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Article
Publication date: 16 October 2009

Abbas Elmualim and Abayomi Pelumi‐Johnson

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the concepts of intelligent buildings (IBs), and the opportunities offered by the application of computer‐aided facilities management …

3403

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the concepts of intelligent buildings (IBs), and the opportunities offered by the application of computer‐aided facilities management (CAFM) systems.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper definitions of IBs are investigated, particularly definitions that are embracing open standards for effective operational change, using a questionnaire survey. The survey further investigated the extension of CAFM to IBs concepts and the opportunities that such integrated systems will provide to facilities management (FM) professionals.

Findings

The results showed variation in the understanding of the concept of IBs and the application of CAFM. The survey showed that 46 per cent of respondents use a CAFM system with a majority agreeing on the potential of CAFM in delivery of effective facilities.

Research limitations/implications

The questionnaire survey results are limited to the views of the respondents within the context of FM in the UK.

Practical implications

Following on the many definitions of an IB does not necessarily lead to technologies of equipment that conform to an open standard. This open standard and documentation of systems produced by vendors is the key to integrating CAFM with other building management systems (BMS) and further harnessing the application of CAFM for IBs.

Originality/value

The paper gives experience‐based suggestions for both demand and supply sides of the service procurement to gain the feasible benefits and avoid the currently hindering obstacles, as the paper provides insight to the current and future tools for the mobile aspects of FM. The findings are relevant for service providers and operators as well.

Details

Facilities, vol. 27 no. 11/12
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0263-2772

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 21 May 2009

Murray Bainbridge and Edward F. Finch

The purpose of this paper is to assess the role of computer‐aided facilities management (CAFM) in the delivery of knowledge management solutions. It aims to highlight the…

1525

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to assess the role of computer‐aided facilities management (CAFM) in the delivery of knowledge management solutions. It aims to highlight the increasing problem of “attention” as a limited resource amongst facilities stakeholders. The paper attempts to describe the findings of a study to establish the types of CAFM functionality sought by facilities management practitioners.

Design/methodology/approach

The study involved a structured questionnaire study of 110 respondents in Scotland (from 395 administered questionnaires) using a stratified sample. The objective was to obtain a profile of early‐adopters and to identify barriers to further adoption.

Findings

The findings indicate that the use of information technology in the form of CAFM is more likely amongst dedicated FM service providers than organisations with in‐house FM delivery and that medium‐sized enterprises (between 51 and 250 employees) are least likely to be using CAFM. A limiting factor in continued adoption appears to be the diminishing returns resulting from information overload. “Attention” appears to be the limiting resource in an increasingly complex and information hungry environment.

Research limitations/implications

The findings are based on a national survey in Scotland and may have limited reproducibility outside of the UK. Nevertheless the general findings are relevant to the international context.

Practical implications

This paper provides an indicative analysis of current trends in the computer‐aided facilities management (CAFM) arena. It identifies an increasing need to capture “tacit” as well as “explicit” knowledge in such systems.

Originality/value

This work develops the idea of the “attention economy” in the context of facilities management, highlighting the current impasse for information systems aspiring to become knowledge management systems.

Details

Facilities, vol. 27 no. 7/8
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0263-2772

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 16 October 2009

Thomas Madritsch and Michael May

The purpose of this research is a comparative analysis of computer‐aided facilties management (CAFM) implementation projects and procedures in the German‐speaking countries in…

2783

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this research is a comparative analysis of computer‐aided facilties management (CAFM) implementation projects and procedures in the German‐speaking countries in order to derive appropriate implementation models. Since the 1990s CAFM has provided efficient information technology (IT) tools for mapping, evaluation and control of facility management (FM) structures and processes. Despite the multitude of vendors and users in different branches, there is still a lack of transparent and systematic case studies regarding successful CAFM implementations and uncertainty about the market situation.

Design/methodology/approach

In the survey a systematic approach (structured interviews) was used allowing a comparison between cases in different application fields. Because of the geographical location of the project partners, the entire German speaking area could be covered and thus the results of the analysis reflect the state of the art of CAFM implementation and use in the German‐speaking area. Besides the case study the general market situation was investigated by interviewing relevant market players like associations, end‐users, consultants, implementation partners and vendors.

Findings

This paper provides a comparative analysis of the CAFM sectors in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. It presents current trends, technologies, obstacles, challenges, and provides recommendations for a successful CAFM implementation. A systematic analysis of successful projects turned out to provide valuable assistance to both users and software developers resulting in an implementation model.

Research limitations/implications

Although in use for more than 15 years, CAFM still is a relatively new and challenging technological approach and thus by far not all projects can be considered a success. The survey comprises about 20 cases both from the private and public sector. It does not cover all application fields but the relevant sectors and market leading software implementations are considered. In this way, the survey is able to show typical strengths and weaknesses of current CAFM projects.

Practical implications

The findings of the current survey provides valuable guidelines and assistance to FM organizations that start to implement CAFM or need to improve the performance and outcome of their existing projects. Potential users are encouraged to implement their projects in a systematic manner by following the recommendations derived from the survey.

