FMJ Facilities Management magazine providing industry-specific intelligence to FM and property professionals
John Gorman is Marketing Manager at Anders+Kern (A+K): specialists in workspace software, sensor technologies, meeting room and desk management/booking systems, visitor management, data analytics and audio-visual solutions.
DO YOU THINK THAT FOLLOWING THE PANDEMIC, FMS ARE NOW MORE OPEN TO ADOPTING DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES TO HELP MANAGE THEIR PORTFOLIOS?
The pandemic has shone a light on the hybrid working model and led FMs to go out to the market to investigate what products can enable this way of working, the general mood is this style of working is here to stay long after the pandemic has passed.
WHAT KIND OF DIGITAL SOLUTIONS SHOULD FMS CONSIDER TO ENSURE THE SAFETY OF OCCUPANTS WORKING WITHIN A FLEXIBLE OFFICE ENVIRONMENT?
Space management systems comprising both interactive hardware such as meeting room booking panels along with booking software accessible via multiple touch points are a suitable choice. A digital sign in management system can also be applied for staff and visitors. These can be in the form of a mobile app check-in, via QR codes or tablet sign in. All these solutions negate the need for a physical sign in book. Sensor technology can also be used for people counting and space management
IN WHAT WAYS CAN THE LATEST TECHNOLOGIES ENABLE FMS TO MANAGE HYBRID WORKING PATTERNS?
Space booking systems invariably include data and analytics tools and dashboards to collect valuable insights on how spaces are being used. In addition to this smart sensors can give data on a more granular level.
ARE END USERS (I.E. OCCUPANTS) COMFORTABLE WITH ADOPTING NEW TECH, AND WHAT CAN BE DONE DURING THE MOBILISATION STAGE TO MAKE THE TRANSITION EASIER?
Numerous Studies show that Millennial and younger workforces not only adopt new technologies readily but in fact are more attracted to working for companies that embrace new smart technologies. But whatever the demographic of the users, it is important to be open and transparent about what and how data is being used (to the benefit of the employees and building). Many of the data points including sensors are anonymised and used purely to make informed decision about productive and economically use of spaces.
CAN DIGITAL SOFTWARE ALSO BE USED TO ENHANCE THE PERFORMANCE OF BUILDINGS?
Digital workspace management software can be used to monitor a multitude of data points for the performance of buildings. These include monitoring air quality and space occupancy. The data is only useful if acted upon, but can help optimise best use of areas of a building (if over or underutilised or repurposed).
