Computer-Aided Facilities Management (CAFM) is so easy to confuse with all the other business optimization acronyms. Luckily, once you break it down, you will discover how easy to understand it could be. But what exactly is CAFM and how can it help take your business to the next level by helping to streamline your processes? These and many more are what we will be discussing in this post. So, read on to see how you can enjoy the most from it.
What Is CAFM Anyway?
In the most basic terms, CAFM technology integrates business administration, behavioral science, engineering, and architecture to optimize the functionality of your business. In this way, CAFM is a commercial facility and business management tool to streamline your business’s day-to-day operations both in the foreground and behind the scenes.
As defined by the International Facility Management Association, CAFM coordinates an organization’s physical workplace and facilities with its people and operations.
Information Technology
Earlier versions of integrated business optimization were helpful, but CAFM takes things further by incorporating computer-aided design elements and alphanumeric data processing. Collecting and analyzing data assists business managers with data-driven decision-making to improve every aspect of their business.
An example of how CAFM utilizes CAD technology for anyone not quite in the know is interactive floor plans for real estate organizations to enable prospective buyers to walk through homes that aren’t even built yet.
Real Estate Management
Another brilliant reason to start using CAFM is managing how your commercial real estate is utilized and occupied. From room scheduling or booking conferences to long-term lease management, CAFM software offers industry-specialized property management tools.
If you manage or own more than one facility or property, keep track of their maintenance, occupants, lease management, and how well they’re being used. FSI AE for example has a clear and comprehensive breakdown on understanding the capabilities and effectiveness of CAFM that can give you an idea of what to expect.
Maintenance Management
Like other integrated business management tools, CAFM has amazing maintenance management capabilities. Your operating costs are lowered with routine repairs to keep assets running at peak efficiency. After all, preventative repairs and maintenance are far cheaper and more convenient than emergency repairs or replacements.
Administrative Support
CAFM isn’t only focused on physical assets and facilities. Facilities management software also offers a wide range of administrative support capabilities. Administrative support assists with streamlining office staff, logging visitors, and creating form templates for contractors and laborers. This goes a long way to increase your organization’s security by ensuring everyone on your premises is supposed to be there.
An additional way CAFM streamlines the way you do business is to track company cars, maintenance vehicles, or even equipment that needs to move around from place to place. Know where everything is at all times, and know how your assets are being used.
The other side of CAFM administrative support is package tracking. Whether you need to track parcels coming into your facility or outbound packages, CAFM helps you keep an eye on your products.
To Sum It All Up
Computer-aided Facilities Management offers incredible benefits for forward-thinking companies looking to streamline operations. From physical asset management to human resources, CAFM takes the complexity out of business management. Efficiently manage routine repairs and track equipment and parcels, do it all with computer-aided facilities management.
