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How Technology is Transforming Building Maintenance
Facility management is undeniably an essential part of building maintenance. It not only ensures all the building functions run smoothly but also increases the longevity of the building and its facilities.
Everything has picked up pace with technology, and so has facility management. Several innovations have made facility management more efficient than ever. But how is technology actually transforming building maintenance? Let’s find out.
Facility management over the years
In its initial stages, facility management was limited to reactive maintenance and fixing short-term issues as they sprung along. This period of facility management lacks the foresight for future planning. But thanks to advancements in technology and the increase in importance facility management has gained over the years, it has evolved into a technology-people-process-oriented discipline.
This has made facility management more efficient and sustainable. Some of these major technologies in facility management are predictive maintenance, smart building technologies, and energy-efficient technologies. Some of the more recent and exciting advancements in these industries are AI and IoT.
The importance of technology in facility management.
Improved efficiency and productivity
Technology increases efficiency in facility management by streamlining operations, automating processes, and reducing the need for manual labour. Facility management systems and smart building technologies enable efficient and timely communication, task allocation, and real-time data analysis. Higher efficiency means higher productivity and cost savings for organisations.
Informed decision-making
The IoT sensors and connected devices generate vast amounts of data, which can provide tons of useful insights to the facility manager that were previously unavailable. These insights, such as energy usage, occupancy levels, and energy usage, can enable managers to make better and more data-driven decisions and help with matters such as proactive planning and optimising resource allocation.
Predictive Maintenance
The IoT sensors and vigilant monitoring can help managers identify issues in machinery and facilities in their initial stages and allow them to fix these issues even before they arise. This increases efficiency by reducing downtime and increasing the asset’s lifespan.
Sustainable
Smart building technologies and management systems help optimise energy consumption, reduce carbon footprints, and lower operational costs. These solutions align with sustainability goals, ensuring environmentally friendly and resource-efficient operations.
The Future of Technology in Facility Management
Internet of Things (IoT)
IoT involves a network of sensors and smart devices that provide real-time data on building operations. Facilities managers can monitor everything from energy usage to space utilisation remotely, allowing for more proactive maintenance and resource management. This connectivity leads to smarter buildings that can automatically adapt to needs as they arise.
Automation and robotics
Robotics and automation are used in facility management to perform repetitive tasks, conduct inspections, and even perform repairs in hard-to-reach areas, which shoulders the risks from human workers and frees them for more complex tasks. Some of the most common tools used are automated guided vehicles (AGVs) and drones.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning
AI and ML will be more widely used in building maintenance; they will primarily be used to analyse the huge data sets generated by sensors. It will be used to identify patterns and trends and offer useful insights.
Mobile Technology
Mobile technology has increased the accessibility of facility management, allowing managers to receive alerts, update workflows, and access control systems through smartphones and tablets. This ensures that managers can address issues promptly and maintain oversight of facilities on the move.
Cloud Computing
Most facility management software is now cloud-based, thus offering a centralised platform to manage all the tasks efficiently. Cloud-based systems offer better collaboration and information sharing and enable managers to quickly respond to issues, irrespective of their location or time.
In conclusion, technology is transforming building maintenance by streamlining operations, enhancing efficiency, and enabling data-driven decision-making.
These advancements not only enhance building functionality but also create a safer and more productive environment, positioning facility management for a future driven by intelligent, data-driven solutions.
