The facility manager’s role might look different from building to building, but its core purpose remains the same: to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of an organization. Facilities management software is much the same. Each platform offers plenty of benefits, but most place a specific emphasis on one element or another, such as daily operations, building construction, maintenance, asset tracking or something else. That’s why it’s crucial to find a facility management solution that offers the right fit for your organization.
This article will highlight the most common types of facilities management software on the market and discuss what they bring to the table.
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Facilities management software categories
Computer-aided facility management (CAFM) is software that lets facility managers organize their workflow while offering insight into building operations. CAFM platforms can generate reports on storage space, calculate ideal furniture layouts, book conference room reservations, and other regular tasks. CAFM software benefits any enterprise working from any facility, but generally shows the highest measurable ROI in relation to asset management, data analytics, and maintenance.
CAFM platforms increasingly rely on advanced integrated tools to provide a deeper level of insight into physical spaces. While some enterprises view these tools as non-essential, they can help facility managers create future-proof solutions that adapt to the changing roles of modern facilities. Some common examples include automation tools to streamline repetitive tasks and data analytics tools that measure anything from productivity to energy consumption.
CAFM platforms greatly enhance facility managers’ efficiency, helping them focus on strategic elements over day-to-day tasks. When integrated with other facility management solutions, CAFM substantially increases top-line growth by contributing the following:
For more information on CAFM capabilities, read Resonai’s article on “What Is CAFM? The Role of Computer-Aided Facility Management in 2020.”
Building information modeling (BIM) is the process of creating digital representations of structures and physical spaces. BIM techniques have always been part of the construction industry, but new software platforms offer advanced features such as project management, document storage, and more. BIM software manages building projects between multiple parties and stakeholders at each stage of development. For example, it allows architects to create and store blueprints in document storage, while engineers can refer to these models and make on-site adjustments during construction.
For facility managers, BIM tools act as a virtual representation of the completed building. BIM is beneficial for asset management or for upgrading a space with smart building features.
To learn more about BIM software platforms, read our article on “The Best BIM Software Platforms of 2020.”
A digital twin is a virtual replica of any physical space, facility, or structure. An intelligent digital twin achieves that without the need for sensors or additional hardware. Unlike BIMs, which coordinate project planning, digital twins use sensors and various system integrations to represent the facility in real-time. These integrations simultaneously allow for direct control of building systems and detailed reporting of operations.
With digital twins, facility managers have new tools at their disposal to assist with day-to-day operations:
To learn more about digital twins, check out Resonai’s article on “The Benefits of BIM & Digital Twins for Facilities Managers in 2020.”
Property maintenance software is a digital platform that supports facility managers in the care and upkeep of buildings. These platforms coordinate tasks from general repairs to preventative maintenance, although individual objectives will vary from facility to facility. In 2020, the ideal property maintenance software platform accounts for:
For more information, check out Resonai’s complete resource, “Property Maintenance Software: What First-Time Buyers Need to Know.”
A smart building is any structure or facility that uses integrated technology systems to manage daily operations. These integrations are made possible thanks to the internet of things (IoT), a network of sensors and always-online physical objects. By connecting each device, smart buildings extrapolate a complete picture of everything occurring within a physical space while providing facility managers with remote control over each process.
While smart building designs will vary, all structures use interconnected systems to serve their occupants better. Typical examples may include lighting systems that track energy efficiency, remote-controlled fire alarms, or A/V displays that activate from a smartphone app. From a facility management perspective, the benefits include:
For more information, check out Resonai’s article on “Smart Buildings 101: How IoT and AR Are Revolutionizing Commercial Space.”
These software categories have value, but they only address individual segments of the facility management experience. BIM emphasizes project management, smart buildings handle day-to-day operations, and property maintenance software naturally focuses on maintenance. The ideal solution combines these elements into a single product, ideally customized to meet your precise needs.
Resonai’s contribution is Vera, a computer vision platform that connects systems, unifies all device and system communications, and embeds artificial intelligence into any building or physical space. Vera goes a step beyond traditional facilities management software by providing one application that serves as the central control hub of a facility, with real-time visualization of everything in a building, remote management capabilities, comprehensive data to inform planning and a growing list of mobile apps - use cases include automating maintenance processes, providing virtual concierge and AR navigation, IoT device management, AR training options, and more.
Are you ready to learn more? Get in touch with Resonai today and set up a free demonstration.
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