As the facilities management profession continues to evolve at a rapid pace, Service Works Global (SWG) has conducted research in partnership with leading journals FMJ and FM magazine to understand how FM professionals are using technology in their roles, the direction of their company’s work, and if they feel tech is supporting them as much as expected – or if it’s more hype than helpful.
For the first time, the survey was conducted across the UK and Australia concurrently in order to gain an accurate reflection of each market at the same moment, to share the priorities and challenges from across the world, and to see how close at heart two geographically distant sectors are.
The results of this year’s survey have been insightful, particularly in showing the similarities and differences in FM across the world. While many of the results were mirrored in various degrees, they show that the UK is undergoing a cultural shift and creating new strategies that balance technology and trade skills. Meanwhile, Australia is ready to take FM to the next level but is strategically planning for the right time and tools, with several urging others to follow proper business processes in order to implement the right software. Underlying both countries is a theme of untapped potential.
Data-led decision making was key across both countries, with FM teams becoming more reliant on software like CAFM systems to collect, manage and analyse this data. This in turn has paved the way for new services like BIM and IoT, and we’re seeing higher percentages of the industry investing in these processes.
Download the full survey report here.
Thank you to everyone who took part in this research and provided essential insight into international FM.
