How can FM innovation help create a more agile and flexible workplace?

1 Smart sensors and data analytics

One of the key benefits of FM innovation is the ability to collect and analyze data from your facilities, using smart sensors, IoT devices, and cloud platforms. This data can help you monitor and optimize various aspects of your workplace, such as space utilization, energy consumption, environmental quality, security, and maintenance. By using data analytics, you can identify patterns, trends, and anomalies, and make informed decisions to improve your facility performance and user experience. You can also use data to create dashboards and reports that showcase your FM achievements and value.

2 Digital twins and simulation

Another way that FM innovation can help you create a more agile and flexible workplace is by using digital twins and simulation. A digital twin is a virtual representation of your physical facility, which can be updated in real time with data from sensors and other sources. A simulation is a model that can test and predict the outcomes of various scenarios and interventions on your facility. By using digital twins and simulation, you can visualize and explore different options for your workplace design, layout, configuration, and operation, and evaluate their impact on your facility performance and user satisfaction. You can also use them to communicate and collaborate with your stakeholders and vendors, and to train and educate your FM staff.

3 Automation and robotics

A third way that FM innovation can help you create a more agile and flexible workplace is by using automation and robotics. Automation refers to the use of software, algorithms, and artificial intelligence to perform tasks that are repetitive, routine, or complex, such as scheduling, reporting, invoicing, or compliance. Robotics refers to the use of machines, devices, and drones to perform tasks that are physical, hazardous, or inaccessible, such as cleaning, inspection, or delivery. By using automation and robotics, you can reduce your operational costs, improve your service quality and reliability, and enhance your safety and security. You can also free up your FM staff from mundane and tedious tasks, and enable them to focus on more strategic and creative activities.

4 Mobile apps and digital platforms

A fourth way that FM innovation can help you create a more agile and flexible workplace is by using mobile apps and digital platforms. Mobile apps are applications that can be accessed from smartphones, tablets, or other devices, and that can provide various functions and features for your facility users, such as booking spaces, requesting services, reporting issues, giving feedback, or accessing information. Digital platforms are online systems that can integrate and coordinate various FM processes, functions, and data, and that can provide various capabilities for your FM team, such as managing assets, contracts, projects, or workflows. By using mobile apps and digital platforms, you can improve your user engagement and satisfaction, increase your operational efficiency and transparency, and foster a culture of innovation and collaboration.

5 Biophilic design and wellness

A fifth way that FM innovation can help you create a more agile and flexible workplace is by using biophilic design and wellness. Biophilic design is an approach that incorporates natural elements, such as plants, water, light, or materials, into your workplace, to create a more aesthetically pleasing, healthy, and inspiring environment. Wellness is a concept that encompasses various aspects of your facility users' physical, mental, and social well-being, such as air quality, ergonomics, noise, lighting, or amenities. By using biophilic design and wellness, you can enhance your user performance, productivity, and creativity, reduce your user stress, fatigue, and absenteeism, and attract and retain your talent and clients.

6 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?