Tech The FacMan benefits of smart technology

Having been in the industry for more years than I care to admit, I have witnessed how the FM Sector has adapted to overcome various obstacles. These include increased government regulation, ESG, and the integration of technology. 

The most significant change in my professional life has been realising how technology can enhance the built environment for its occupants. 

As we move towards the fifth industrial revolution, the FM Industry has become familiar with the rapid pace of innovation. We strive for more effective and efficient technological solutions to improve our operations.

In today's fast-paced FM world, the need for accurate and timely data is crucial. We all face immense pressure to achieve our FM objectives while maintaining high standards. SMART buildings can provide valuable data that can greatly impact a building's performance, operations, and customer satisfaction. 

Integrating SMART Technology (Self-Monitoring, Analysis, and Reporting Technology) into our daily FM routines can help reduce operational costs and administrative burdens. 

Below are some key benefits of successfully incorporating this technology into our work processes: 

• Real-time decision-making – using technology and SMART building systems to analyse real-time data and make proactive decisions instead of reacting after the fact. 
• Driving sustainability – SMART buildings drive sustainability by managing energy consumption. By identifying areas of consumption and optimising energy usage, organisations can achieve accurate energy bills and save time compared to manual data gathering. Controlling environmental impact is possible through data management, including emissions control and shutting down services during non-peak periods. All of these factors help to optimise the building's efficiency.
• Advanced building management – effective building management involves analysing data to assess the condition of facilities and their equipment. By monitoring performance, FMs can identify potential issues and schedule maintenance before equipment failure occurs, ultimately extending the lifespan of the building.
• Reducing errors – errors have the potential to affect budgets, timeframes, quality, and service applications. Using Smart systems allows FMs to digitalise and minimise manual work and capture more quantifiable data, which then can be actioned precisely and methodically. 
• Automate compliance – as industry standards and health & safety regulations continue to expand, keeping up can be challenging. Fortunately, SMART systems enable organisations to monitor their buildings and equipment continuously. This approach streamlines compliance with health and safety standards, ensuring that nothing falls through the cracks. With a digital dashboard, you can customise your compliance management to prioritise your needs. Plus, reporting is effortless with just a click of a button.

To provide a high-quality FM service to our stakeholders and ensure future success, it's essential to embrace the technological revolution, including the integration of AI. FMs now have the chance to become digital champions and should welcome this opportunity.

Shumon Choudhury, operations manager at Cortland Europe