{"id":8487,"date":"2015-03-16T15:44:24","date_gmt":"2015-03-16T15:44:24","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.swgnew.com\/na\/news\/the-future-of-everything\/"},"modified":"2015-03-16T15:44:24","modified_gmt":"2015-03-16T15:44:24","slug":"the-future-of-everything","status":"publish","type":"news","link":"https:\/\/www.swg.com\/na\/news\/the-future-of-everything\/","title":{"rendered":"The Future of Everything"},"content":{"rendered":"

To view a\u00a0PDF of the original article, click here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Barely a week goes by without a report claiming that millions of jobs will become obsolete\u00a0in the coming years, taken over by machines. Every time you speak to anyone even vaguely\u00a0interested in technology you know it won\u2019t be long before the \u2018internet of things\u2019 is brought up.\u00a0With this in mind FMJ asks what industry experts think the workplace of twenty years will look\u00a0like, and what role CAFM<\/a> will play.<\/p>\n

Many people argue that the world is\u00a0now changing faster than ever. A\u00a0child born in the middle ages would look\u00a0around on his deathbed and see more or less exactly the same surroundings as\u00a0he had all those years before. Now for a\u00a0child born in 2014, things will be virtually\u00a0unrecognisable by the time they meet\u00a0their maker. This is true of the workplace\u00a0as much as anything else. \u201cTen years ago \u2018work\u2019 was viewed as the\u00a0place where people went, rather than the\u00a0job carried out, or the output achieved,\u201d\u00a0explains the CEO of Service Works Group\u00a0Gary Watkins.<\/p>\n

\u201cBut, thanks to emerging new\u00a0technologies, together with cultural and\u00a0economic changes, people now increasingly\u00a0work flexibly by time and location in a way\u00a0that fits their own needs, as well as the\u00a0organisation\u2019s working requirements. In the future, there will still be offices but, as a\u00a0result of increased traffic congestion, with\u00a0improved technology and infrastructure\u00a0supporting more effective home working,\u00a0the workplace will become a central service\u00a0point providing a temporary base for\u00a0interaction.\u201d<\/p>\n

One man who seems to be positively\u00a0salivating through his daydreams about the future is Compton Darlington, business\u00a0development director at FSI. \u201cIt\u2019s an\u00a0endless source of amusement for those of\u00a0us interested in technology to speculate on\u00a0what advances our imagination is capable\u00a0of dreaming up,\u201d he says. \u201cThankfully as the\u00a0pace and complexity of everyday technology provides some clarity about what is possible\u00a0we believe we can have a better shot at what\u00a0the future may look like.\u00a0We have to distinguish however between\u00a0the short term gimmicky trends and\u00a0the more fundamental game changing\u00a0developments that have a more profound\u00a0effect on our everyday lives.”<\/p>\n

Many into One<\/strong>
\n\u201cWhat is indisputable however is the blurring\u00a0of the lines between personal and workplace\u00a0technology. It wasn\u2019t so very long ago when\u00a0a camera, video film, Calculator, alarm\u00a0clock, diary, music player, newspaper, email, active map, latest weather etc. required a\u00a0myriad of devices and publications. Now\u00a0all of this is in the palm of your hand in the\u00a0form of your smartphone, some of them an\u00a0essential part of working life.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Workforce<\/strong>
\nImran Akram is director of fm24, Macro\u2019s\u00a0own helpdesk and CAFM service and he\u00a0feels that, though things are clearly going\u00a0to keep changing, there is no threat to\u00a0human being\u2019s presence in the workplace.\u00a0\u201cCertainly in FM, resource efficiencies can\u00a0be implemented by making use of CAFM which in turn can be integrated to other\u00a0systems. The flow of information can be\u00a0automated with triggers programmed to\u00a0route the communication to the desired\u00a0destination whether that is an SMS, email or\u00a0report. However, human input will always be\u00a0required, no matter how minimal that is.\u201d<\/p>\n

The make up of the workforce and the\u00a0way it interacts will definitely be different\u00a0though. Watkin\u2019s insists, \u201cYou may also\u00a0be using your own technology devices at\u00a0work, and communicating with colleagues\u00a0you are never likely to meet, or even virtual\u00a0colleagues, increasingly working across multiple countries and time zones. If current\u00a0trends continue, workforces look likely to\u00a0become far more dispersed, working\u00a0with greater efficiency for shorter periods\u00a0of time. The age of staff in the workplace\u00a0will become more extreme; staff will retire\u00a0later and young bright technologically\u00a0astute graduates will have greater\u00a0negotiating power.\u201d<\/p>\n

