i-FM: The online resource for facilities professionals

 

As end users become closely involved in the CAFM procurement process, their expectations will have greater influence on system developments. Business drivers such as lower cost of ownership, ease of deployment and access will put vendors under increasing pressure to provide web-enabled systems accessible and deliverable across the spectrum of communications technologies.

 

Currently, software solutions from some CAFM suppliers are web-based for key parts of the system only. However, end users should consider buying a completely web-enabled solution, built with the needs of non-specialist users in mind. Whilst it is readily accepted that it can never offer the same level of rich user experience as a win product, a true web-enabled CAFM solution allows centralised deployment and control, thus providing cost benefits in terms of infrastructure and IT maintenance, whilst allowing users flexible access from any web-enabled computer.

 

As working practices evolve, an increasingly influential element of Facilities Management (FM) is staffed by remote and mobile workers, dependant on flexible and instant access to information held on the CAFM solution, wherever they are, including at home. They expect to retrieve this information from portable devices and mobile handsets via a web browser as a matter of course.

 

Concept Evolution™ is a web-enabled CAFM solution, retaining key features, functionality and compatibility with previous generations of Concept™ solutions. Concept Evolution™ merges powerful functionality with sophisticated technology to extend facilities management across borders, optimising process efficiency, accuracy and productivity throughout the FM life-cycle.

 

Easily accessed through a standard web browser, Concept Evolution™ offers an extremely powerful, flexible and easy-to-use software platform that leverages the web to provide a single, integrated view of facilities and maintenance activities across an entire property portfolio. By centralising data and processes throughout the facility management life-cycle, Concept Evolution™ provides a secure, seamless flow of information across locations, divisions, operations, people and projects.

 

Designed with scalability in mind, Concept Evolution™ functionality is offered through a number of application packs suitable for standalone use through multi-user deployment across a diverse property portfolio. Application packs include: Helpdesk only, Asset Management, Cyclical Maintenance and Facilities Booking.

 

Concept Evolution™ is suited to organisations managing single facilities through to global property portfolios, and for those focussing on a singular aspect of facilities operations or multi-service delivery, for example PFI projects. Concept Evolution™ allows organisations to deliver services on time and on budget, driving significant cost savings.

 

The future of CAFM is increasingly driven by a globalised view of facilities management and the services it provides. Innovative attitudes and expectations in international markets will be a positive influence on UK CAFM strategies. With Concept Evolution™, global organisations can deploy their CAFM solution throughout their infrastructure, regardless of international borders, rather than focusing on individual buildings or premises at local level, and without impact any to functionality.

 

Emerging markets in the world's construction hotspots, particularly Africa, China and the Middle East, are driving a new understanding of the importance of establishing the role of Asset Management at the earliest stage in a development. Concept Evolution™ can become an integrated part of the planning process for the way buildings will be used by their occupants.

 

FSI have, with Concept Evolution™, provided a fully web-enabled CAFM solution in response to the growing sophistication of the global market's requirements, bringing CAFM to the fore as the FM service delivery tool of choice around the world. CAFM is emerging as a crucial enabler of, and mechanism for, FM service delivery and excellence.