Facility Management Software to Prepare for the Future of FM

Finding the right facility management software is key to achieving your business objectives and preparing for the future of the industry. Read on to learn more about the current technology landscape in facilities so you can find the right solutions for your company’s needs.

What is Facility Management Software?

Facility Management Software are digital solutions designed to streamline and optimize various aspects of facility maintenance and management.

The goals of FM software are varied, but often include:

• Enhance operational efficiency
• Prolong the lifespan of assets
• Ensure regulatory compliance
• Foster a proactive approach to maintenance

Ultimately, the right solutions provide facility managers and maintenance teams with the tools needed to optimize resources, reduce downtime, and contribute to the overall success of facility operations.

4 Types of Facility Management Software

Some types of FM software can encompass multiple different functions. Other software serves very specific and important functions. Let’s review four major types of facility management software that can benefit your organization.

Facility Asset Management Software: Streamlining Facility Efficiency

Facility Asset Management Software is a centralized platform for tracking, cataloging, and monitoring a facility’s physical assets. This can range from machinery and equipment to infrastructure such as plumbing and electrical systems. The software typically includes features like:

• Asset Tracking. Efficiently catalog and record details of each asset, including location, condition, and maintenance history.
• Preventive Maintenance Scheduling. Schedule routine maintenance to prevent breakdowns and extend the lifespan of assets.
• Work Order Management. Generate and track work orders for maintenance activities, ensuring timely execution of tasks.

For maintenance technicians, asset management software is instrumental in maintaining control and visibility. It allows for strategic planning and helps ensure equipment and facilities meet safety standards.

EHS Management Software: Improving Workforce Safety

EHS Management Software is designed to ensure compliance with environmental, health, and safety regulations within a facility. It plays a crucial role in fostering a secure working environment, safeguarding both the facility and the well-being of its occupants.

Key features often include:

• Incident Reporting. Streamlining the reporting of workplace incidents, accidents, and near misses for prompt resolution and analysis.
• Compliance Management. Ensuring adherence to local, regional, and industry specific EHS regulations, preventing legal and regulatory violations.
• Audit and Inspection Tools. Conducting regular audits and inspections to identify potential hazards, assess compliance, and implement corrective actions.

For facilities safety managers, EHS software is essential for creating and maintaining a safe and compliant workplace. The software helps in proactively identifying potential hazards, mitigating risks, and ensuring that the facility adheres to EHS regulations. Incident reporting tools enable quick response to emergencies, and compliance management features reduce the risk of legal and regulatory penalties.

Building Automation Systems

Building Automation Systems (BAS) are designed to control and monitor key building systems, including HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning), lighting, security, and other critical infrastructure.

Key functionalities typically include:

• HVAC Control. Optimizing heating and cooling systems for energy efficiency and occupant comfort.
• Lighting Control. Managing lighting levels based on occupancy and natural light availability to reduce energy consumption.
• Security Systems. Integrating and centralizing control of security systems, including access control and surveillance.
• Energy Management. Monitoring and optimizing energy usage to reduce costs and environmental impact.

BAS is instrumental in creating a responsive and efficient facility. These systems provide centralized control, allowing managers to optimize building functions for energy savings and occupant comfort. The integration of various systems into a single platform simplifies management tasks, reduces operational costs, and enables a proactive approach to maintenance.

If you want to start training your workforce on this critical technology, consider the following Vector Solutions BAS courses:

• Building Automation Systems (BAS) Architecture
• Building Automation Systems (BAS) Operations

Risk Intelligence and Communication

Risk Intelligence and Communication tools are essential components within facility management, providing a proactive approach to identifying, assessing, and mitigating potential risks. These tools enable efficient communication of risks, incidents, and safety information.

Features include:

• Incident Reporting. Streamline reporting incidents, hazards, and near misses to quickly address potential risks.
• Communication Channels. Establish effective communication channels for disseminating safety information and emergency procedures.
• Real-time Alerts. Provide real-time alerts to facility occupants and management in case of emergencies or critical incidents.

These tools are critical for maintaining a safe and secure environment. Real-time communication and alerts ensure that everyone is informed promptly during emergencies, allowing for quick response and mitigating potential risks. Vector Solutions’ LiveSafe, with its user-friendly features, exemplifies how these tools can enhance risk management and communication within a facility, contributing to a proactive and safety-conscious culture.

Emerging FM Technology: Prepare for Digital Transformation

Facility management is undergoing a profound digital transformation. As you prepare to embrace digital transformation, it’s important to understand how emerging technologies will shape the facility management software landscape. Here are several examples of the transformative technologies reshaping FM:

1. Internet of Things (IoT). Harnessing the power of IoT, facility managers can now deploy sensors and smart devices to gather real-time data on equipment health. This data, analyzed through advanced algorithms, enables predictive maintenance strategies. By foreseeing potential issues before they occur, maintenance becomes proactive, minimizing downtime and extending the lifespan of critical assets.
2. Augmented Reality (AR). AR technology is revolutionizing how maintenance tasks are performed. Maintenance technicians equipped with AR-enabled devices can receive real-time guidance from experts located elsewhere. This not only expedites issue resolution but also serves as a valuable training tool, bridging the gap between experienced technicians and those in need of guidance.
3. AI-Powered Energy Management Systems. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is enhancing energy management in facilities by learning and optimizing energy consumption patterns. AI algorithms analyze historical data, weather forecasts, and real-time usage to optimize HVAC, lighting, and other systems. The result is not only significant energy cost savings but also a reduced environmental footprint through more sustainable facility operations.

Why Online Training is a Key to Your FM Strategy

No digital strategy is complete without proper training.

Online facilities management training, coupled with an advanced Learning Management System (LMS), is a powerful way to not only train your workforce on the facilities and technological skills they need.

But why invest in eLearning rather than in-person training? For one, hands-on, on the job training isn’t scalable. But this also puts a huge burden on managers or L&D teams to create, update, and facilitate a lot of training. There is simply too much for organizations to keep up with to provide high-quality, engaging, and accurate training for their teams.

Working with an eLearning provider streamlines the training process. This allows you to focus your in-person training on hyper-specific and relevant topics. This blended learning approach is not only more efficient but also the most effective workforce training model.

Why Choose Vector Solutions for Facility Management Software?

When it comes to navigating the intricate landscape of facility management technology, Vector Solutions offers numerous important technologies to support your business.

Vector Solutions has a proven record working with facilities and industrial maintenance companies. With a track record of delivering cutting-edge solutions, our brand is synonymous with reliability, quality, and a deep understanding of the unique challenges faced by facility management professionals.

At the core of Vector Solutions’ offerings is our Facility Maintenance and Management (FMM) eLearning libraries built with expertise from leading FM organizations. These libraries encompass a comprehensive range of training modules covering essential topics crucial for the success of facility managers and maintenance teams. From safety protocols to compliance training, our libraries ensure that your workforce is equipped with the knowledge and skills needed for optimal facility operations.

“[Vector Solutions] gives us the ability to create consistent training experiences for our employees and the ability to deliver those effectively every time—that’s priceless.” — Training Analyst

Want to learn more? Request a demo today.