Johannesburg, 17 Feb 2017
For facilities management companies, information systems, applications and technology are essential in managing regulatory complexities, lowering costs, leveraging data and offering more services. This was the message at the Softworx enterprise asset management (EAM) breakfast event for customers on 25 January 2017.
The audience included maintenance managers, building managers and executives in a wide range of industries from facilities management to mining, manufacturing and the public sector.
Delivering the keynote address, Tsebo Facilities Solutions CEO Dr John Wentzel, described Tsebo's expansion into Africa over more than 10 years, and its response to challenges encountered in the 22 countries Tsebo operates in across Africa and the Middle East.
Challenges comprise regulatory and governance issues; inaccurate, incomplete and unclean data; maturity of supply chains to support systems and provide replacement parts; sourcing and validating the required skills and expertise; and clearly understanding and maintaining quality standards. Tsebo responded to these challenges with strategies including centralisation of information systems; process standardisation; using technology to optimise skills required in the field; and measuring everything to leverage data in total lifecycle modelling for long-run investment plans. With record-keeping and evidencing in a central repository, companies can successfully navigate an increasing regulatory burden, especially with five different legal systems operating on the continent.
According to Softworx EAM subject matter expert Barry Diedericks, "67% of companies consider facilities among their top four cost-drivers, 75% of electricity consumption comes from building operations, 35% of assets are facilities and buildings". Talking energy management solutions, EOH Energy Cybernetics CEO Frikkie Malan said: "energy efficiency can and should have a risk-free bottom-line impact - we have business models to achieve that".
Dr Wentzel also envisioned how technology will help industry lower costs with innovations such as 3D printing of needed components on-site as needed, avoiding having to source locally or moving centrally-held inventory across borders. In addition, a centralised technical specialist, using augmented/virtual reality, can make his expertise available in servicing sophisticated equipment anywhere at anytime on the continent. 'As manageable space in square metres declines, facilities management companies will have to offer more services in that same space - make sure you have the systems to support those offerings.'
Diedericks talked about using EAM solutions to manage assets and facilities in diverse conditions and different industry environments, such as using maintenance data to plan cost-effective building revamps in facilities management (e.g. change the flooring). EAM applications are also effective in optimising shop space versus retail space in retail; raising up-times of life-saving equipment in health; keeping guests happy in hospitality; ensuring availability of health and safety gear in industry.
Malan spoke about the need to move from collecting data to actionable information, "Metering is an enabling technology, it will not save you energy until you act on it." He added: "When you measure electricity consumption, you can then do energy bill verification and tariff optimisation." Customers attending gave the session a 97% approval rating, with one remarking, "Great informative session on what is happening in the asset space" and others commenting, "Well done, very valuable" and "It was informative, I really enjoyed it".
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