Page 18 - CIJ May 2024 Digital Edition

COVER STORY

raditionally valued driven helpdesks and IoT systems, to This includes regular audits of
for their exclusivity streamline operations in maintenance, physical infrastructure, preventive
and security, gated insurance management, and tenant maintenance schedules, and
communities in India compliance, potentially boosting timely upgrades of facilities. The
Tare now undergoing efficiency and reducing workload. management teams are now more
a transformative shift towards Furthermore, integrated IoT likely to include professionals with
becoming more holistic, and self- systems allow for everything expertise in engineering, hospitality,
sufficient. This evolution reflects from smart security systems that and environmental management,
a change in the aesthetics of these include biometric scanners to smart reflecting the complexity of the task
communities and underscores the lighting and energy systems. Apps at hand.
innovations in facility management and portals for residents not only Enhancing resident engagement
that are essential for their smooth streamline communication between and satisfaction is another critical
functioning. the community management and aspect of facility management
In India, the rise of gated the residents but also facilitate today. The availability of on-site
communities can be traced back everything from visitor management service providers, from healthcare
to the early 2000s, when rapid to maintenance requests and amenity professionals to handyman
urbanization, increasing income bookings. Facial recognition services, ensures that residents
levels, and a growing middle class technology (FRT) has been employed have convenient access to essential
fuelled the demand for homes that in a few gated communities services.
offered more than just shelter. These particularly in Hyderabad to validate Looking ahead, the focus on luxury
communities became symbols of entry through a digital database. and sustainability is expected to
status and modern living. However, Building a resilient AI system intensify. Post-pandemic shifts have
the real shift has been more requires a cultural shift within highlighted the importance of health
recent, post the global pandemic, organizations to overcome challenges and well-being, which will continue
which recalibrated homeowner’s like preparing relevant data and to drive demand for eco-friendly,
expectations towards larger homes enabling sharing across various technologically advanced homes.
with open spaces, integrated green segments. Gated communities are poised to
environments, and a plethora of in- Modern facility management in be at the forefront of this demand,
house facilities. gated communities is characterized not just as residential options but as
Modern gated communities are by a professional approach that holistic systems that offer a blend of
modelled as mini-cities designed to anticipates needs and issues convenience, luxury, and advanced
be self-sufficient. The contemporary before they become problems. facility management.
gated community caters to a
diverse demographic—from
young professionals and families
to retirees—each with its specific
needs and lifestyle aspirations.
Environmental sustainability
has taken centre stage, with new
projects focusing on green building
certifications, waste management
systems, and energy-efficient designs.
The seamless operation of such
complex living environments
relies heavily on innovations in
facility management. Today’s
facility management goes beyond
basic maintenance; it integrates
advanced technology and strategic
planning to enhance the quality of
life for residents and ensure the
sustainability of the community.
Smart technology has been a
game-changer in managing gated
communities. Building Engines’ 2024
report advocates for greater use of
automation technologies, like AI-

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