According to the Frost & Sullivan report, the Facility Management (FM) segment in India is on a steady growth penetration between 25%-30%. The commercial segment contributes more than 90% of the total FM market in comparison to the other facilities that rely on in-house operations. The rising awareness of benefits associated with Facility Management Services (FMS) is expected to drive the future of this segment. Technology is developing rapidly, and FM companies need to keep up with the evolving requirements of their customers. Increased use of the internet and cloud-connected devices have led to tools like mobile apps, that enable facility managers to monitor a building remotely (on or off-site) and make decisions accordingly.
Internet of Things (IoT) and analytics, use of Building Information Modeling (BIM) tools, cloud solutions, drones and robots are some of the key technologies that will have a high impact on the FM sector.
Internet of Things (IoT) and Analytics
IoT (Internet of Things) is used to connect all sensors and devices through building automation and exchange, analyze information and optimize controls automatically. Current applications of Big Data analytics in FM are mainly focused on resource optimization and productivity improvement. Virtual energy audits are made possible by using Big Data analytics. Such installations enable proactive energy management programs that can save approximately 25% of energy.
ISS, an FM service provider, is using IBM’s Watson IoT platform to manage its portfolio of 25,000 buildings globally. ISS and IBM integrate and analyze data from the devices and sensors embedded in buildings.
Building Information Modeling (BIM) tools
BIM tools are used by contractors and architects to develop and scale virtual models of building projects. BIM tools contain in-depth information on buildings, specifically related to several engineering departments along with architectural data. Facility managers use BIM tools to document new spaces, maintain facility documentation and create a streamlined collaboration channel, which helps reduce operating expenses. BIM tools integrated with ongoing work-order programs or facility maintenance software, improves the ability to retrieve operational and maintenance manuals, floor plans and asset information.
Cloud Solutions
Cloud-based FM software provides a centralized database that can be accessed remotely, via any device, at any time. Cloud services provide real-time asset management driven by connectivity, IoT and data analysis. It also reduces IT costs, as the software is maintained and supported by specialists, who take care of maintenance and security updates. Combining cloud solutions with data analytics in FM brings significant productivity gains by connecting the field to the office.
Drones
Drones allow faculty to monitor and gather information from places that are dangerous and hard to reach, such as rooftop equipment or building façades. It helps decrease downtime and accidental risk by providing safe inspection. It also helps reduce the costs associated with site visits, specific labour and downtime. Drones are at an initial stage in Indian FM but are expected to bring unprecedented opportunities for improved efficiency. In the future, drones will be able to serve transportation roles in FM services. For example, FM companies such as G4S have adopted the use of drones in a few facilities with the help of drone service providers.
AI and Robots
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and service robots are rapidly increasing in deployment levels in commercial and industrial buildings for technology optimization and service efficiency enhancement. AI and robotics will drive the transition from smart buildings to cognitive buildings and bring new opportunities for FM efficiency. Organizations can pilot robots for repetitive tasks or partner with suppliers that have expertise in the deployment and maintenance of robots.
The FM market in India is transforming and is driven by technological innovation, new business models, emerging value propositions and creative new service offerings. The key growth areas include remote management, predictive maintenance, building performance, energy management, sustainability, workplace optimization, and risk management.
