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The pandemic has altered the way almost every business operates. From restaurants and retail to office buildings and factories, nearly every industry has undergone a drastic change in day-to-day operations with new safety mandates and public health protocols. These changes have forced organizations to prioritize facilities management solutions that meet consumer expectations and provide a seamless and engaging experience both on-site and off. As a result, today’s facilities managers must be proactive and knowledgeable of the latest trends in the industry if they want to take their operations to the next level. Here are the top 10 trends that are streamlining the facilities management workflow.
Top 10 Facilities Management Trends in 2022
1. Improved Communications
Communications between FMs and industry partners will continue to be a priority in the field. Cutting-edge software, like the project management systems we use at NFD, will lead the way toward optimal efficiency and streamlined communication. Facility managers will play an integral role in laying the infrastructure that will improve the communication process between collaborators to better facilitate project workflow.
2. Increase in Smart Technology
As the Internet of Things (IoT) continues to grow, facility managers will have more access to advanced technology with sensors, processing abilities, and automation that create a more flexible and interactive experience for technicians, employees, and visitors. Smart technology can help facilities managers create a comfortable, energy-efficient environment and optimize building functions ranging from fire protection, security, and asset tracking systems, as well as lighting management, HVAC maintenance, and smart parking.
3. Using Artificial Intelligence to Enhance Collaboration
As facilities become more and more digitized, communication is critical for successful collaboration between teams. Artificial intelligence (AI) has the ability to simplify systems integration by streamlining communication between different departments and breaking down barriers preventing teams from working together.
4. Building Information Modeling
FMs will begin to see an increase in Building Information Modeling (BIM). BIM is software that maps the physical characteristics of a building over its lifetime. This system helps architects, builders, and FMs plan smarter buildings and take a more proactive approach to repairs using data from BIM software. This can help reduce costs, improve efficiency, reduce safety risks, and enhance facilities management.
5. Planned Preventative Maintenance
Similar to BIM, Planned Preventative Maintenance (PPM) is a way to use technology to formalize and anticipate maintenance needs. This predictive maintenance model helps you proactively plan for regularly scheduled maintenance as well as provides a system to quickly adapt to unexpected changes. This proactive approach helps save time and money in the future, rather than reacting to new needs as they arise, because it allows FMs to better understand the assets of each building so you and your partners can make plans for the unexpected.
6. Data-Driven Decision-Making
The changes we’ve all experienced over the last few years will undoubtedly create a hefty database of information, data, and statistics. As FMs plan for upcoming projects, they will rely more heavily on this data to better inform their decision-making process. Utilizing data can help reduce overhead, minimize downtime, increase efficiency and improve system calibration.
7. Greater Environmental Approach
Companies in nearly all industries are being proactive and placing greater priority on eco-friendly practices that limit or negate their carbon footprint. FMs should be directly involved in these conversations and can expect to see more emphasis on innovative energy management solutions and how eco-friendly factors will affect employees, customers, and the environment.
8. Flexible Workspaces
As more organizations begin to move back into the office, the landscape of the working environment will change. Whether moving fully back into the office or developing a hybrid model, FMs should anticipate how the changes in workflow will alter the building needs and operations. Technology will also play a role, as organizations may have used the pandemic to review their technological needs.
9. Personalized Work Environment
As more and more employees return to the office, they will expect a similar feeling of comfort and ease that they experienced at home. While human resource managers may focus on accommodating those shifts, FMs may be asked to deliver Soft FM functions that foster a good environment to improve employee retention as well as customer loyalty.
10. Simplicity with Self-Supported Integrated Facilities Management
Between the changes in workflow, personnel, and the general world around us, we could all use a little simplicity in our lives. From improved processes to enhanced technology, FMs can expect to consolidate, group, and maximize resources to minimize manpower. Self-supported integrated facilities management simplifies workflows and processes to create more time for planning and utilizing budgets on proactive technologies to drive success.
Utilizing Industry Trends
These cutting-edge trends pave the way toward better service and better performance. By taking a proactive approach to facilities management technology, communication, and processes, you can build trust and become a leader in your industry.
Developing Innovative Partnerships
When you need a trusted and forward-thinking facilities management partner, choose NFD. No matter your facility management needs, we solve problems for both the long and short term that meet resolution-time needs and make your job easier.
Contact us today to learn how our self-performing, self-supported, and self-communicating integrated facilities management services can take your facilities management to the next level.