There’s no doubt about the fact that the need for a computerized system for managing facility management has amplified in recent years.
Not only such a system has simplified the way to facility management but also has paved the way for operation digitalization.
These systems have come to offer the appropriate next-generation answer to a problem as ancient as the mere notion of an office building, from everyday office space management and conference rooms to a large-scale examination of whether the present office space is complying with a company’s business goals
And according to prominent reports, the global Computer-aided Facility Management (CAFM) is expected to reach USD 156.5 million by 2027.
It is also projected to grow at a CAGR of 8.2% between the years 2021-2027. As such, the CAFM software comes as a boon for organizations as well as facility managers seeking their growth in the industry
With the market size and advantages set aside, let’s have a look at the definition and key features of CAFM software. Then we will look into the ways mobile CAFM contributes to your business growth.
Going by the definition, mobile computer-aided facility management software (CAFM) plays an integral role in the evolution of the next-generation digital transformation solutions that are being implemented currently
Here the term ‘mobile’ assumes greater significance since enterprise mobility plays a key role in the routine functioning of the CAFM software
And a majority of the functions that can be envisaged for this domain are mostly field-based, with activities like maintenance of facilities, upkeep, and inspections of critical and routine building systems and subsystems
However, various platforms and companies engaged in supplying software and apps for these FM systems are also in the manufacturing of requisite software, both critical and complex in nature
CAFM itself implies that computers (using software, programming code, applications) are used in managing the operations of facility management (FM) operations off the field and sitting in site offices/cluster headquarters
These are deployed in buildings used for residences, commercial establishments, and offices, public buildings of high importance like railroad stations, airports, shipyards, etc. and institutional buildings like government buildings, telecommunication headquarters and more.
A CAFM is used by FM companies to streamline their operations by using software of varying degrees of complexity to coordinate with FM managers to direct the routine and special operations for the facilities mentioned above
It makes the services available without any interruptions, directly affecting the operations and habitat of such buildings. This assumes greater significance due to the recent onset and subsequent of the worldwide pandemic and ensuing lockdown
So, a mobile CAFM assumes greater significance for the purpose of getting the required outcomes as laid down in the digital transformation (DT) initiatives undertaken by FM companies and fighting for business continuity in the wake of a pandemic
Or in simple terms to stay relevant and competitive in the wake of intense competition in the FM market and to implement features that enable the operations of complex software applications related to critical building services
Examples of such can include deploying curative and preventative actions (CAPAs) so as to make sure that systems and processes are related
The applications of a mobile CAFM are wide and far-reaching considering both the macro and micro aspects of deploying such a kind of sophisticated software at building premises where FM companies are operating
These include CAFM software having modules such as space management that help realize varying degrees of occupancy levels of buildings considering especially the external factors that impact their FM operations.
1. Preventive and Predictive Maintenance
A mobile CAFM software, among others, also can be used for preventive and predictive maintenance, where the requisite software and applications can be implemented to the management of critical equipment
Examples of such equipment include air conditioning or heating systems, along with the systematic and planned maintenance of core building services in addition to the associated maintenance of related systems and subsystems
2. Human Resources Are Paramount
In any business system or process, human inputs are paramount for not only strategic and on the spur decision making,
Decision-makers can identify the requisite systems and processes that make the work of their FM staff easier, better, and more efficient. In addition, decision-makers themselves use the mobile delivery of CAFM functions possible in various types of difficult or constrained environments, so as to ensure the success of such DT initiatives.
This is also important for functions such as asset management and control, where a track of assets is maintained in a centralized repository. Such a centralized location is accessed by key people to ensure regular upkeep and accountability in their operations.
For example, proper maintenance of water pumps and the associated materials and tools available is ensured by mobile CAFM software. Such types of systems and processes are managed properly and tweaked or changed as per the prevailing requirements which are responsive to the internal and external factors influencing them
3. Quick Response From the Field
Rapid response times from field-based maintenance personnel are critical components of any successful Facilities Management. Many mechanical and electrical (M&E) service providers speculate about being able to send and receive information rapidly and correctly from field operators in real-time
Such providers may increase reaction times, assure data integrity, save money, and improve customer service levels by utilizing mobile CAFM software
4. Stay in Line with the Real-time Alerts
Mobile CAFM software offers field-based service engineers with a wealth of vital information, such as work schedules, pertinent Asset information, customer and property information, legislative and supporting paperwork, all accessible through a smartphone or tablet device.
This implies that field engineers are given up-to-the-minute instructions on where they should go, who they should meet, what they should do, and how they should do it.
Engineers may then respond to jobs in the field using mobile CAFM software and send the information (responses, labor, material consumption, costs, pictures, survey information) back to the main system for back-office administration
5. Quick Informational Flow
To communicate and receive information, most big Facilities Management organizations now use mobile CAFM software. Many smaller SMEs are already using this mobile data transmission strategy
The return on investment and advantages obtained from the implementation of mobile CAFM software are becoming a reality, thanks to a recent inflow of low-cost, high-quality consumer-grade mobile devices
In addition to some selected applications mentioned above, there are certain specific conditions prevailing that make the implementation of a mobile CAFM necessary
These include tracking and monitoring of the field staff of the FM companies that need to be guided, especially when working in a constrained environment
For example, where internet connectivity is absent or where there are significant other activities going on, for example, project management on a construction site to ensure quality or on a manufacturing factory floor
Selected modules of facility management software can be deployed in such kinds of environments to ensure that all systems and processes are functioning as planned, the field staff is guided and suitably supervised, and given all the necessary tools and help in getting their work done faster and better
A mobile CAFM software can be used to gain a proper grip on DT initiatives implemented by FM companies
In the end, the aim of any software or application is majorly to achieve the desired set of objectives for which the software is being designed, and this is why such kinds of mobile CAFM realize their true potential and significance
And this is the same reason why Axonator CAFM software is a force to be reckoned with in the Facility Management Landscape.
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