Emerging Norms In Integrated Facility Management
The whole world is getting digitised, so how can the facility management industry remain traditional? Facility management is increasingly leaning on groundbreaking technologies and solutions to elevate the standards of facilities provided. They are progressively catering to modern workplace needs and ensuring that employees have the best working experiences. While we can’t 100% predict the future, there are some forecasts we can make on the most likely norms that’ll gain the most popularity in next-gen facility management.
1. Sensory-driven designs
In the world of mental health, workplaces are getting more and more attuned to the sensory needs of its employees. Loud sounds, strong smells, flashy colours, or anything that can create a sensory overload may impact several employees in a workplace, especially those grappling with mental illnesses. Facility managers have to implement protocols that not only take into account interior design and office ergonomics but also plan maintenance work in a way that causes zero disruptions to an otherwise calm working environment. In order to cater to the psychological safety of employees, close attention to more frequent disinfection and sanitisation is going to literally be hygiene for any workplace.
2. Contactless systems
Speaking of hygiene, the next-gen workplace may be largely contactless. Think face-recognition instead of finger-based biometrics or access cards, think voice-activated elevators, think mobile-controlled coffee machines. Sensor-based technologies will also be used to prioritise employees’ comfort and health. For instance, depending on the number of people in a certain closed space, HVAC sensors will detect and automatically change to optimal temperatures. These sensors will also feed into systems that will provide instant alerts to the facility management team in case of foul smells, malfunctions in the security system, limited stock in vending machines, etc.
3. Data-focused solutions
Facility management analytics already exists, but the industry is soon going to experience a sea-shift in the degree of reliance on data for preventive maintenance. Data-driven analytics will include current state of assets and vendors, contracts and billing, asset diagnostics, predictive analytics, and strategic insights based on usage and failure patterns.
4. Hybrid workplace-based models
After multiple lockdowns and changes in working modes, companies are increasingly approaching hybrid work models. Facility managers will have to use predictive analytics to track office footfall data and streamline operations for the week or month to ensure smooth running.
For example, considering that all employees may not come to office everyday, how often will items in the pantry have to be stocked? Will the washroom need cleaning as regularly? How will this affect thermal control in various sections of the office? Will a new approach need to be taken for energy efficiency? Data, along with experienced integrated facility managers, will be instrumental in taking actionable steps to answer these questions and more. Facility managers may also have to manage assets, both on-premise and remotely held by employees.