It’s easy to view facilities management as ripe for remote work in 2020. However, reality shows that leveraging remote work capabilities has been a proven tactic for years in management’s remote age. And according to Facility Executive, “progressive companies counter that these benefits must be balanced with the need to create a company work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration. Remote work is far from an all-or-nothing proposition. The recent retrenchments may mark the start of the next wave of virtual work. Applying the lessons from their initial efforts, companies are training employees to get the most out of a technology-enabled world which allows team members to contribute from home, from co-work environments in the office as well as from traditional workspaces.” As a result, let’s give you five facility management tips to enable remote work through a best-of-breed computerized maintenance management solution CMMS solution.
Use the CMMS to Handle New Software and Hardware Implementations for Remote Work
The first step in our list of facility management tips is simple. Converting a very traditional office workforce to a remote workforce will inevitably require some software or hardware upgrades. Facility managers should leverage a CMMS to handle the implementation and integration of those improvements. Keeping the workflows within a common system further helps in-office and remote staff understand what is happening, what will happen, and when it will be ready.
Always Automate Alerts to Avoid Missed Work Orders
Leveraging a CMMS also offers the opportunity to avoid missed work orders through automation. Automated alerts and dynamic notifications provide facility managers with a way to keep tabs on all activities. In a sense, that enables management by exception, focusing on high-priority needs that require intervention and allowing for smoother multi-site portfolio management. Such value continues to grow as businesses expand.
Give Workers the Ability to Respond to, Resolve, or Share Work Orders
Success in remote management depends on the ability to collaborate. Modern businesses must give workers the ability to respond to, resolve, and share information on work orders. That includes creating tickets for field service vendors, processing invoices, and following up on additional needs.
Use Analytics to Understand Field Service Vendor Performance
Applied data analytics further improves the value of a CMMS in enabling remote work. Facility managers may use analytics to measure field service vendor performance, understand what has happened, and proactively manage expenses. In turn, it reduces the risk of overspending within a given duration and improves overall operational excellence.
Reduce In-Person Contact by Using Centralized Storage That Works Across Any Internet-Enabled Device
Using a CMMS is closely related to less human-to-human contact too. Leveraging a centralized CMMS that runs on Internet-based code can also add value by reducing overhead IT costs and streamlining access across mobile devices. Remember that mobile device access is critical to enabling remote work regardless of industry or vertical.
Apply a Robust CMMS That Makes These Facility Management Tips a Reality
Rolling with the punches is the name of the game in modern facility management. And by applying the top facility management tips to enable remote work, successful businesses can thrive throughout any disruption, improve worker productivity, lower overhead costs, and realize additional benefits. Request a consultation by visiting Cushman & Wakefield’s Facilities Solutions online today.
