Our teams are always equipped with the right technology that allows us to get a real insight into where you can make savings yet at the same time ensure seamless efficiency.
Information technology is transforming FM in ways that are both expansive and nuanced. We’re now able to extract so much data that informs how we make decisions for the organisations we work with.
Never has it been so easy to schedule maintenance, ensure robust resource deployment, and monitor sustainability.
CEO at Precision FM, Brij Thankey, gives us the lowdown on high tech.
Q: The CAFM system at Precision FM has a lot of benefits for both the client and the company. For those who may be less familiar with that, could you explain more about what a CAFM system is?
Brij: A Computer-Aided Facility Management (CAFM) system is basically a software platform designed to assist managers in the administration of a facility. It combines automated functions and features such as asset tracking, maintenance management, space allocation, and even energy consumption metrics to offer an integrated overview of operations.
This allows us to effectively manage resources, reduce costs, and ensure a smooth workflow. Our software consists of multiple modules, each dedicated to a specific function such as asset management or compliance tracking. These interact with each other to provide an interconnected web of data points, giving a multi-dimensional view of operations.
Q: Could you elaborate on how a CAFM system improves service delivery?
Brij: A CAFM system for Precision FM is far more than just an auxiliary tool; it’s essentially a nerve centre that governs how we manage services. The system’s value is very clear when we look at how we achieve success despite the complexity of multi-site operations.
We’re no stranger to administrating hundreds of sites right across the country. The challenges therein are not merely scaled; they multiply. Our CAFM system is a unifying platform, collating data from numerous sources into a single, coherent, and easily interpretable view.
I believe that as a company we’re only as good as our last job and that we should always be aiming for better. That’s why the Precision FM team is continuously reviewing the information we gather through information technology and analysing patterns. We can then fine-tune our services since bespoke solutions is one of the benefits for which we’re known.
Q: How does technology assist clients in understanding how their assets are being used?
Brij: I’m not interested only in knowing what assets are where and when. We need to think beyond simply what assets a building has and instead focus on how these assets are used and whether they are efficient.
We use technology that gives us an advanced level of analytics so we can really see what’s happening with asset performance and utilisation. For instance, consider something as seemingly straightforward as lighting within an office environment. Through the integration of smart systems and sensors, we’re able to collect valuable data on usage patterns and room occupancy enabling us to forecast when assets need updating or replacing which in turn helps our clients when forecasting their capital expenditure.
Q: Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) form the backbone of accountability in FM. Could you discuss how you use data to help clients reach these metrics?
Brij: The value of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) goes far beyond just providing numerical metrics. In essence, KPIs function as a narrative that indicates both performance and the value that is being delivered. At Precision FM we pride ourselves on taking a proactive approach that goes beyond providing these metrics to clients. We offer them within a contextual framework that gives these numbers meaning and depth.
I frequently join my team in a rigorous analysis of data, looking at whether deploying a particular type of technology had an impact or whether a workflow optimisation strategy was the key driver behind the enhanced efficiency. I’d also be thinking how the performance of individual teams, or the use of environmentally friendly cleaning solutions contributed to the results.
Q: The technological landscape is ever-evolving. Where do you see technology finding new applications in FM?
Brij: Well, we really can’t ignore the growing role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in FM. This technology is taking off everywhere and I’m seeing great ways it can help the workforce. Since we’re talking about AI, my goal is that Precision FM will always use technology to help our team rather than replace them, as our people are our greatest asset.
But we want to arm those teams with the best technology and our personal development reflects that. An area I’m particularly keen on is the use of AI in predictive maintenance. Unlike traditional reactive or scheduled maintenance models, predictive maintenance capitalises on machine learning algorithms to assess the condition of equipment in real time.
While this technology is still in relative infancy, I believe it holds enormous promise.
We’ll continue to intelligently leverage data, realising gains in operational efficiency that in turn inform our strategy for service delivery enhancements. Helped by nuanced, actionable insights, we can make informed decisions that contribute to both immediate operational client success and long-term strategic planning.
If you’re ready to take your facilities management to the take level, contact Precision FM for a chat about how our bespoke services work around your requirements.