FM Success- Tech or people
Facilities Management: Tech or People? – What Will Make the Most Impact on Incoming Regulatory Pressures?
The facilities management (FM) sector is facing a wave of incoming regulatory pressures, from stricter building safety regulations to sustainability and energy efficiency targets. Facilities Managers need to adapt their approaches to ensure compliance while maintaining service quality. The question is: what will make the most impact in dealing with these pressures—technology or people?
Both technology and skilled professionals are crucial for addressing the challenges of incoming regulations, but which one is likely to make the biggest difference?
The Role of Technology in Facilities Management
Technology has transformed facilities management in recent years and helps companies meet evolving regulatory requirements. Here are some of the ways technology is making an impact:
- Data Collection and Compliance Tracking
One of the biggest challenges with incoming regulations is gathering, tracking, and reporting data to demonstrate compliance. Building Management Systems (BMS) and Internet of Things (IoT) devices allow facilities managers to monitor everything from energy usage and air quality to building occupancy and safety systems in real-time.
These technologies help ensure that facilities meet regulatory standards by providing detailed data and insights.
- Predictive Maintenance
Incoming regulations related to building safety are placing greater emphasis on proactive maintenance and the need to prevent problems before they become risks. Predictive maintenance technology, driven by sensors and data analytics, allows facilities managers to detect early signs of equipment failure and take action before issues escalate.
- Sustainability and Energy Management
Regulatory pressures related to sustainability are becoming more stringent as governments and organisations strive to reduce carbon emissions. Energy management software helps facilities managers optimise energy use, minimise waste, and ensure that buildings operate as efficiently as possible.
- Digital Documentation and Auditing
Regulatory compliance often involves extensive documentation, and maintaining up-to-date records can be a challenge without the right tools. Digital documentation systems streamline the process of maintaining and updating records, making it easier to provide evidence of compliance during audits.
The Role of People in Facilities Management
While technology provides the tools to manage compliance, people remain at the heart of facilities management. Skilled professionals are essential for interpreting data, making decisions, and ensuring that regulatory standards are met on the ground.
- Expertise and Decision-Making
Technology can provide data and automate processes, but it still requires human expertise to interpret that data and make informed decisions. Facilities managers need to understand the regulations, assess the implications for their specific buildings, and determine the best course of action to achieve compliance.
For example, predictive maintenance tools can indicate that a piece of equipment is likely to fail, but a skilled technician is needed to verify the issue and decide whether repair or replacement is the best option.
- Communication and Collaboration
Compliance with incoming regulations often involves collaboration between various stakeholders, including building owners, tenants, maintenance teams, and regulatory authorities. Effective communication is essential for ensuring that everyone understands their responsibilities and that compliance measures are implemented correctly.
- Adaptability and Problem-Solving
While technology can help automate certain tasks, human adaptability and problem-solving skills are crucial for addressing unforeseen challenges. Facilities managers need to assess the impact, develop a plan, and lead their teams through any transitions.
- Ensuring a Safety-First Culture
Building safety regulations are becoming stricter. Compliance is key in creating a culture of safety within the organisation. Facilities managers need to ensure that everyone involved understands the importance of safety protocols and follows best practices. This involves training, supervision, and fostering a culture where safety is prioritised—a role that requires human leadership and influence.
Tech vs People: Which Will Have the Most Impact?
When it comes to managing incoming regulatory pressures, it’s not a case of choosing between technology and people. Instead, it’s about leveraging the strengths of both to create a robust approach to compliance.
Technology provides the tools to collect data, automate processes, and monitor compliance in real-time. People are essential for interpreting data, making informed decisions, and leading compliance initiatives.
A Balanced Approach to Regulatory Compliance
Essentially, facilities management needs a balanced approach that combines the capabilities of technology with the expertise of skilled professionals:
-Invest in Technology: Make use of data collection, predictive maintenance, energy management, and digital documentation tools to ensure compliance with new regulations.
- Develop Skills and Expertise: Ensure that facilities managers and their teams are well-trained and understand the regulatory requirements.
- Foster Collaboration: Encourage collaboration between teams, from IT professionals to maintenance staff, to ensure that both the technological and human aspects of compliance are aligned.
Conclusion
Ultimately, it’s the combination of tech and people that will make the most impact in navigating regulatory pressures and ensuring that buildings are safe, efficient, and compliant for the future.