But how will CAFM and other computer\u00a0systems evolve to meet the changing needs\u00a0of the workplace? \u201cCAFM will evolve to be\u00a0the front end of multiple systems,\u201d Akram\u00a0predicts. \u201cThis means that the operating\u00a0FM and\/or client will be able to refer to a\u00a0single system in order to obtain high level\u00a0information for all aspects of the facility.\u00a0Such dashboards in the CAFM will display\u00a0operational, financial, utility consumption,\u00a0procurement and sustainability data.\u201d<\/p>\n

Experts from MacLaren Software have\u00a0already made their predictions for how\u00a0CAFM will evolve this year. \u201cDemand for\u00a0CAFM Explorer from customers moving\u00a0away from spreadsheet based systems or\u00a0amalgamating several systems into one was\u00a0incredibly high in 2014,\u201d says Claire Visser, VP of facilities and infrastructure. \u201cIn 2015,\u00a0I believe we will see even more demand\u00a0from companies and facilities departments\u00a0striving to make the most of technology\u00a0to increase management efficiencies and\u00a0cut costs.\u201d<\/p>\n

Flexibility<\/strong>
\nHer colleague Paul Cross, implementation\u00a0services manager, feels that much of the\u00a0demand will be for flexible services. \u201cI think\u00a0we are likely to see a big increase in demand\u00a0for mobile – CAFM will need to be out in\u00a0the field rather than taking an office based\u00a0approach. More people on location reacting\u00a0in real time will lead to better processes and\u00a0cost savings.<\/p>\n

\u201cTo answer this increase in demand we\u00a0are expecting CAFM Web and CAFM Engineer\u00a0to be popular requests in 2015. CAFM\u00a0Web has been designed to provide users\u00a0(from helpdesk operators to suppliers and\u00a0tradespeople) with an intuitive web based\u00a0interface. CAFM Engineer further extends\u00a0this functionality by giving tradespeople and\u00a0suppliers access to their work orders via a\u00a0web-enabled mobile device.\u201d<\/p>\n

Service Work\u2019s Watkins has his owns views\u00a0on such developments. \u201cA good software\u00a0system is scalable, configurable, and easily\u00a0adapted to meet \u00a0evolving business needs\u00a0and, along with advancing technologies, continuous improvements in FM software\u00a0technology are enabling new functionality\u00a0to evolve in-line with current user needs,\u00a0and to respond to future facilities and built\u00a0environment requirements.\u00a0\u201cMobile working is perhaps the most\u00a0extreme and most emergent form of flexible\u00a0working, with the corresponding technology\u00a0to support the trend transforming\u00a0the workplace. Armed with powerful,\u00a0lightweight ever smaller digital devices, and ubiquitous connectivity, workers are\u00a0freed not just from the office but from the\u00a0need to be in touch so regularly. A growth\u00a0of consumer portable devices, from tablets\u00a0to smartphones, is spearheading the trend\u00a0for Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) and this\u00a0trend will continue to grow, along with\u00a0the rise in mobile FM software apps. The\u00a0rapid revolution of mobile technology will\u00a0continue to have a dramatic impact on daily\u00a0FM operations. Facilities managers already\u00a0support, not just those in a fixed workplace, but those working across multiple locations,\u00a0and mobile technology is a key enabler in\u00a0the way in which we can communicate,\u00a0so that everyone can work flexibly and\u00a0remotely, approaching work in a new, more\u00a0fluid manner.<\/p>\n

\u201cMoving to a truly mobile solution will\u00a0enable FMs to enjoy greater flexibility while\u00a0on the move, which will result in improved\u00a0business performance through increased\u00a0scheduling efficiencies, streamlined\u00a0task logging, and improved productivity\u00a0and accuracy. Mobile devices will make possible online collaboration with industry\u00a0experts and increased upskilling, thereby\u00a0improving job rectification times and\u00a0first-time fix rates, as well as supporting QR\u00a0code functionality to scan and access asset\u00a0data or service history for more optimised\u00a0asset management. Mobile technology\u00a0is an important adjunct to the QR code\u00a0for tracking and managing asset data and location mapping with GPS and GIS\u00a0applications, and most mobile devices have\u00a0in-built GPS systems for both short and longterm\u00a0facilities planning and management.”<\/p>\n

