Digital Transformation - Energy In Energy But Lagging Behind Elsewhere

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12 December 2019 | Updated 13 December 2019

In the energy efficiency field there has been a high rate of digital transformation - but elsewhere in FM just seven per cent are using new technology to stay ahead of the curve, claims a new report from Mitie.

The report, Digital Transformation: Is Facilities Management Ready?, reveals that the seven per cent are constantly seeking to identify, trial and implement new technology solutions but the vast majoring are not. Almost one in ten (8%) say they are not interested in deploying new technology, with almost a third (32%) saying they will only use mature or proven technology. A further eight per cent say, although they are interested in new technology, they simply don’t have the bandwidth.

Energy efficiency

The research shows energy efficiency is an FM discipline that bucks the trend by some considerable margin, with 92% of FMs saying they are already making progress in digitising their energy management.

The research showed that respondents believed supporting energy management with digital infrastructure will help businesses manage the impact of energy prices, which are expected to spike over the next five years.

Upping their game

When asked whether they agreed that facilities management will have undergone extensive digital transformation by the year 2030, four fifths of FMs (80%) strongly or mostly agreed with this. This suggests that over the next ten years FMs who are currently wary of new technology will have been convinced otherwise, whilst those struggling with capacity will have found a way to tackle this restraint.

ROI

With over a third (35%) stating that cost efficiency is the most important factor shaping FM service delivery today, any technology will need to prove return on investment. However, along with energy efficiency, security and access control, and mechanical and electrical (M&E) maintenance are also highlighted as the areas deemed most likely to see the rate of digital transformation rise. Likewise, many FMs (90% for security/access control and 84% for M&E maintenance) cite that they are already making progress in digitising these areas.

Lack of knowledge

For many FMs, the adoption issue is closely linked to a lack of knowledge. Around a third of respondents (31%) reported ‘lack of internal expertise to select suitable facilities management solutions’ or a ‘lack of understanding of digital transformation technologies’ (27%), as the top barriers to investing. Moreover, three in ten (30%) also cited ‘lack of staff expertise to run facility efficiency projects’ and a ‘lack of staff bandwidth to analyse and act on data’ (28%) as the top barriers to realising business value from it.

Mitie solution

To help address these issues, Mitie has continued to invest in technology and embed it into the range of services it provides. This includes its data-driven Connected Workspace offering, as well as its MiTec centre in Belfast, Global Security Operations Centre (GSOC) in Northampton and Service Operations Centre (SOC) in Bracknell. The insights gained from these technologies and centres of expertise allow Mitie to offer customers an increased level of flexibility and control, bringing the benefits of digital transformation to their FM services.

Peter Nisbet, MD, Energy, Mitie, said: “The research clearly shows that the digital transformation of energy management will be central to delivering increased productivity and cost savings to the whole facilities management sector. Embracing technology not only improves energy efficiency and reduces carbon but is also key for organisations to mitigate against the impact of rising energy prices.”

To download a copy of the report - Click Here

Article written by Brian Shillibeer | Published 12 December 2019

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