The future of property management
By Tom Brauser
The computing power of desktops and
codes to help simplify and improve how
By tagging assets or spaces within a
portable devices has increased over 200
buildings are managed. They provide a
building, you can collect or deliver infor-
times since the year 2000. An iPhone or
clever means of getting critical building
mation specific to that asset or space ex-
Android smartphone probably has more
information into the hands of the people
tremely efficiently, providing some very
computing power today than most over-
that need it, exactly when and where
effective tools for building and property
all businesses had 12 years ago. Are you
they need it.
managers.
using today’s computing power to your
media collaboration tools are also now
Consider putting a QR code on an
best advantage? Do you even have a
available that greatly improve communi-
asset like a boiler or chiller. That QR
plan to take advantage of mobile tech-
cation within buildings, resulting in posi-
code can be scanned to make a service
nologies and the power of smart de-
tive tenant engagement.
request, to obtain information, or com-
vices?
Building-specific social
QR codes were invented in 1994 by
plete a service or maintenance request.
Until now, most property and facilities
Toyota to track vehicles in the manufac-
If your operations staff notices that your
management systems have been based
turing process. Today they are most of-
chiller is leaking fluid, they could scan
on traditional technologies with applica-
ten seen in advertisements, usually sim-
the code on the chiller with their smart-
tions focused on accounting, work-order,
ply taking you to the company’s home
phone and up pops a screen allowing
and service management. Fortunately,
page. They have since been adapted to
them to place a service request and at-
there now are some very creative appli-
a wide variety of uses, including support-
tach a photo of the leaking fluid. The re-
cations of mobile technologies using QR
ing all aspects of facilities management.
quest can immediately go either to your
Is Your School District Going
“GREEN?” PRO-PAC WBU-450 Water-Bourne Urethane Gym Finish is the product you need to meet “GREEN” requirements!
PROGRESSIVE SERVICES LTD. COQUITLAM, B.C. (604) 525-1685 or 1-888-922-8845 Fax: (604) 525-6693 E-mail: progressiveservices@telus.net
18
Ops Talk • Spring 2013
HVAC Systems & Solutions Ltd. Providing Product Quality & Customer Satisfaction
These are the ones you’ve heard about! · The quietest unit ventilator <30 NC @ 2 ft away · Factory pre-piped piping & controls · Lowest overall installation cost · Over 400 units in BC schools, in the last 5 years. · Teachers & operators love them! · Call us for references
1-888-777-5512 www.hvacsystems.ca sales@hvacsystems.ca
