SEPTEMBER 20179accumulating vast amounts of unstructured data that is incredibly difficult to decipher, with both asset own-ers and suppliers struggling to provide accurate, timely and relevant information across a plethora of available applications. Information and systems are being lost through changes of ownership or responsibility and data is often unnecessarily reproduced or replicated time and again. Technology and applications are purchased with-out a full understanding of their function and are often abandoned due to a lack of support or technical skills within an organisation, or simply because they aren't fit for purpose. Time and money is wasted and returns on investment are non-existent. This is where new advanc-es in technology come in, allowing us to change the way we work and perfect the services we provide.Cloud Computing`The Cloud' is the next big thing in corporate, allowing seamless, secure, collaboration between all parties. With usage rates increasing by 20 percent a year, it is clear that companies are becoming more comfortable with the idea of storing their information on distant serv-ers, accepting that their information is probably safer in the cloud than it is in their own local IT environment. Cloud technology is providing the means to better port-folio performance which can be tracked, measured, and reported across a multitude of metrices. It is enabling the facilities manager to work and think differently and to create business cases based on strong, reliable data resulting in a measurable return on investment and smart cost-avoidance/cost-saving techniques which will extend the life of the assets for which they are responsible.The Internet of Things (IoT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI)The IoT and AI are transform-ing facilities management. It is a digital revolution and one of the industry's hottest trends. Offering alternative mechanisms for success using simple, low-cost sensor devic-es to provide instant and valu-able data, it is a key enabler in providing smart, resilient, sustainable and productive buildings. Utilising IoT-driv-en sustainability manage-ment solutions can reduce energy bills, increase energy efficiency and provide real-time information about the building. Facilities managers spend 30 percent less on energy costs for a building that is benchmarked and 15 percent less per square foot/per year on maintenance expenses as a direct result of efficiencies. Mobile TechnologyThe rapid evolution of mobile technology has played a dramatic role in the way we operate. It is no longer seen as something for our own personal use. Nowadays, it has become the go-to option for businesses due to its con-venience, speed, and versatility. Smart devices, such as tablets and smartphones have shaped the way in which we interact with one another while providing instant access to news and social channels. The cloud and mo-bile technologies complement each other to give facili-ties managers the best of both worlds, allowing them to report on a job wherever they are, and be alerted to issues while on the move.Besides technologies like Near Field Communication (NFC) sensors, the fu-ture is likely to become even more high tech with the use of robots to manage facilities. These smart robots, along with smart surveillance and security applications, will automate lot of pro-cesses to increase the efficiency of service delivery. It is a digital world and, as more and more sophisticated tools and technologies become avail-able, the journey on the innovation curve will continue. Cloud technology is providing the means to better portfolio performance which can be tracked, measured, and reported across a multitude of metricesfolio performance which can be tracked, measured, and reported across a multitude of metrices. It is enabling the facilities manager to work and think differently and to create business cases based on strong, reliable data resulting in a measurable return on investment and smart cost-avoidance/cost-saving techniques which will extend the life of the assets for which they are responsible.The Internet of Things (IoT) and Artificial Intelligence The IoT and AI are transform-ing facilities management. It is a digital revolution and one of the industry's hottest trends. Offering alternative mechanisms for success using simple, low-cost sensor devic-es to provide instant and valu-able data, it is a key enabler in providing smart, resilient, sustainable and productive The rapid evolution of mobile technology has played a dramatic role in the way we operate. It is no longer seen as something for our own personal use. Nowadays, it has become the go-to option for businesses due to its con-venience, speed, and versatility. Smart devices, such as tablets and smartphones have shaped the way in which we interact with one another while providing instant access to news and social channels. The cloud and mo-bile technologies complement each other to give facili-ties managers the best of both worlds, allowing them to report on a job wherever they are, and be alerted to issues while on the move.Communication (NFC) sensors, the fu-ture is likely to become even more high tech with the use of robots to manage facilities. These smart robots, along with smart surveillance and security applications, will automate lot of pro-cesses to increase the efficiency of and, as more and more sophisticated tools and technologies become avail-able, the journey on the innovation curve will continue. Sumit Sabharwal
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