How do you test new FM technologies and innovations?

1 Identify your goals and needs

Before you start looking for new FM technologies and innovations, you need to have a clear idea of what you want to achieve and what problems you want to solve. What are your current pain points and challenges in managing your facilities? What are your short-term and long-term goals and priorities? What are the expectations and requirements of your clients, occupants, and stakeholders? How do you measure and monitor your FM performance and outcomes? By answering these questions, you can define your scope and criteria for testing new FM solutions.

2 Research and compare options

Once you have identified your goals and needs, you need to research and compare the available options for new FM technologies and innovations. You can use various sources of information, such as industry publications, online platforms, peer reviews, case studies, and expert opinions. You can also attend events, webinars, or workshops where you can learn more about the latest trends and developments in FM. You should look for solutions that match your needs, budget, and capabilities, and that offer clear benefits and value propositions. You should also consider the compatibility, scalability, and security of the solutions, and how they integrate with your existing systems and processes.

3 Plan and conduct pilots

The next step is to plan and conduct pilots or trials of the selected FM technologies and innovations. You should choose a representative sample of your facilities, staff, and users to test the solutions in real-life scenarios. You should also define the objectives, methods, and indicators for evaluating the solutions, and collect feedback and data from all the involved parties. You should follow a structured and systematic approach, such as the Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) cycle, to plan, implement, monitor, and improve the pilots. You should also document and communicate the results and lessons learned from the pilots.

4 Analyze and decide

After you have completed the pilots, you need to analyze and decide whether to adopt or reject the new FM technologies and innovations. You should compare the results and feedback from the pilots with your initial goals and criteria, and assess the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and risks of the solutions. You should also consider the costs, benefits, and return on investment (ROI) of the solutions, and how they align with your strategic vision and values. You should involve all the relevant stakeholders in the decision-making process, and seek their input and support. You should also be prepared to adapt and adjust your plans and expectations based on the outcomes of the pilots.

5 Implement and monitor

If you decide to adopt the new FM technologies and innovations, you need to implement and monitor them in your facilities. You should develop a detailed implementation plan that covers the scope, timeline, budget, resources, roles, and responsibilities of the project. You should also provide adequate training, support, and guidance to your staff and users on how to use and benefit from the solutions. You should also establish and follow a monitoring and evaluation system that tracks the performance, impact, and satisfaction of the solutions, and that allows you to identify and resolve any issues or challenges. You should also seek and incorporate feedback and suggestions for improvement from your staff, users, and clients.

6 Innovate and improve

Finally, you should not stop at implementing and monitoring the new FM technologies and innovations. You should always strive to innovate and improve your FM practices and outcomes, and to keep up with the changing needs and expectations of your clients, occupants, and stakeholders. You should continuously monitor and review the effectiveness and efficiency of your FM solutions, and look for new ways to optimize and enhance them. You should also stay updated and informed about the latest technologies and innovations in FM, and be ready to test and adopt them when they suit your goals and needs.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?