Are Integrated Workplace Management Systems the Best Solution?

An integrated workplace management system (IWMS) is characterized by an enterprise-class software platform that integrates five key components of functionality, operated from a single technology platform and database repository: real estate management, project management, facilities and space management, maintenance management, and environmental sustainability.

Is a single all encompassing Integrated Workplace Management System the right or best solution for today’s medium to large organisations? This depends on the circumstances. Having one encompassing Integrated Workplace Management System may not always be the right or best solution, however bringing data into one system does provide many advantages over multiple legacy systems. First of all, IT management costs will be reduced as only one system needs to be maintained. Secondly, when all property related information resides in one system different business processes can tap into that data when necessary.

An Integrated Workplace Management System provides technology that enables the sharing of information with everyone in an organisation in ways that simply weren’t feasible with older technology. What is the benefit of sharing this information enterprise-wide? It’s evident that facilities are enterprise resources. Almost everyone in an organisation depends on the facilities managed by an FM team.

Today, information is already shared – just in manual methods like paper forms, floor plans, reports and other documents. By turning those documents into data, an organisation can begin to transform the way in which it interacts with its partners, customers and management. The results of enterprise access to facility information through an Integrated Workplace Management System can be dramatic. Organisations have realised cost savings by optimising both property portfolios and facility operations; increased productivity for their departments and for their organisation as a whole; and improved customer satisfaction with their internal customers.

The benefits of an all-encompassing Integrated Workplace Management System will not only provide financial benefits but will create better communication between internal departments. This can result in greater cooperation and increased efficiencies. All of these benefits provide a greater return on investment.