For many years, buildings have been managed using antiquated methods — construction turn over, documents and paper blueprints, individual work orders and multiple systems not working together. The value of having a digital building, where facilities managers have information at the ready, creates efficiencies in the building.
One of the easiest technologies to implement is a CMMS system. On June 16, John Rimer, president of FM360, will lead the session, “Maximizing Your CMMS and Other Technology Systems” as part of the FacilitiesNet Facilities Summit. Rimer recognizes that technology and innovation have advanced significantly over the years, but facility managers and their staffs often fail to truly embrace and leverage them.
FacilitiesNet: What are the primary hurdles managers face in maximizing the use of a CMMS, and how can they overcome these hurdles?
Rimer: There are three critical obstacles that inhibit the utilization and value a CMMS can provide.
The first is aggregating, scrubbing, and standardizing building and asset data. This can take considerable effort. However, with some creative data mining, in the field collection can be minimized or mitigated.
The next big hurdle is selecting the right CMMS for your organization. Exercise due diligence. Pick a system that will grow with you and is very flexible. Leverage outside expertise to navigate this path.
Lastly, and most crucial to short and long-term success is implementation. Most have not seen a robust CMMS implementation nor how to fully leverage what a tool like this can bring to their organization. It is one thing to know how to use the tool; it is another to wield it effectively.
FacilitiesNet: What are the most important advances in new-generation CMMS?
Rimer: The simple answer is mobility. CMMS platforms have progressed significantly the past decade, taking advantage of the power a smartphone or tablet can provide to technicians in the field — and equally important, the collection and analysis of data that can help drive business decisions, justify resources, and improve operational efficiency. However, it is important to note that mobile interfaces must be intuitive, easy-to-use, and simple, if they are going to be adopted and utilized by staff.
To learn more about CMMS, as well as BIM-FM and other technology, register for the Facilities Summit on June 16. Registration costs $99 or is free to fnPrime members.
