Sensor-based facilities management vs. a calendar-based approach

Traditional facilities management best practice relies heavily on effective scheduling, providing maintenance services at agreed intervals to meet a service level agreement.

However, with the increasing uptake of Internet of Things (IoT) sensors and artificial intelligence in the FM space, calendar-based scheduling may soon be a thing of the past. While a calendar-based approach may appear more straightforward, a sensor-based approach offers several benefits for maximized asset performance, increased operational efficiency, improved occupier experience, and efficient energy usage.

Proactive maintenance

A calendar-based approach to FM typically involves scheduling regular maintenance tasks based on the manufacturer’s recommendations or a set schedule. However, this method fails to take into account real-time data from sensors that can detect potential issues before they become problems.

Sensor-based facilities management, on the other hand, allows for proactive maintenance by monitoring equipment performance and alerting maintenance teams when issues are detected in real-time. At the other end of the spectrum, sensors can also confirm that maintenance is not required, reducing wastage as a result of unnecessary visits.

Maximized asset performance

By identifying issues early, sensor-based facilities management can help maximize asset performance scheduling maintenance proactively, catching potential issues early and in doing so reducing downtime and minimizing repairs. This approach can also help optimize maintenance schedules to ensure that maintenance is carried out at the right time, without interrupting critical business operations.

Similarly, when equipment is performing well and there are no signs of performance degradation, maintenance schedules can be extended, reducing costs by avoiding unnecessary visits and replacement of parts earlier than necessary.

Increased operational efficiency

A calendar-based approach can be inefficient as it does not take into account real-time data from sensors that can help identify areas for improvement in operational processes. Sensor-based facilities management, on the other hand, can provide valuable insights into how to optimize operations, reduce waste, and increase efficiency.

For example, by analysing sensor data, maintenance teams can identify patterns of equipment usage and adjust maintenance schedules to fit the specific needs of a building, reducing downtime and increasing productivity compared to a “one-size-fits-all” approach.

Improved occupier experience

A calendar-based approach to facilities management is a good way to prove that tasks are being completed in line with a service level agreement. However, it does not take into account the needs of occupiers, and may result in a poor occupier experience even though the service is being delivered exactly as specified.

Sensor-based facilities management can help improve occupier experience by ensuring that services are delivered according to need, allowing FM teams to capture efficiencies where maintenance is not required, and respond promptly in situations where additional support might be needed. By deploying resources in a more data-driven way, FM teams can improve occupier experience whilst simultaneously reducing costs.

Efficient energy usage

By monitoring equipment performance in real-time, sensor-based facilities management can help identify areas for improvement in energy efficiency. For example, sensors can detect when equipment is running inefficiently, allowing maintenance teams to make adjustments to reduce energy usage without disrupting business operations.

With occupancy and environmental sensors combined with effective sub-metering, building managers can make informed decisions about energy usage. For example, light sensors could help teams to optimize the use of natural light, reducing reliance on artificial lighting and improving occupier wellbeing whilst reducing energy costs.

Is it time to move away from calendar-based FM?

The debate between sensor-based facilities management and a calendar-based approach highlights the trade-offs between reactive and proactive maintenance strategies.

While a calendar-based approach may be easier to implement, a sensor-based FM approach offers the potential for maximized asset performance, increased operational efficiency, improved occupier experience, efficient energy usage, and more proactive maintenance. By leveraging real-time data from sensors, facility managers can make informed decisions about maintenance schedules and optimize the use of resources, leading to cost savings and a more sustainable business model.

While there are clear benefits to moving to a sensor-based approach, this will require a shift in mindset, however. Many facilities teams rely on calendar-based scheduling to prove adherence to an SLA, and moving away from this will require changes to how performance levels are measured. This could be a worthwhile effort, though, as sensor-based facilities management has the potential to simultaneously reduce operating costs whilst delivering an enhanced overall experience for occupiers.

Lead the charge to sensor-based FM with MRI Software

AI and IoT sensors have the potential to revolutionise your approach to FM, boosting performance and operational efficiency whilst increasing customer satisfaction.

To find out more, download our [ebook], The role of AI in facilities management.

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