‘Buildings account for almost 40% of global energy use therefore sustainability has become an important strategic issue’
We spoke to Sameer Saxena, MRICS and Member, Central Working Committee, Global Association for Corporate Services (GACS) to understand his assessment about the current Facilities Management scenario in India and how it compares to global standards, key challenges related to implementing Facilities Management solutions within a large organisation in India, some of the new products and technologies that are revolutionising the Facilities Management space and his plans to further improve Facilities Management within his organisation.
Interviewed by Adeesh Sharma
Question : What is your assessment about the current Facilities Management scenario in India? How does it compare to global standards?
Answer :The Facility management companies in India have a great prospect and broad spectrum. Last few years the FM companies are providing innovative and logic based customised services with assurance of multiple activities and disciplines. The Indian FM Industry is evolving to allow people to future proof certain business, by analysing the tendencies of the future scenario. It has certainly changed the way of working, lot of organisations are implementing new practices and ways to corporate identity, increase flexibility, speed, driving innovation productivity and enhancing knowledge sharing practices. It will embellish an environment that is desirable for the employees to work smoothly.
Question : What are the key challenges related to implementing Facilities Management solutions within a large organisation in India?
Answer : Despite knowing the effectiveness of implementation of sustainability practice thru FM, there are still many companies who hesitate for bring sustainability forward in their process. It also prove that the facilities managers does not have enough capability and skill to response and act through sustainability agenda. Because of that, the ability of the Facilities Managers that has been stated as unique position which have potential for sustainability.
Question : Please tell us about some of the new products and technologies that are revolutionising the Facilities Management space.
Answer : Digital transformation dominated the facilities management sector. When it comes to improvement around quality, production, and longevity of physical assets. Recently there has been a lot of buzz about the benefits of blockchain for the facilities management sector. The use of blockchain, which is a ledger technology used to track activities and actions within a system, is becoming a more important part of the technology used in FM. The Blockchain has the power to revolutionize contract management, work order processing, payment processing, tracking of facilities management and maintenance needs and increase overall facility transparency. It also that the potential to be quickly and easily reviewed, even when maintained by separate departments. This provides a fast and accurate data analysis.
Question : What are your plans to further improve Facilities Management within your organisation?
Answer : Given the fact that buildings account for almost 40% of global energy use, sustainability has become an important strategic topic. As a global player we keep on reviewing the existing system into a sustainable framework, including making life-cycle assessments and undertaking life-cycle building management. This can only be achieved by training employees in maintaining a sustainable workplace and developing new methods to reduce energy levels, waste and carbon footprints overall.
