Security set to see high impact from FM digital transformation

Independent research firm Verdantix interviewed 100 key decision makers across a range of facilities management, corporate real estate and workplace roles.

The security sector seems to be ahead of the curve, with nine in ten (90%) respondents saying they were already making progress in digitising their security or access control. The research shows that respondents believed digitally-enabled remote monitoring and remote guarding offer clear cost efficiencies, as well as a more agile response to incidents.

On the other hand, the research shows that almost half (48%) of respondents are missing out on the benefits of digital transformation by not adopting new technology. The report, Digital Transformation: Is Facilities Management Ready?, reveals that just seven per cent of FMs say they are constantly seeking to identify, trial and implement new technology solutions to stay ahead of the curve.

Almost one in ten (8%) say they are not interested in deploying new technology, with almost a third (32%) saying they will only use mature or proven technology. A further eight per cent say, although they are interested in new technology, they simply don’t have the bandwidth.

When asked whether they agreed that facilities management will have undergone extensive digital transformation by the year 2030, four fifths of respondents (80%) strongly or mostly agreed with this. This suggests that over the next ten years FMs who are currently wary of new technology will have been convinced otherwise, whilst those struggling with capacity will have found a way to tackle this restraint.

With over a third (35%) stating that cost efficiency is the most important factor shaping service delivery today, any technology will need to prove return on investment. However, along with security/access control, energy efficiency and mechanical and electrical (M&E) maintenance are highlighted as the areas deemed most likely to be highly impacted by digital transformation. Likewise, many FMs (92% for energy management and 84% for M&E maintenance) cite that they are already making progress in digitising these areas.

For many, the adoption issue is closely linked to a lack of knowledge. Around a third of respondents (31%) reported ‘lack of internal expertise to select suitable facilities management solutions’ or a ‘lack of understanding of digital transformation technologies’ (27%) as the top barriers to investing in digital transformation. Moreover, three in ten (30%) also cited ‘lack of staff expertise to run facility efficiency projects’ and a ‘lack of staff bandwidth to analyse and act on data’ (28%) as the top barriers to realising business value from it.

To help address these issues, Mitie has continued to invest in technology and embed it into the range of services it provides. This includes its data-driven Connected Workspace offering, as well as its MiTec centre in Belfast, Global Security Operations Centre (GSOC) in Northampton, and Service Operations Centre (SOC) in Bracknell. The insights gained from these technologies and centres of expertise allow Mitie to offer customers an increased level of flexibility and control, bringing the benefits of digital transformation to their services.

Jason Towse, managing director, business services, Mitie, said: “The research clearly shows that the digital transformation of the security sector will be central to delivering increased productivity and cost savings to the whole facilities management industry. Embracing technology not only improves efficiency but is also key for organisations to stay ahead in the fight against ever-more sophisticated criminal activity.

“It’s gratifying to see that nearly all those asked were already making progress in digitising their security operations, and we hope that this report will help others benchmark themselves against their peers and understand the wider opportunities that digital transformation can bring.”

For more information, or to download a copy of the report, visit http://www.info.mitie.com/digitaltransformation.