Property managers have challenging jobs that cover a wide range of responsibilities. Many are turning to CAFM software programs to manage everything adequately. In this post, we’ll discuss what you need to know about CAFM software, the types of facilities that should consider it, how it can help streamline efficiency and productivity in your facility, and more. Here’s a look at what you need to know:

CAFM Software: What You Need to Know

CAFM is an acronym for “computer-aided facility management,” Its main purpose helps streamline any and all types of facility management to be performed on a commercial or multi-residential property. CAFM software integrates more than just facility maintenance, as it also builds an administrative side of things into the package. A robust CAFM software package is used as part of a property management and maintenance strategy that serves as a comprehensive one-stop resource for all things when properly integrated.

What Facilities Should Consider CAFM Software?

Running a facility with some complexity streamlining an organization means that a CAFM software package is probably right for you. A good CAFM package blends so many different facets of property management than just maintenance tasks. The results can keep a property running more efficiently and on budget when a robust system is implemented and utilized to its full potential. Some of the key features of CAFM software beyond maintenance management include the likes of:

• Space planning
• Leasing, real estate, and property management
• Project management
• Asset management
• Energy performance analysis
• Vendor management
• Incident tracking

Key Benefits of CAFM Software

The benefits of CAFM software are plentiful. As we noted earlier in this piece, CAFM software allows you to take a snapshot of your facility to gauge so much more than maintenance management. A robust program also serves as a one-stop-shop of sorts for a variety of different things – from incident tracking to space reservations. The benefits of implementation and proper utilization include the following:

• Continuous improvement: Incidents can be tracked with CAFM software which helps property managers determine potential threats on the shop floor or hazards around the property. This leads to a culture of continuous improvement by making the necessary changes or modifications when issues occur and improving safety. Studies show that a safe workforce is a much more productive workforce.
• Staying on budget: Whether it’s property rental or leasing or simply working to optimize space or a facility’s energy performance, CAFM software can help assess costs to ensure that a facility stays on or even under budget. Facility energy and upkeep are overhead costs, so any reduction in those often translates to an improvement in the bottom line freeing up the budget to spend elsewhere that trickles down to employees or for capital improvements to improve efficiencies.
• Maintenance management: While maintenance management isn’t the only benefit that CAFM software can provide, it is a significant one. CAFM software integrates with equipment and utility meters to gauge energy usage and help inform property managers when there might be efficiency issues. It allows them to proactively schedule maintenance on equipment or machinery, avoiding business interruption and costly unplanned downtime. It also extends the lifetime of key equipment to prevent premature replacement.
• Efficiency improvements: CAFM software also integrates with HVAC systems, lights, door locks, and other equipment to ensure they work as needed during working hours. Properties can often save money by managing the HVAC system, powering down equipment, and ensuring that the lights are turned off on the property after hours.

Various key benefits result from instating a robust CAFM software program. Contact MantainX today to learn more about the full potential of such programming.

How to Institute a CAFM Strategy

The first step to instituting a CAFM software strategy is deciding on a program that works best for you and your facility. Many other types of software perform similar tasks, such as CMMS (Computerized Maintenance Management System), IWMS (Integrated Workplace Management Systems), and EAM (Enterprise Asset Management) software. The software serves a similar role – so it’s important to determine what type of program would work best for you.

After you decide on a program type and a software vendor, we suggest making a list of everything that you want to track and then working to integrate it accordingly into the system. With a program this advanced, you’ll need to work with a consultant to ensure everything is set up how you need it. Then, you’ll need to commit to using it. You’ll get what you put into a software program like this. Committing to it and tracking the items that you want to track is likely to yield highly positive results.