Introduction to Mobile Apps for FMs

Technology is ubiquitous. Yet some facility managers may not know how to harness the potential of technology or are unaware of how powerful specific technology can be. A common device that most business professionals already employ daily is the mobile device. With a BlackBerry, iPhone, or personal digital assistant, most users typically place calls or receive text messages, while the more sophisticated device owners receive and send e-mails and browse the Internet religiously.

Driving "smart phone" development is the mobile phone application, or "app." Pioneered by Apple Inc.'s iPhone, a mobile app allows users to download a program from the Internet or third-party software, such as Apple's iTunes, and install it on their mobile device. Independent programmers typically develop apps — usually using a "software development kit" supplied by the company that manufactures the mobile device. This kit specifies the guidelines that the programmer must follow as they develop the app.

What some facility and maintenance managers may not know is that there are a number of apps they may find useful in their daily tasks. These apps can, for example, assist in remotely interfacing with a facility using a mobile device or helping to locate a new commercial real estate property. A search of the Internet and the iTunes App Store in particular upturned some mobile apps that facility managers and maintenance/engineering managers may find helpful. You can browse above by app category related to FM.

Sources: Independent reporting and iTunes software

Do you have a suggestion for an application that facility or maintenance managers might find useful, but don’t see it listed? Contact Naomi Millan at naomi.millan@tradepress.com or 414-228-7701, ext. 309.

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