CAFM Software - Supporting Flexible Working

The modern workforce has high expectations not just about the tools and technology that they are provided with to perform their job, but also around flexible working schedules and their overall work environment. Retaining top performing employees is essential for any business, and for the employee; a vital concern when choosing a potential job can be whether the potential employer supports flexible work patterns such as remote or home working.

For organisations, flexible workplace strategies can deliver numerous benefits, including reduced property rental costs. Real estate occupancy costs are often the second highest business expenditure after staff salaries. However, the successful management of flexible working strategies requires a carefully considered approach, from a facilities as well as a human resources perspective.

Web and mobile based CAFM (Computer Aided Facilities Management) software has
allowed FM professionals to leave the confines of their desk computer to work in an
efficient and paperless real-time work environment. But it is an often overlooked fact that
CAFM software plays a key role in supporting the flexible working patterns of staff in
other departments across any business.

By integrating CAFM software with Bookings and Space Management systems,
Facilities Managers can effectively plan work space for employees who do not require
full time office-based accommodation. Web-based CAFM software tools support hot
desking strategies by enabling staff to book hot desk space or meeting rooms for the days
and times that they are required to work in the office.

Access can be flexibly controlled with the CAFM software system so that any given
employee can only book a work space or room located within a given building, floor or
geographic area. Space utilisation information can in turn be reported upon and analysed
within the CAFM software by the Facilities team to deliver an accurate insight into the
utilisation of shared workspace.

In a further level of convergence, CAFM software and BMS (Building Management
Systems) can be integrated to ensure that services such as heating and lighting are
automatically switched on when a workspace or meeting room has been booked, and
then switched off once the space is no longer in use, thereby optimising the working
environment when in use whilst delivering cost and sustainability savings for the
business.

By leveraging the latest developments in CAFM software, Facilities Managers can create
a more productive and effective workplace. CAFM Software can play a core role in
increasing staff output, optimising productivity, improving cost and energy efficiency and
ultimately, boosting business performance. Facilities Managers must continue to embrace
the CAFM Software tools at their disposal in order to effectively anticipate and meet the
needs of a demanding workforce.