Potential use of real-time data capture and job-tracking technology in the field

Purpose - The purpose of the paper is to discuss the scope for improving the delivery of FM services through the use of wireless web-based communications infrastructure, delivered via an application service provider (ASP) business model. This paper discusses the findings from case studies of three organisations and their approach to the management of facilities. Design/methodology/approach - An investigation was undertaken to ascertain the current state of play in terms of managing and tracking processes within the facilities management department of three different organisations. These case studies were chosen from distinct sectors, namely health care, higher education, and banking. Emphasis is placed on analysing how the organisations currently operate with their existing FM systems and the degree of influence technology has on existing processes. This was considered mainly in terms of computer-aided facilities management (CAFM) and computer-integrated facilities management (CIFM). Findings - The study found that a new wireless web-based service for FM systems would be considered useful. Although notoriously slow adopters of new technology, there was an acceptance by the facilities managers interviewed that a wireless web-based approach would improve current practice, especially with respect to real-time job reporting and tracking and in the determination of FM operative working time utilisation. Practical implications - Further work by the author is focusing on the development of a suitable demonstrator to illustrate the key concepts of a wireless web-based FM service which will then be tested and evaluated. For further information, visit the research project web site at www.wirelessfm.org Originality/value - The paper hopefully stimulates discussion in the area of emerging wireless technologies that have the potential to streamline and improve current practices for the management of facilities, in particular that of real-time job reporting and tracking.