The Cloud<\/strong>
\n\u201cAnd the future is also in the cloud for FM\u00a0software systems as cloud and mobile\u00a0technologies complement each other.\u00a0Pervasive cloud technology means that a\u00a0facilities manager is able to log or report\u00a0on a job anywhere, and people on the\u00a0move can be alerted to issues and review\u00a0details on a mobile device. Eliminating\u00a0the need to download and install\u00a0applications, cloud computing will provide\u00a0even greater efficiency as all processing and storage is maintained remotely by\u00a0the cloud server, providing an effective\u00a0solution for organisations struggling with\u00a0inadequate IT infrastructure or support.\u00a0Many believe that cloud computing will increase facilities management software\u00a0use dramatically, particularly for smaller\u00a0organisations where there is a need for\u00a0software but the capital expenditure can\u2019t\u00a0be justified. Driven by cloud technology the Software as a Service (SaaS) model is\u00a0seeing increasingly rapid adoption. This\u00a0provides a highly agile solution which allows\u00a0businesses to outsource the management\u00a0of their FM software and benefit from rapid\u00a0implementation without capital outlay.\u00a0The browser-based nature of the cloud also\u00a0makes it simpler for companies to move\u00a0people around. An entirely cloud-based setup using Wi-Fi means, other than the\u00a0furniture, nothing has to change.”<\/p>\n

\u201cWe will continue to see an ongoing trend\u00a0for a reduction in workplace space per\u00a0person, thanks largely to agile working,\u00a0the rise in open plan offices, the creation\u00a0of more space for collaborative working,\u00a0and developments in communications\u00a0technology which allow people to work\u00a0anywhere. This means that people rely less\u00a0on the space provided by the organisation,\u00a0and more on the technology itself. At the\u00a0same time there is much more awareness\u00a0among occupiers of the relationship\u00a0between space efficiency and cost of\u00a0occupation and a desire to reduce energy\u00a0use, both as a cost to the business and to\u00a0improve sustainability. FM software will\u00a0support a strategic approach to space\u00a0management creating numerous workplace\u00a0advantages such as improved space\u00a0efficiency, reductions in vacant space, better management of office expansion and downsizing,\u00a0improved\u00a0staff productivity, improved communication\u00a0and compliance.”<\/p>\n

\u201cAlso with sustainability likely to remain\u00a0a key concern for businesses of the future,\u00a0FM software offers the agility to support\u00a0smart building management. It will enable\u00a0the workplace to become more joined up and automated, whilst reducing energy\u00a0consumption.”<\/p>\n

\u201cFM technology can make a positive\u00a0impact in the future, shaping and supporting\u00a0the changes that will have dramatic impacts\u00a0on the workplace as we know it and,\u00a0whether you\u2019re an in-house FM team or a\u00a0service provider, you must deliver the most\u00a0appropriate up-to-date software solutions\u00a0and working practices or you will risk getting\u00a0left behind.\u201d<\/p>\n

Connections<\/strong>
\nCompton Darlington thinks that:\u00a0\u201cThe next quantum leap is in the nature of how joined up our various technologies\u00a0can be.\u00a0\u201cOne of our employees recently suffered a\u00a0burglary at home, where a tablet device was\u00a0among a number of items stolen.\u00a0\u201cThe less than tech savvy burglars however\u00a0were unaware that the selfie pictures they\u00a0were taking with the stolen tablet were\u00a0being displayed on other devices with the\u00a0same account, still in the possession of\u00a0the victim.”<\/p>\n

\u201cTurning up your central heating whilst\u00a0you\u2019re out using your smartphone, controlling your lights while miles away from\u00a0home, keeping an eye on what your pet is\u00a0up to when no one\u2019s at home, again viewed\u00a0from your smartphone where ever you\u00a0happen to be.”<\/p>\n

\u201cIf we take all of these advancements\u00a0and try to speculate what it means for the\u00a0working landscape in 15-20 years time,\u00a0you could perhaps make a justifiable guess\u00a0at wholesale job losses as technology\u00a0replaces us.\u00a0However the tendency when these\u00a0predictions are made is to forget that\u00a0technology is a tool to be used to solve\u00a0a particular problem, it\u2019s not a solution\u00a0in itself.”<\/p>\n

\u201cA one size fits all set it and forget it answer to the many challenges we face is impossible\u00a0to achieve, when those challenges are\u00a0ever changing. Even with the advent of self\u00a0learning AI (artificial intelligence) we are\u00a0only creating solutions to problems we can\u00a0envisage. Human common sense must be applied to these tools to ensure the many\u00a0unplanned variables that can occur are\u00a0actually being addressed.”<\/p>\n

\u201cSo yes without doubt machines will\u00a0continue to have an impact on the working\u00a0landscape but there will always be a\u00a0tendency to exaggerate the scale and actual\u00a0impact of this.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Service Works takes part in an article by FMJ (Facilities Management Journal), asking what industry experts think the workplace of twenty years will look like, and what role CAFM will play.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":10,"featured_media":5556,"template":"","categories":[185,60,64],"class_list":["post-8487","news","type-news","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-cafm","category-fm","category-mobile-technology"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.swg.com\/na\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/news\/8487","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.swg.com\/na\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/news"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.swg.com\/na\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/news"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.swg.com\/na\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/10"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.swg.com\/na\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/5556"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.swg.com\/na\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=8487"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.swg.com\/na\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=8487"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}