If you run a business, chances are you have a lot of different moving parts to keep track of. Facility management software can help by giving you a central place to manage all your facilities-related data. This can include everything from maintenance and repairs to lease information and energy usage. Having this data in one place can help you save time and money, and make it easier to run your business.
Before you start the process of software selection, however, here are a few questions to ask yourself to make sure you’re choosing the right software for your business.
1. Introduction to Facility Management Software
If you manage a facility, you know how important it is to keep track of maintenance, repairs, and cleaning. Good
facility management software can make your life a lot easier. But how do you choose the right one?There are a few things to consider when choosing facility management software. First, think about what features you need. Do you need something that can track work orders and maintenance requests? Do you need software that can help you schedule repairs and cleaning?
Once you know what features you need, you can start looking at different software options. Compare the features of each software and narrow down your options.
Finally, take some time to read online reviews. See what other facility managers are saying about the software you are considering. This will help you get a better idea of how well the software works.
How to install and use facility management software
Installing a facility management software is easy. Most of them are cloud-based, so all you have to do is sign up and start using them.
That said, if your facility is large with multiple buildings, you might need to set up a server to transfer data from the point of collection to the software. While this isn’t necessary with most software options, it may be necessary in your case.
Regardless, it’s important to keep in mind that there are different ways to use a facility management software—and different features that are necessary for your specific needs.
What does a facility management software do?
A facility management software collects data and gives you a “pulse” of your facilities, which you can then use to make improvements.
A facility manager typically collects this data manually, which takes time and leads to human error. A software solution automates the collection and organization of data, as well as the creation of reports. Reports can then be presented to upper management, even in graphic form, to showcase current performance and highlight areas that need improvement.
The software also makes it easier to collect data in multiple locations. A facility manager might need to check
What are your needs?
Choosing the right facility management software for your organization can be a daunting task. There are a lot of options out there, and it can be difficult to know where to start. The most important thing to do is to first assess your needs. What are the specific pain points that you’re looking to address? Once you’ve identified those, you can start to look for software that will address those needs.
There are a few other things to keep in mind as well. Make sure to read reviews of any software you’re considering, and see if you can get a demo to test it out. It’s also important to consider your budget, and make sure the software you choose is scalable and will grow with your organization.
Assess Your Needs
Sometimes, the needs of your facility can be quite complex. It can be difficult for a software program to cover every need you have. You may find that you get more features and better functionality by using two or more programs together. Before you start looking at software programs, identify your needs in a realistic way. Don’t just go off of what you think you need or what the sales rep told you. Sit down and really think about it.
What is your budget?
When you are looking for a
facility management software, the first thing you need to consider is your budget. How much can you afford to spend on this software? There are many options out there, so you need to make sure you find one that is affordable for you.The next thing you need to consider is what features you need. There are many different software programs out there, so you need to make sure you find one that has the features you need. For example, if you need to track inventory, you need to find a software that has that feature.
Finally, you need to consider ease ofmeet your building’s systems are older and need to be integrated together, or you want 24/7 access to real-time data, a custom on-site solution will meet your needs. Examples include Rhino’s Facility360 or Atria’s OnSite. These solutions are also great for capturing pictures and adding notes to add depth to your facility documentation.
What are your preferences?
When it comes to choosing facility management software, your preferences will be the key to finding the right solution for your organization. Do you need a cloud-based or on-premises solution? Do you need a solution that is mobile-friendly? Do you need a solution that integ Below are some common preferences and the solutions that rates with your existing systems? Once you have answered these questions, you will be able to narrow down your options and find the right solution for your organization.
Cost
When embarking on a software solution, it is likely that your organization wants to make sure that the cost of the software is within budget while still providing the features and functions that you need. Depending on your current costs and number of employees, a software solution can cost anywhere from a few thousand dollars to more than $100,000. The good news is that most facility management software solutions are fairly affordable, especially when you take the upfront costs and licensing into consideration.
Adoption rate
How fast does your organization want to get up and running with a new solution? Some solutions can be deployed in days, while others may take months depending on your current technology
integration ability.
Functions
Does your solution need to cover multiple areas of operation or specific ones? Depending on your current system capabilities and needs, you may need a solution that provides full functionality or one that specializes in a single area such as human resources, facilities management or inventory.
Business data
Does your solution require sensitive personal information or confidential business data? Depending on the software vendor you choose, some provide complete control of data privacy and security and others allow you to set privacy controls yourself
Technical requirements
What level of technical requirements does your organization have? A more advanced technology platform may require staff with more advanced technical skills to implement and support the solution.
An easy-to-use software solution is one that your users will enjoy using because it has user-friendly interfaces, quick response times and clear instructions. A great user experience means that your staff can get the information they need with minimal training and help.
Support plays an important role in keeping your facility management software solution running smoothly. Getting support from the software vendor, as well as training on the solution, will be included with your purchase. However, you may need to consider if your organization needs to provide a dedicated support staff or if users will support each other.
