Integrated workplace management systems (IWMS) provide real-time visibility into managing the impact of changing workplace dynamics.
This means that instead of corporate real estate managers, facilities managers, technicians, lease administrators, project managers (and those of similar roles and responsibilities) using a variety of single-use platforms, they can use a single comprehensive software suite. IWMS is a broad term that allows for a range of products, with different functions and practices, to be offered under a single platform umbrella.
Why would an organization (enterprise, restaurant chain, retail store, university/education campus, or government facility) put all their data, investment, time, energy, and trust in single system of record?
We find these top four benefits to be the most compelling reasons for implementing an IWMS within your organization:
1. Centralized data and reporting.
Disparate systems result in an inability to manage data. Real-time visibility into how the facilities and real estate portfolio is performing gives the management team the boost they need to optimize their decision-making process which can assist in driving overall profitability for the organization. Most IWMS solutions that come stocked with graphical reporting can ensure that you are able to analyze data down to the detail necessary to make informed decisions. Keeping all data in a single location means cross-product reporting is an option -- not a chore.
2. Resource allocation and productivity.
Organizations all around the world face budget cuts and an increased emphasis of doing more with less. More with less is especially common with small- to medium-sized companies where employees regularly have more than one role. IWMS solutions not only benefit an organization of any size, but they provide insight into exactly how resources, staff, budget, and assets are performing. The weight of making informed decisions on forecasts, capital planning budgets, and staff workloads will become gradually lighter. The right people will be in the right places, budgets approved based on real-time data, and operating assets will have scheduled maintenance rather than reactive work orders.
3. Profitability.
While some revenue increases naturally over time, IWMS offers predictable revenue streams, with the ability to identify patterns, and the data to support better future investments. Real estate and facilities are traditionally viewed as a cost center. Implementing an IWMS allows for executive teams to realize that with proper management of buildings and insight into operational performance, they can leverage the data to drive productivity from the core business.
4. Eliminate redundancy, introduce process improvements.
Many times, when a company decides to fund the implementation of an IWMS, they first will take stock of any internal systems or other platforms that will be considered redundant or obsolete with the new implementation. For example, companies using a spreadsheet tool to manage projects which requires manual updates if changes are made to the budget, can eliminate this process and solution redundancy by implementing an IWMS. Additionally, IWMS solutions transform the management of these redundant processes, making it easier to identify gaps and solve issues. As a result, organizations increase efficiency and reduce costs.
Through research of our own, we know that companies often use anywhere from 10 to 15 different point solutions to run their day-to-day business, addressing only a single functional activity at a time. A cloud-based IWMS allows for a restructuring of the technology and business processes.
It’s time to make a real change. Contact us to understand how we can improve your facilities services support.
