Within This Page.What is CAFM?CAFM software provides the facility manager with the administrative tools and the ability to track, manage, report, and plan facilities operations. This function is associated more as an administrative function and not a technical activity. For example, CAFM systems can contain data that identifies departments and staff, identifies and tracks who has space access rights and security level, as well as leased space information including leasing, income, and tenant charge-back information.Not to confuse a Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS) with a CAFM system, consider a patient room in a hospital. Ensuring that the Nurse Call System in the room is 'properly inspected, maintained, and repaired' is a CMMS activity. 'Knowledge' about the medical department staff, and the specific patient(s) in the room, the room's contents (phones, TVs, beds–including their movement from room-to-room), and equipment connections (electrical, oxygen, communications, etc.) relate to CAFM activities. CMMS and CAFM systems have begun to continue to merge into Integrated Work Order Management Systems (IWOMS).Computer-Aided Facilities Management (CAFM) includes the creation and utilization of Information Technology (IT)-based systems in the built environment. A typical CAFM system is defined as a combination of Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and/or relational database software with specific abilities for Facilities Management (FM).The purpose of a CAFM system includes:.
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Helping the facility manager ensure the organization's assets are fully utilized at the lowest possible cost, while providing benefit to every phase of a building's lifecycle, and. Supporting, i.e. All of the activities associated with administrative, technical, and infrastructural FM tasks when the facility or building is operational, as well as the strategic processes for facilities planning and management. CAFM systems consist of a variety of technologies and information sources that may include object-oriented database systems, CAD systems, and interfaces to other systems such as a. Today most CAFM systems are web-based and provide a host of features including facilities related scheduling and analysis capabilities. Data may be collected from a variety of sources through technology interfaces or human transfer processes.
Data may be stored, retrieved, and analyzed from a single data-store. DescriptionCAFM evolved in the late 1980's leveraging the personal computer (PC) to automate the collection and maintenance of FM information. Widespread usage of Information Technology (IT) systems in almost all disciplines eventually penetrated the construction and FM industry as well.
A computerized maintenance management system (CMMS) helps facilities organize and manage preventive maintenance tasks, inventory, safety, and more. It’s a big part of developing better maintenance practices, proving the value of maintenance, and the fuel used by production facilities to drive better results. 1.1 Describe the relevant parts of the software installation and upgrade process. Have you used to record software installation, to include sending email to your manager. For each of the media formats include the capacity of CD/DVD/USB. What the advantages and disadvantages of each software loading facility.
After the development of Internet-based database systems, usage of high-end tools in FM practices increased in that sector. CAFM systems provided the facility manager with the tools to track, plan, manage, and report on facilities information.CAFM systems combine and analyze complex data to improve FM practices throughout a variety of industries including government, healthcare, educational, commercial, and industrial environments.
The CAFM system gives decision makers the ability to automate many of the data-intensive facility management functions and typically results in continuous cost savings and improved utilization of assets through-out their entire lifecycle.Although there is no ideal model suitable for all situations, to meet the specific demands of the facility manager, a well developed CAFM system will often include a variety of functions and features. CAFM systems typically provide and maintain information on floor plans, property descriptions, space utilization, energy consumption, equipment locations, and other critical infrastructure data that pertains to the sector it is serving. Features of Integrated CAFM Systems and CapabilitiesIntegrated CAFM systems are equipped with intelligent interfaces, advanced automated FM functionalities, and links between various external analysis packages. The following features are common to most CAFM systems:Interactive Database: Since the data is crucial in FM practice, CAFM systems are based on fully developed relational databases that are designed around the of the Facility or Space Manager.Interactive Graphics: CAFM systems facilitate an interactive graphics module for basic drafting and modification of facility layouts, plans and other visual documents.
A majority of CAFM systems on the market CAD engines into the CAFM system to utilize common CAD file formats. Implementation of building information modeling (BIM) into the CAFM environment is beginning to provide far more robust information from the point of commissioning onward. Using open standards based BIM and tools such as Construction Operations Building information exchange (COBie) allows for interoperability of various mobile tools so that the user can have the information available when needed often saving multiple trips and significant research time. Additionally, the graphics data may be maintained in a format compatible with Geographic Information System (GIS) standards that will allow CAFM information to be accurately shared across multiple platforms, including spatial environments.Data Management Tools: CAFM systems reuse existing data and are able to recognize and/or convert external data into useful information. These tools usually provide a robust user interface to enable a user-friendly environment for.
Challenges and ObstaclesFacility managers typically face a variety of constraints and challenges. Those most often encountered today include the following:. Shrinking maintenance budgets. Resource constraints. Political priorities. Unfunded mandates.
Distributed data and data disparities. Organizational stovepipesThe challenge for facility managers is to overcome these obstacles by utilizing the resources available and convincing leadership that efficiencies and cost savings can be achieved with investments in technology, such as a well planned CAFM system. Mature CAFM systems are important to enable facility managers to become effective decision makers and provide effective management of facility information.
BenefitsCAFM system benefits include the following:Strategic Planning: Tasks include to provide capital planning of new or remodel assets to improve the mission of the organization.
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