Computer aided Facility Management Essay Example

department has established a front- and back-office system, which acts as an assistant to the Facility Manager.

When a customer of the facility management department has a Wish, Need for information, Complaint, or an Interruption (WICI), they have the option to contact the front office through phone or email. The front office then enters the WICI into the computer aided facility management software (CAFM), which automatically sends the work order to the Back office. The Back office comprises different sub-departments within the facility manager's authority, represented by the blue squares in the schema. The sub-department head receives the WICI and assesses its validity. If confirmed and accepted, the sub-department head assigns the work order to their employee.

When the WICI is resolved, either the manager or employee can update the status in the CAFM system. This action triggers an email notification to the customer confirming that the WICI has been resolved.

The upcoming chapter will delve into the technique behind a CAFM system and its integration within a company. Within this chapter, we will provide an explanation of what a CAFM is, how it can be utilized by a company, the types of reports generated, and for whom it is of interest. Additionally, the benefits of implementing a CAFM system will be discussed.

The IFMA (The International Facility Management Association) defines a CAFM as a sophisticated tool utilized by facility professionals to track and manage a wide range of facility-related assets. It empowers managers and decision-makers with the ability to analyze space utilization more effectively than ever before.

To ensure a successful implementation of a CAFM concept, it is crucial to establish clear specifications of FM processes, including the organization's

process-oriented structure and workflow charts. Furthermore, an evaluation must be conducted to determine the profit and data processing support requirements, as well as an analysis of the existing IT infrastructure and its demands. It is essential to develop an object-based CAFM system based on thorough conceptual preparation. By following a step-by-step approach, chaos can be avoided, and manageable stages can be achieved. This approach also facilitates modularization of content, as shown in the included graphic representation. Moreover, the CAFM system should be accessible across various workstations, including technical management, caretaker positions, and front office settings.The requirements for operation of the system include ease of use, adaptability for future changes or extensions, and high-quality data input.

Computer aided facility management software can save time for a company by eliminating the need to manually write down information and physically deliver it to another sub-department. With the software, sub-departments will receive automatic email notifications when Work Importance Criticality Index (WICI) arrive, thus optimizing processes. Additionally, using this software enhances company safety as responsible departments are automatically alerted when maintenance checks are required on objects, ensuring that maintenance is not neglected.

The CAFM system consolidates all information into a single database, preventing fragmentation within the company. Anyone with the necessary login credentials can access the program at any time. Additionally, the CAFM system aids in future planning by providing managers with key performance indicator (KPI) data, such as maintenance costs per square meter and facility costs per working space. This enables managers to assess KPI performance and plan accordingly.

CAFMs, such as SAP and Oracle, can be integrated into other MIS systems in order to save time and money by efficiently

retrieving useful information from the database. Implementing a CAFM requires significant investment of time and money, but once the program is fully operational and employees are proficient in using it, the entire company will reap the benefits.