Regardless of the ever-evolving procurement landscape, facility management companies constantly seek to enhance operational efficiency and trim costs in the face of current facility management trends. With over 5.6 million commercial buildings in the US, sustainability and the right technology are a growing concern.
If you’re a facility manager seeking ways to excel, you’re in the right place.
To excel at their job and improve facility efficiency, facility managers can follow these 4 best practices in facility management.
Harnessing IoT and Smart Sensors
From maintaining a comfortable environment for occupants to ensuring the seamless functioning of equipment, your responsibilities are vast. That’s where technology steps in, not as an enigma but as your steadfast ally.
Statista says there are over 15.14 billion connected devices worldwide, and they’re not just for tech giants.
In Spain, a university campus in Aragon faced a challenge – managing HVAC systems in a region with extreme weather conditions. They implemented an IoT system called “sensoriZAR” with various devices and 90 sensors using the LoRaWAN protocol.
These sensors helped with proving data many areas like:
- carbon dioxide levels,
- how bright or dark it was around,
- the moisture in the air,
- the temperature,
- whether someone was in the room,
- and how good or bad the air was.
Interestingly, they didn’t rely on complex spatial data or BIM. They used sensors based on the experience of building occupants to prioritize easy battery replacement that helped the university reduce its electricity consumption by approximately 40%.
It becomes evident that IoT in optimizing facility operations without the need for elaborate data systems can help with efficient and cost-effective measures for facility managers.
Enhancing Communication Internally and Externally
As George Bernard Shaw noted, “The biggest communication pitfall is assuming it’s happened when it hasn’t.”
Whether you’re a seasoned facility manager or a fresh-faced startup founder just dipping your toes into the facilities industry, one thing remains crystal clear: communication is the linchpin that holds it all together.
Whereas, a seasoned Site Operations Lead at Caterpillar, Giri Prasad Ramamoorthy, offers invaluable insight. He emphasizes that “Every link in the FM chain relies on communication. When a customer articulates their needs, the helpdesk can convey them succinctly to the technician, ensuring precise execution.”
Here are five essential communication tips for facility managers:
- Clear Channels: Establish defined communication pathways within your team.
- Tech Tools: Utilize communication software for efficient collaboration.
- Documentation: Keep records and share maintenance information.
- Team Meetings: Hold regular updates for alignment.
In fact, according to a recent report, The State of Business Communication in 2023, conducted by the Harris Poll on behalf of Grammarly, 72% of business leaders credit effective communication with increased team productivity.
Impoving Operational Efficiency with Data Analytics
Remember when you acted only when damage was glaringly evident?
You are consistently rated based on how quickly you responded to employee complaints as if speed alone could ensure seamless operations.
Maintenance, sadly, took a back seat, with short-term convenience outweighing long-term planning.
It’s no surprise that unplanned downtime became an unwelcome guest. Many companies needed to learn when their assets required an upgrade, with over 69% in the dark as per BehrTech.
In a Budapest office building, uncovered issues with malfunctioning sensors and a faulty link to fan coils, leading to significant energy wastage in heating and cooling.
They got to create a dynamic building energy model; consequently, repairs were promptly made, and accurate occupancy counts were achieved.
Embracing Sustainable Practices
In 2020, commercial buildings gobbled up a staggering 18% of all energy in the U.S. That’s a hefty slice of the energy pie.
Improving energy efficiency in your space is not just about saving the planet but protecting your budget.
Take Marriott International as an example; their energy management system led to a 3.6% reduction in energy use and substantial cost savings. Infact, here’s a statistics proving that sustainability is necessary – the U.S. has 77,832 LEED-certified buildings as of 2022.
Sustainable practices in facilities also benefits construction techniques leading to more efficient facility management and operations.
For instance, using recycled materials like concrete and steel, along with low VOC paints and finishes, reduces environmental impact and contributes to the facility’s efficient operation.
Take a page from IKEA’s book – their prefabricated building techniques have slashed construction time by up to 50% and significantly decreased waste generation by up to 70%.
The Bottom Line
Facility managers must understand the direct impact of their efficiency on overall operations and an organization’s success. The key lies in embracing the benefits of facility software. It acts as a linchpin, streamlining processes, optimizing resource allocation, and enhancing productivity.
Professionals possess the ability to proactively address challenges and make well-informed decisions. By recognizing the distinction between good and excellent facility management practices, they empower themselves to adapt with agility to changing demands and emerging technologies. Ultimately, this approach ensures a competitive edge in the market.
In a world where even the smallest details hold significance, facility managers must proactively stay ahead. The adoption of best practices and utilization of advanced facility software is not merely a decision; it becomes a strategic necessity.
