Real estate and construction software company PlanRadar has identified three emerging trends in the building facility management sector.
The global proptech, which now also operates in Australia, says new technology has been a key driver of change.
As the world becomes more connected and data-hungry, facility managers are facing new challenges including the need for improved efficiency, the rise in cloud computing and a demand to handle large volumes of data.
To meet these demands, PlanRadar says facility management is experiencing a major revolution.
Among key emerging trends are: the rise of affordable and easy-to-use software solutions available to small businesses; smart buildings with sophisticated operating systems and, net-zero infrastructures to reduce energy consumption, water use, and waste generation.
Software solutions
In the past, software for facility management was something that only large organisations could afford. There are now more affordable and easy-to-use solutions available to small businesses. The software can be used as: an all-in-one solution for managing a property portfolio and facilities; a communication tool between departments such as maintenance and cleaning staff; to improve efficiency by scheduling maintenance and, maintain security and building access tracking.
Smart buildings
Smart buildings can improve efficiency, reduce costs, and increase occupant comfort. They have an entire system that monitors all aspects of their operation – from lighting levels to temperature – to enable them to adjust automatically based on usage patterns.
Net-zero infrastructure
Facility management has a lot to offer when it comes to reducing energy consumption, water use, and waste generation focused towards net zero buildings. For example, you can use facility management software to optimise your heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system so that it runs at different settings at different times of the day, by season and by area occupancy for peak efficiency. The same goes for lighting: smart sensors can be used to detect when rooms are occupied and adjust lighting levels automatically based on occupancy patterns. Additional environmental gains come from waste reduction initiatives like recycling bins in common areas and composting stations in kitchens.
The PlanRadar software platform handles digital task management, communication and reporting, connecting the whole team – from project managers to on-site team, subcontractors and stakeholders.
