November - 20228 PropTechOutlookOPINIONIN MYSMART FM ­ ARE WE THERE YET?By Robin Leow FRICS, (Real Estate), MSc (Mgt), Executive Director, Head of Facilities Management, Savills SingaporeWhere are we at currently? Neural networks programming with machine learning capabilities managing the call centres where cases are logged in on Facilities Management (FM) feedback. Callers are managed by natural language processing virtual assistants and chatbots and directed to a thropomorphised robotics performing the FM tasks. FM operations are conducted with more anthropomorphic functions and using Robotic Process Automation (RPA) to enhance the capability of predictive and reactive maintenances. Deep learning capabilities are implemented to manage the building maintenance system of the workplace where set points and dampers are calibrated according to the preference and comfort of the occupiers. These data are gathered from the sensors within the properties. Seamless application processing interface across various computerized FM systems achieving integration and aggregation of FM operations enhancement with productivity gain.Are we there yet? The Facilities Management Revolution ­ Industry 4.0The Real Estate Industry Transformation Map (REITM) was launched by the Building and Construction Authority of Singapore (BCA) on 8 February 2018 to provide a roadmap for the transformation of the real estate industry to be future-ready. One of the initiatives is to focus on transforming the FM industry to ensure they are ready for the future with two broad thrusts:Embrace innovation and leverage technology; and Strengthen professionalism and upskill workforce. Henceforth, there has been an increased interest to deliver FM operations and services through smart technology adoption to optimize productivity and achieve cost savings.There are various stakeholders in the FM industry i.e., from the service buyers of government and private sectors, FM associations, service providers of the FM companies, FM service partners and to the users of the FM solutions. The government sectors, supported by the relevant FM associations, have been the key drivers pushing for the FM industry transformational efforts thus incorporating Smart FM solutions in their procurement specifications. The smart FM industry development is largely driven by government sectors as the private segment can be perceived as cost driven in general. BCA launched the "Guide to Smart FM " on 1 Oct 2019 (2nd edition published on 6 Sep 2022) with elaboration of the three types of Smart FM deliverables (not in order of merit or maturity of technologies). As these initiatives were rolled out about 3 years now, the challenges remain on the smart FM maturity state versus users' expectations on smart FM deliverables. For instance, one would expect cleaning or security robots to conduct its operations inter-floors on a building autonomously. However, commercially viable terms may be required to enable the application programming interface (API) with the robots. Besides, the disparate systems must be interoperable and integrated with an open communication protocol plus accessibility of data must be pushed and aggregated on a storage platform. Cyber security, privacy and proprietary rights are other considerations too. As such, mapping out a digitalization maturity map is essential to encourage stakeholders across the value chain to co-share and integrate their data to achieve operations efficiency, productivity, cost optimization and quality improvement (Guide to Smart FM, 2ndissue). Additionally, the digital maturity level across the various stakeholders including vendors, FM companies, building owners Robin Leow
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