in the coming years. Moreover, a significant 72% of respondents admit that their companies are slow to embrace digital innovation, while 18% prioritise upskilling and training employees on new technologies in the next year.
The research also reveals that certain digital advancements have gained popularity among FMs. Notably, 33% of FMs report using customer portals, with 21% considering them the digital tool that will have the most substantial impact on the industry within the next twelve months. Customer portals are particularly valuable as they help maintain a comprehensive record of maintenance information, a requirement soon to be mandated by the Building Safety Act, set to be enacted in October this year.
Furthermore, 55% of FMs are contemplating the implementation of resource and management software in the next two years. This software assists in scheduling and planning maintenance tasks, optimising resource allocation, and monitoring equipment and facility performance in real time.
In addition to monitoring performance against KPIs, CAFM systems can also be used to conduct regular performance reviews with contractors and suppliers. These reviews provide an opportunity for conversation and allow for discussion of performance against KPIs, to identify areas for improvement, and develop action plans to address any issues. Performance reviews can also be used to identify opportunities for contractors and suppliers to add value or improve efficiency in the delivery of services.
The increasing adoption of such technologies is deemed crucial for ensuring the efficient operation of facilities, as revealed by the same research. In fact, over a quarter (29%) of FMs acknowledge an increase in their workload over the past year.
The survey, conducted among 250 facilities management professionals, identifies the following five key technologies that FMS anticipate will have the most significant impact on their roles:
- Customer portals, enabling the maintenance of a digital “golden thread” of information.
- Sensor technology for tracking temperature and air quality metrics.
- Robotics for automating cleaning tasks.
- Resource and workforce management software.
- Internet of Things (IoT) applications.