Cobotics in FM is here, and it’s revolutionising the way cleaning is done.
Having recruited for the FM industry since 2004, I can still remember the first PDA and tracking systems that were introduced into mobile engineering. Tablets and smartphones were a long way away.
In recent years there seems to have been an explosion in the FM and outsourcing market to use technology sensibly and productively. Increasingly we are seeing job titles like Technology Solutions Specialist, Head of Digital Transformation, Data Analyst and Digital PMO. The amount of data being captured by FM contractors is astounding, and the digitalisation of services becoming less exotic, and the use of Cobotics in FM is becoming commonplace.
IT and Facilities
The lines are blurred between IT and operations, and we have seen a trend in the major outsourcing players requesting people who know how to us data to increase productivity, reduce waste and retain staff. New technology, applications and initiatives are being introduced - lighting controls, smart security, predictive maintenance. All improving the delivery and outcomes of facilities.
We’ve recently been recruiting for several technology-driven appointments:
- A global FM service provider who are working with IBM to drive a truly smart workplace experience for their Banking customer.
- A major scale transformation of a large UK mobile engineering workforce.
- We have seen acquisitions of Smart Buildings companies by large FM players.
- We’re also seeing increased drive to recruit senior-level candidates to sell digital services into large multinational accounts.
Large corporates are looking for real-time information and cloud-based secure technology. Cobotics in FM is becoming more commonplace because they can deliver this data, whilst improving the outcomes and cutting cleaning time.
One client pointed out that their Engineers carry out 67 different tasks, so when your UK portfolio includes 40,000 plus sites it’s important you are able to send the right person to the right place with the right tools!
"In our experience, clients are crying out for ways to improve the performance of their buildings and the satisfaction of the people within them. Whether it's improved cost controls, increased efficiencies, enhanced infrastructure resilience, better wellbeing or higher productivity, we know that data holds the key. But it's not just about introducing technology for collecting that data. It's about interrogating and interpreting that data to draw out actionable insights for clients. As ever, it's how technology is used that will move the industry forward, not just the technology itself."
Increasing the use of Cobotics in FM
Boden Group’s clients such as Mitie, ISS and engie have been at the forefront of digitally connected workspaces. There has been a significant drive recently to recruit senior-level FM people with the ability to not only translate data, Ml & analytics but to identify where within major corporate accounts there is the opportunity to sell intelligent digital services, and increase the use of cobotics in FM.
Working together
The natural fear is the robots and computers are taking over. But if used in a positive way this technology can have a positive impact. Tech and cobotics in FM can make sure that teams have more time to spend on the one thing that unites the global FM and Recruitment communities: Relationships and customer experience.
Here at Boden Group, we know the value that technology gives to the recruitment industry and our customers.
We have recently invested in a new video interviewing platform called bodenconnect. The platform allows our customers to interview our candidates remotely through video technology, saving time and driving efficiency, at any stage of the recruitment process.
Tech is making waves within the FM world, and we’re excited to see what’s next!
