What is CAFM? (Computer-Aided Facility Management)
In today’s fast-paced business environment, it is imperative for organizations to be able to track critical workflows and operations data. For facilities managers that support on-site facility operations, computer-aided facility management (CAFM) software is an all-inclusive tool that automates information, provides data-driven insight, and schedules operational tasks. Enterprises rely on CAFM technology to keep their locations running smoothly and efficiently. With this technology, managers can track everything on-site, from asset allocation to preventative maintenance, all from one single interface.
What does a CAFM application do?
Computer-aided facilities management technology helps companies maintain proper workplace management by offering the ability to see everything happening in each system synchronously. With a CAFM solution, facility managers can track data from every corner of the facility, identify patterns, and make organizational decisions, either onsite or remotely. Companies of all sizes opt to use CAFM services to digitally streamline business processes inside their facilities. Here are six ways property managers can use CAFM applications to optimize their business plans.
- Automate Administrative Tasks
Computer-aided facility management technology allows managers to computerize evaluations, organize invoices and evaluations, and track work orders. Oftentimes, managers need to hire additional help with specific credentials and certifications to complete maintenance tasks on-site at a location. CAFM software allows managers to search for and vet area contractors from a distance. By automating the planning and implementation processes at a site, CAFM systems can save a company time and money.
- Monitor Critical Assets
CAFM software allows companies to take control of their enterprise asset management with the click of a button. The application’s program dashboards can be used to track everything inside a location, which can optimize internal space management and floor plans. Additionally, CAFM is used to track the health of critical assets inside a facility and report back on status and maintenance needs. These systems can track everything from equipment and inventory to the on-premises energy consumption of appliances, hardware systems, and more.
By tracking assets in real-time, CAFM software enables companies to see trends, like how much energy is being used, and optimize spend by automating tasks and scheduling repairs as needed. These capabilities are critical to minimizing a company’s unexpected costs.
- Plan for Emergencies
With computer-aided facility management software, companies can make comprehensive contingency plans for a variety of different scenarios, preparing for anything from a total power failure to an unforeseen weather event. With this technology, facilities managers can use a variety of planning tools, like computer-aided design or CAD, and energy management functions to remain agile in the face of emergency situations. CAFM tools allow managers to tackle quick repairs and facilitate communications with everyone involved in the commercial space.
- Create Data Reports
In addition to managing all components within a facility, CAFM software also integrates with a company’s existing information technology interface to track and trace real estate data. By seeing all information in one place, managers can run trends, download expense reports, and provide leadership with timely data to assist in strategic planning and operational decision-making.
- Optimize Business Costs
CAFM tools are critical to managing a company’s cost savings. The technology is essential to helping a company’s data analysts perform rigorous analysis of on-site information. Computer-aided facilities management systems gather data from every corner of the company and investigate challenges in real time. CAFM software solutions allow facility managers to track spend, examine key performance indicators, and make methodical decisions based on data.
- Manage Operations On-the-Go
CAFM software lets managers keep tabs on their properties even when they are not physically there. Companies can rest easy knowing their facilities, clients, and maintenance management needs are secure with cross-platform management capabilities that translate well on both mobile and web properties.
How Can Companies Use CAFM?
Computer-aided facility management systems provide managers with detailed reporting and data analysis of exactly what is happening inside a location. As a result, computer-aided facility management tools are critical to an organization’s decision-making process.
Facilities management software, like a CAFM program, enables companies to automate and organize logistical responsibilities digitally via a computer or mobile dashboard. Such software integrates with a company’s native property management platform to help businesses streamline how they track and utilize resources inside locations.
CAFM tools give managers the power to complete a variety of administrative tasks—like scheduling, tracking repairs, finalizing work orders, and checking compliance standards—remotely. Property managers can also get an inside look at how facilities are operating, see ongoing work orders, and examine how assets are being used on-site. By analyzing these metrics, enterprise asset management software helps a company to achieve greater efficiency and minimize spending.
Benefits of Computer-Aided Facility Management Technology
Enterprise management software tools have many benefits that are critical to a business’s success. Companies rely on their workplace management systems to:
- Increase business efficiency
- Automate routine tasks
- Manage procedures from a distance
- Track data and asset management
- Build reports
- Track spending and minimize costs
Frequently Asked Questions
Computer-aided facility management (CAFM) software allows a property manager to oversee virtually every facet of their building. CAFM tools can manage multiple technology platforms, everything from asset inventory and maintenance orders to energy consumption and appliance usage.
Yes, computer-aided facilities management technology allows managers to control a property and all necessary processes from a single mobile device or desktop platform. A property manager does not need to be present at a location to use CAFM tools.
By utilizing an enterprise facilities management solution, companies can monitor all operations and track data based on internal processes. By analyzing enterprise-wide data, company leadership can make decisions based on their findings measured against industry statistics.
When buying a CAFM software solution, you should consider the capabilities of the tool. Look into the benefits of the software, like streamlined administrative processes, increased collaboration across properties, or reduced operational costs, to make sure these align with your business goals. When purchasing any tool, it is important to know what the company will be receiving in exchange for its investment in the product.
A Computer-Aided Facilities Management (CAFM) system primarily focuses on managing physical spaces, assets, and maintenance within a facility. It helps with tasks like space management and planning, asset tracking, and maintenance management. On the other hand, an Integrated Workplace Management System (IWMS) is a more comprehensive system that includes CAFM capabilities but also integrates additional functionalities like lease management, sustainability tracking, project management, and real estate portfolio management, providing a broader scope for managing an organization’s entire workplace ecosystem.
Final Thoughts
When making strategic plans for your business operations, it is important to make sure you are using the best tools and software vendors possible. With a computer-aided facilities management tool like Service Channel, you can increase efficiency and business continuity while also having peace of mind knowing your physical workplace is in great shape, no matter how busy you are.