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CAFM
FM Director approached a selection of industry experts to ask for their views on how CAFM systems will continue to develop and assist in the running of facilities and estates
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Building a better CAFM system
ith the FM sector continuing to deal with the same challenges affecting all areas of the UK business environment, including supply chain issues, recruitment and rising prices, one of the most common areas of interest to deal with these while improving the management of facilities is increased use and application of technology. Computer-aided facilities management (CAFM) systems have long been used by both FMs and service providers to assist in the running of facilities and estates, although there is continuing debate on how widespread these have become. However, the changes and challenges to the business environment that have emerged over the past few years have seen a consensus emerge that technology application is
increasingly proving the best method to meet these developments and the expectations of customers, facilities users and colleagues. Trios Group head of managed services Kirsty Rich tells FM Director that she believes many users view CAFM systems as an asset database, setting out a 52-week plan for upcoming maintenance tasks. “However, the truth is CAFM systems are so much more. Deployed well, a CAFM system becomes an insightful property lifecycle solution,” she continues. “CAFMs should bring the property portfolio to life.” She further explains that the CAFM system should be used for analysis and assessment in a number of areas. These can include contractor performance, property compliance, asset management strategy,
October 2022
month-on-month commercial position, project works planning and delivery, carbon reduction and net zero targets, along with a raft of other options to meet the aims and expectations of clients. “Advanced CAFM systems are already available and are rich with property data. In conjunction with expert support from your provider, these advanced CAFM systems enable organisations to design and deliver strategic, innovative facilities projects and cost-saving initiatives,” says Ms Rich. Further opinion on CAFM systems and their potential to adapt to changing conditions is provided by Service Works Global marketing and operations director Hazel Bedson, who says: “As we enter the new normal of the post-pandemic world, the FM world is changing.