5 Emerging Trends in Facility Management

Facility management is significantly changing the working environment of both small and large businesses. Companies are systematically planning strategies to minimize costs, maximize operational efficiency, and create an integrated system. However, the ever-changing facility management has changed the conventional planning structure and introduced futuristic innovations for the organisation that offers promising outcomes. The latest solutions and strategies would impact not only the organisation but also its customers. Explore the emerging trends in facility management:

Sustainable building practices

Everyone is increasingly leaning towards sustainable technologies and designs, from old businesses to new ones. The aim of minimising the carbon footprint and providing a healthy and chemical-free environment has led to sustainable technologies. By leveraging these technologies, facility managers can use them in all areas, including building maintenance, energy provision, waste management, recycling practices and more. Be it older or new office buildings, managers can adopt modern and sustainable infrastructure, which positively impacts the environment, market and customers.

Integrated solutions and services

Integrated solutions bring down the organisation to one core and operate each department in a unified manner. By outsourcing such services, facility managers can have a core system to manage all the departments. Additionally, managers can replace the manual workings with advanced software, saving time and energy. Furthermore, they can get accurate information about equipment repair, cost of maintenance and budgeting through integrated facility solutions. Outsourcing integrated management can lower operating costs and maximise return on investment.

Workplace strategies

A happy and productive employee determines the success of an organisation. Workplace strategies aim at creating an office space that includes lifestyle amenities, such as meditation rooms, providing daycare facilities or recreation areas. Such flexible workspaces can improve employee engagement and retention. Facility managers can opt for such workplace strategies and enhance employee productivity. Moreover, they can create wellness-oriented designs by installing ergonomic furniture, sound management solutions or natural lighting and create a positive, healthy and productive environment in the organisation.

Internet of Things (IoT)

Emerging trends have invented smart devices and sensors that can help managers calculate customer shopping behaviour, footfall, stock requirements and more. Facility managers must incorporate IoT in their organisation to get accurate data of their customers' stocks, equipment, emergency alarms and technical system conditions. Moreover, these smart devices can detect the presence or absence of people and automatically switch off the AC or lights if the room is empty, allowing organisations to save money, time and energy.

Augmented Reality (AR)

Augmented reality can significantly change the customer experience. Customers can use AR and navigate themselves to their desired shopping centre, or a technician can use the AR app to highlight the specific part that needs replacement or repair. Using AR apps in all areas of the organisation would enhance efficiency and improvise functions, enabling managers to handle things more effectively.