IWMS Software: Streamlining Real Estate and Facility Management
Overview: IWMS stands for Integrated Workplace Management System, which combines real estate and facility management to provide a smart, streamlined solution for an organization’s various needs. This is particularly important for large companies with multiple offices and facilities – the software can manage everything from scheduling maintenance checks to tracking building usage and energy consumption. The software is also useful for government agencies, universities, hospitals, and other institutions that require extensive facility management processes. This article will cover the benefits, features, and examples of IWMS software – including its limitations, so read on to learn more.
Who uses the software?
Corporations: Large corporations with multiple offices and facilities around the world use IWMS software to streamline processes, create efficiencies, and reduce costs. With thousands of employees and numerous buildings, managing everything from energy consumption to space allocation can be overwhelming. The IWMS software provides real-time data and reporting to make informed decisions that can benefit the company’s performance.
Institutions: Government agencies, universities, and hospitals have complex facility management systems that require attention and precision. IWMS software provides an end-to-end solution to manage every aspect of real estate and facility management – including space allocation, safety checks, and environmental sustainability.
Benefits of the software
Cost Saving: One of the primary benefits of IWMS software is cost savings. Facility and real estate management can be expensive on a large scale, but automated processes provided by the software can significantly reduce expenditure. It streamlines real estate management, reduces equipment and energy costs, and eliminates the need for manual data logging.
Improved efficiency and productivity: By streamlining processes, the software enables efficient time management and increases overall productivity. By giving access to real-time data, it enables quick decision-making, identifying issues, and resolving them quickly. The system’s transparency enables better communication and coordination between teams, and prevents duplication of work. Overall, IWMS eliminates the need for manual data entry, which prevents errors and saves time.
Better resource management: IWMS software can help organizations attain better resource management. It provides real-time data and analytics that can be used to track asset utilization, facilitate space management, and monitor energy consumption. It ensures streamlined workflow management and aids in allocating resources more efficiently, reducing waste and expense. Its innovative features streamline incident management, meaning issues can be resolved quickly, leading to fewer interruptions and hindrances.
Features of the software
Space Management: IWMS software facilitates space management, a pivotal feature, especially for large organizations. It can provide floor plans, data analytics on area use and utilization, and overall capacity management.
Asset Management: IWMS software has advanced asset management features that track equipment and tools, maintenance schedules, history logs, warranties and lifecycle costs.
Workflow Management: IWMS software provides workflow management to process work orders, maintenance logs, and assignments. It can automate employee notifications, vendor work order requests, and link completed work to expenses.
Incident Management: The software provides an advanced level of incident management that reports issues within the facilities, including safety breaches, or maintenance checks. Its advanced algorithms can quickly identify the issue, creating workflows to ensure it is rectified quickly.
5 examples of relevant software products
Archibus (archibus.com): Archibus is a comprehensive IWMS software that provides space planning, asset and work management, and lease administration features. Its advanced analytics provides actionable data for facility management with relevant trend analysis and performance metrics. It also offers mobile solutions, reporting features, and executive dashboards for better decision-making.
FSI Concept Evolution (fsifm.com): FSI Concept Evolution is an IWMS platform that streamlines facilities management with unique tools and features. It offers advanced asset and maintenance management, room booking, space analysis, utilities management, and project planning. Its advanced maintenance reports eliminate downtime, and the software also offers a mobile app that helps complete tasks on the go.
Planon (planonsoftware.com): Planon provides an all-in-one IWMS software solution that offers full integration of real estate, workplace, and maintenance services, delivering comprehensive analyses. It also includes lease administration, asset and maintenance management, resource planning, and room and desk booking capabilities. Making use of IoT, Planon provides useful insights into occupancy rates, energy usage, and workspace utilization to plan for the future proactively.
ProLease (prolease.com): Prolease is a cloud-based IWMS software that provides comprehensive real estate portfolio management services. It has features like lease administration, space management, and workplace services, facilities maintenance, and environmental sustainability. ProLease also provides mobile apps, reporting, and analytics features to provide decision-making capabilities.
Accruent (accruent.com): Accruent is another comprehensive IWMS software that offers lease accounting & administration, asset & maintenance management, facility management, energy management, space management, and project management. Accruent offers innovative IoT analytics to help organizations understand how employees utilize its facilities, reducing costs and improving operational efficiencies.
Drawbacks and limitations of the software
IWMS software is an integrated solution with multiple features, making it challenging to manage and configure. Training staff to navigate through the software can be time-consuming, and the software itself tends to be expensive. Additionally, integrations with existing systems and software can pose unique challenges and require additional expenses. Ultimately, the software may not fit small businesses’ budgets, limiting its accessibility.
Conclusion
Integrated Workplace Management System software brings all aspects of facility management into one hub to improve decision-making, resource management, and cost savings. It streamlines workflow, tracks assets and facilities, lowers energy consumption, and contributes to better environmental sustainability. While the software does have its limitations, organizations can find the right fit by researching and exploring different options. With the right IWMS software, organizations can significantly benefit their bottom line, streamline processes, and reduce costs.