In the world of facility management, data is king. But it's not just about having data; it's about having the right data, in the right place, and in a format that's easily accessible and actionable. According to InfraMappa's Vice President of Sales, Katherine Pfeil, better data management can significantly speed up facility maintenance by as much as 20%. This is a crucial point, as it highlights the potential for technology to transform the way facilities teams operate.
The Problem: Information Overload and Inefficiency
Pfeil's statement that "Sixty percent of facility managers waste up to 20% of their time just looking for information" is a stark reminder of the challenges faced by these professionals. The struggle to find and maintain accurate data on building systems and equipment is a common issue. This inefficiency not only hampers productivity but also prevents facilities teams from adopting a more proactive and preventive maintenance approach.
The issue is twofold. Firstly, getting all the necessary data in one place is a monumental task. As Pfeil notes, "If you're going to try to undertake this on your own, it could be years [or even be] nearly impossible." Secondly, maintaining the accuracy of this data over time is a significant challenge. Over 40% of facility managers admit that their data is not consistently accurate, which can render the entire system useless.
The Solution: Data Management as a Service
InfraMappa, along with other companies like MaintainX, Limble CMMS, and eMaint, offers a solution. These third-party vendors provide a comprehensive platform to inventory and manage facility data. By doing so, they free up in-house teams to focus on their core tasks.
The process is straightforward yet effective. Teams can start using the platform immediately, accessing progressive data as it's developed. This means that within a few months, they can begin to see the benefits of improved data management. The final launch provides all the necessary information in a user-friendly, map-like interface.
The beauty of this approach is the ongoing maintenance. Once the data is in the system, the vendor takes care of keeping it accurate and up-to-date. This is a significant advantage of cloud-based solutions, ensuring that the data remains reliable and relevant over time.
The Impact: Time and Resource Savings
The ultimate goal of this data management strategy is to reclaim the 20% of time that facility managers spend searching for equipment details. This time can then be dedicated to actual work, moving the maintenance program towards a more preventive and proactive stance.
Pfeil emphasizes that the "mad scramble" of facility managers, characterized by constant crises and reactive maintenance, doesn't have to be the norm. With the right data management tools, facilities teams can stay calm, collected, and focused on the tasks that truly matter.
In conclusion, better data management is not just a technical solution; it's a strategic shift that can revolutionize facility maintenance. By embracing these technologies, facilities teams can break free from the reactive maintenance trap and move towards a more efficient, proactive future.
