The Covid-19 pandemic has led to a shift in building occupation patterns and building operators are now re-evaluating the relevance of manned services on certain days of the week. If the trend of increased occupation on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays (amusingly known as TWAT) continues, there is reason to question if there is enough visitor traffic to justify the high cost-per-hour of reception staff on the remaining two days. To overcome this, many are looking at technological solutions.
Digital or hybrid reception services are gaining momentum among building operators. By combining technology and human resources, FM teams can optimise labour usage and maximise cost savings on service charges. Early indications suggest that tenants and occupiers are both in favour of the rationalisation of labour use as it enables them to reduce costs whilst maintaining operational efficiency. In either scenario, leveraging big data and tracking data points for each visitor interaction, allows FM companies to gain actionable insight on various factors.
By analysing data on building occupancy patterns, activity levels and other key metrics, Lares Digital can provide valuable insights to building operators, enabling them to make informed decisions about staffing levels, service offerings and other operational aspects. For example, identifying peak and off-peak hours of building activity, facilities managers can adjust staffing levels accordingly and reduce costs during low-activity periods whilst ensuring adequate coverage during peak times.
Unmanned buildings, like their manned counterparts, have been impacted by changing occupation habits. However, they face a distinct set of challenges due to the absence of a reception desk. This makes it difficult for facilities managers to plan for occupational trends, as well as wear-and-tear and refurbishment planning.
Fortunately, technology can also assist in addressing these challenges. It enables facilities managers can track tenant cost per occupation and gain insights into wear and tear, maintenance requirements, and overall tenant activity. This data-driven approach enables proactive maintenance planning, which can help to reduce the need for costly emergency repairs and minimize downtime. Ultimately, this leads to improved tenant satisfaction.
In a previous post we discussed the blocks to innovation adoption but it’s crucial in any discussion on this topic to consider the benefits that technology can bring. The level of insight that can be derived from digital solutions allows building operators to optimise operations, reduce costs and enhance overall tenant experience. As the industry continues to evolve, it is evident that technology will play a crucial role in shaping the future of facilities management, enabling efficient building operations, cost savings, and sustainability.
