What is Facility Management Software (CAFM) and Why Do You Need It?

Technology has infiltrated every aspect of our lives, and the real estate industry is no exception. In fact, many would say that property management is one area where technology has made the biggest impact. There are now a number of software options available to property managers that help with almost every task involved in property management. But what is facility management software (or CAFM), and why do you need it?

What is facility management?

Facility management software (FM software) is a type of software that helps organizations manage their facilities. It can help with tasks such as facility planning, tracking facility maintenance and repairs, managing inventory, and more. CAFM, or computer-aided facility management is a subset of facility management software that specializes in helping organizations plan and manage their facility assets.

The benefits of facility management software

There are many benefits that facility management software can bring to an organization. The most obvious benefit is that it can help save time and money by automating facility-related tasks. For example, if you are tracking inventory levels manually, switching to a facility management software with an inventory management module can help you automate the task and free up your time for other tasks. In addition, facility management software can help you improve communication and collaboration within your organization. For example, if you have a maintenance request system in place, everyone in the organization will be able to see the status of the request and provide updates as needed.

What are the key features of good facility management software that you should look for when making a purchase decision?

When choosing a facility management software for your organization, there are a few key features you should keep in mind. First, the software should be easy to use and intuitive. A facility management software that is too complicated, and not going to be used is not worth the investment. Second, the software should be able to integrate with other systems you are using, such as your accounting software or your property management software. This will make it easier to manage all of your facility-related data in one place. Finally, you may want to make sure the software is scalable, so that it can grow with your organization as your needs change.

The cost of facility management software will vary depending on the features and functionality you need. When considering the cost, it is important to keep in mind the potential return on investment (ROI) that the software can provide. For example, if the software saves you just one hour of work per week, it will quickly pay for itself.

Who should be responsible for installing and maintaining the facility management software?

There's no right or wrong answer when it comes to who should be responsible for facility management software in your organization. However, it's important to make sure that the person or team responsible for the software is properly trained on how to use it and is available to answer any questions that users may have. In addition, you'll want to make sure that the person or team responsible for the software understands your organization's facility-related goals and needs.

What other factors you should consider before making a decision about purchasing facility management software?

As with any major purchase, there are a few other factors you may want to consider before making a decision about facility management software. First, you will want to make sure that the software is compatible with your organization's existing systems and infrastructure. Second, you may want to think about whether you need a cloud-based or on-premises solution. Finally, you will want to consider the vendor's reputation and customer support offerings.

Facility management software can help you manage your business more efficiently and improve your bottom-line profits. Be sure to consider the key features of good facility management software and how it can benefit your organization before making your purchase decision. The team at RealCube is here to help you make the best purchase decision for your business. Request a consultation today to get started.