These challenges can be broadly categorised into six key areas: data governance and quality, data fragmentation and siloed systems, technical infrastructure and integration, cybersecurity and risk management, data overload and processing and data ownership and transparency.
Here are our recommendations on how best to address these challenges, from our thought-leading Report ‘The Importance of Data in Facilities Management’:-
1. Data Governance and Quality
Ensuring that data is accurate, consistent and properly managed is crucial for deriving meaningful insights. However, many FM organisations struggle with inconsistent data entry practices, outdated records and a lack of standardised data management frameworks. Poor data governance leads to unreliable analytics, which can compromise decision-making.
2. Data Fragmentation
Many organisations operate multiple, disconnected systems, such as Computer-Aided Facilities Management (CAFM) software, energy management platforms and asset tracking tools. The lack of integration between these systems makes it difficult to obtain a unified view of operations, limiting the effectiveness of data-driven decision-making.
3. Technical Infrastructure and Integration
Organisations frequently rely on legacy systems that are not designed to support modern data analytics. Upgrading these systems requires significant investment in new technologies, software and skilled personnel. Additionally, ensuring seamless integration between different platforms is complex, as data transfer protocols and APIs must be carefully managed to maintain data integrity.
4. Cybersecurity and Risk Management
As FM operations become increasingly digital, the risk of cyber threats, data breaches and regulatory non-compliance rises. Protecting sensitive data from cyber-attacks requires robust cyber-security protocols, regular system audits and adherence to data protection regulations such as GDPR. However, many FM teams lack the expertise needed to manage these risks effectively.
5. Data Overload and Processing
With the rapid proliferation of Internet of Things (IoT) devices and smart building technologies, FM organisations have access to vast amounts of real-time data. While this presents an opportunity for enhanced decision-making, it also creates difficulties in processing, analysing and interpreting the data efficiently. Without appropriate data analytics tools and expertise, FM professionals may struggle to extract valuable insights from this information.
6. Data Ownership and Transparency
Establishing clear data ownership between FM service providers, clients and third-party vendors can be challenging. Additionally, some organisations hesitate to share data freely due to concerns about confidentiality and competitive advantage. This lack of transparency can prevent collaboration and hinder the development of comprehensive data-driven strategies.
Conclusions
To overcome these challenges, FM organisations should focus on improving data governance, investing in modern infrastructure, enhancing cybersecurity measures and fostering a culture of data literacy.
Standardising data practices, implementing integrated platforms and training staff in data analytics will also help maximize the benefits of data-driven FM. By addressing these barriers, FM professionals can leverage analytics to drive operational efficiency and strategic decision-making in the future.
To access a free, full copy of this comprehensive Report, please email us at research@wma-consultancy.co.uk
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