Originality/value

There has been no previous systematic research on IT implementation processes in FM.

Details

Facilities, vol. 27 no. 11/12
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0263-2772

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 December 1991

Ian Donaldson

Provides guidelines on the types of CAFM system available, andfactors to take into account when considering a selection: cost; whowill use the system; user training; maintenance…

Abstract

Provides guidelines on the types of CAFM system available, and factors to take into account when considering a selection: cost; who will use the system; user training; maintenance of the system, software and hardware; evolution of system software; and cable management systems.

Details

Facilities, vol. 9 no. 12
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0263-2772

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 31 December 2004

Jennifer W. Keller and Chris Keller

Most larger companies and corporations who own or lease multiple locations face challenges in designing, tracking and managing property. The following case study examines the work…

1393

Abstract

Most larger companies and corporations who own or lease multiple locations face challenges in designing, tracking and managing property. The following case study examines the work of the Facilities Design and Planning Group at Dow Jones & Co. The study follows the group’s efforts to improve the strategic efficacy of its operations by expanding its implementation of its computer‐aided facility management (CAFM) system and by developing some novel CAFM tools. These technologies are intended to reduce management costs by creating a central and comprehensive resource of facilities information. Both facilities professionals and those seeking facilities‐related information can then use this resource. These tools support day to day facilities operations, from master planning to project design and budgeting, from construction to lease management. Such technology increases accuracy through data validation, but remains flexible in reporting and inquiry. This paper documents both the evolution of these tools, and the decisions that guided their development. It aims to describe in detail the particular business circumstances that influenced Dow Jones’ efforts as well as expose the setbacks in using and expanding various aspects of the technology.

Details

Journal of Facilities Management, vol. 3 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1472-5967

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 April 1992

B. J. Varcoe

Examines the issue of how facilities departments should approachthe potential benefits of computer‐aided facilities management, and howthey can decide whether the implementation…

Abstract

Examines the issue of how facilities departments should approach the potential benefits of computer‐aided facilities management, and how they can decide whether the implementation of a CAFM system will be of value. Considers a wide variety of the facilities that CAFM can offer: CAD, space utilization, asset management, IT/data services, lease/property management, cost/benefit analysis and financial control systems, as well as the benefits CAFM can confer. Concludes that the major benefit of IT investment is the creative power it can deliver.

Details

Property Management, vol. 10 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0263-7472

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 November 1991

Ian Donaldson

New technology has revolutionised the office, making some buildingsof the 1960s unsuitable for modern business. The implementation andbenefits of a Computer Aided Facilities…

Abstract

New technology has revolutionised the office, making some buildings of the 1960s unsuitable for modern business. The implementation and benefits of a Computer Aided Facilities Management (CAFM) system, in enabling facilities managers to manage change and assemble the background information necessary for arriving at the correct decisions, are examined. The CAFM system, combining a computer aided design system with a database, has been enhanced specifically for the use of space planners and structured to take input from drawings and generate output in formats that are directly useful to facilities managers. The need for CAFM and its potential are assessed in part one. In part two the implementation and use of CAFM are examined.

Details

Facilities, vol. 9 no. 11
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0263-2772

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 June 1995

Eric Teicholz

The economic recession in the USA during the late 1980s and early1990s resulted in many organizations putting off scheduled maintenanceof their physical plants. This has resulted…

1773

Abstract

The economic recession in the USA during the late 1980s and early 1990s resulted in many organizations putting off scheduled maintenance of their physical plants. This has resulted in an enormous deferred maintenance backlog that companies are just beginning to attack. Software products are beginning to appear that take the building deficiency data collected during a physical audit and combine it with other data such as cost spreadsheets, financial investment models and computeraided facilities management (CAFM) software. Such integrated software, which can incorporate multimedia information, is proving to be a powerful forecasting and strategic planning tool for management. Describes the technology involved in conditions assessment and how it is being used for real property and facility assessment purposes.

Article
Publication date: 1 December 1986

Andrew Harrison

Previous Facilities articles on computerised facilities management have examined a number of different approaches, from simple spreadsheets to comprehensive CAD/CAFM systems…

Abstract

Previous Facilities articles on computerised facilities management have examined a number of different approaches, from simple spreadsheets to comprehensive CAD/CAFM systems. Regardless of the type of system being installed within an organisation certain common points emerge.

Details

Facilities, vol. 4 no. 12
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0263-2772

Article
Publication date: 1 December 1990

Gerald Hubbard

Discusses the implementation of computer‐aided facilitiesmanagement at US Bancorp, with particular emphasis on how this wasjustified by the facilities department to senior…

Abstract

Discusses the implementation of computer‐aided facilities management at US Bancorp, with particular emphasis on how this was justified by the facilities department to senior management. Examines system configuration and the productivity claims made by consultants and computer‐aided design database (CADD) vendors. Considers project management and asset management with CADD at the organisation.

Details

Facilities, vol. 8 no. 12
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0263-2772

Keywords

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