Milind Patil, Head of Administration, India Operations, Bureau Veritas India Pvt Ltd
It isn’t enough for a service provider or real estate manager to be convinced by the power of data analysis; tenants and clients need to be convinced too. From how to go about this to how everyone can spend more smartly by relying on data, Milind Patil, Head of Administration, India Operations, Bureau Veritas India Pvt Ltd gives us a lowdown.
One should be collecting FM data which will improve the efficiency and proficiency of the organisation, simultaneously optimising the overall operational cost. This data collection and analysis will benefit clients in terms of cost and service quality.
Convincing clients
- Explain in depth the objective of data collection to the client.
- Cost and service benefits to be explained to the client.
- Data validation needs to be carried out jointly with active involvement of the client, and required amendments to be made in the data.
- Data analysis should always be aligned with the system and procedure of the client organisation. No deviations whatsoever to be taken unless approved by the client.
- A formal consent to be obtained from the client for further implementation.
Optimisation of utilities
Detailed data obtained through scheduled monitoring of electricity consumption through digital devices, conducting frequent energy audits, floor-wise sub-metering of energy metres and installation of digital energy savers has motivated clients to implement these practices across the organisation.
Workplace optimisation
Post the pandemic and subsequent new normal work culture, a dynamic seating model was implemented as a part of hybrid work pattern through app-based digital attendance and leave management. This was implemented post analysis of employees’ nature of work, scope, work location (i.e. ratio of WFH & WFO) etc. This data enabled the client to decide on switching to a hybrid work pattern, optimising infrastructure and operational cost.
Asset & infrastructure cost
Data collection & analysis pertaining to owning an asset, capex cost of asset purchased, depreciation and maintenance has resulted in deciding on an operating lease model for various assets & equipment for the required period. This eliminates asset liability, capital investment and loss due to depreciation. The cost benefit analysis on the basis of comparative data has influenced organisations to switch to a leasing model for their asset requirements.
Unfortunately, the most common misconception about the importance of data in FM is that it is not an important part of core business activity; it needs investment but apparently cannot fetch any returns. Such initiatives do fetch returns in the form of process & service efficiency as well as reduction in overall costs.
Digital data collection
Digital FM is the future. It is highly recommended to fetch and rely on data obtained digitally i.e. through installed equipment and devices rather than through manual readings. The said data would be more accurate, which will help in improving the efficacy of FM.