This is the first blog in a three-part series about the evolution of systems that today are known as Integrated Workplace Management Systems (IWMS). Where did these systems originate, and what led to their development? How have they transformed into the comprehensive, intelligent solutions that are implemented today and what further developments do we expect to see in the future? Today, smart buildings and smart business are the words on everyone’s lips, but what role can an IWMS play?
In this first blog, I take a look back at the early days of Computer Aided Facility Management (CAFM) and Integrated Workplace Management Systems (IWMS) and my first personal experience with these technologies. It seemed so ‘smart’ at the time having data stored in a central database and the ability to create simple reports. This first generation of integrated facility management (FM) solutions was, in itself, a big step forward.
Looking back at the 1990s, I knew ‘nothing’, I was a young facility manager looking for ‘help’. Running building operations on paper tickets and through Lotus 1-2-3 (yes, really) was a challenge, not to mention managing buildings and people without significant data. I needed structured information, which I didn’t have and my experience was typical of that of other facility managers and colleagues in the field.
25 years ago I didn’t have a clue about smart buildings. As far as I was concerned, getting the processes and data into a system and generating some reports was already really smart! We invested in what was then called a UniFMIS, one of the first integrated Facility Management Information Systems (FMIS), running on Windows 3.x. Integrated in those days meant one central database and a modular-based solution where all modules made use of the same central database. Standard integration of processes, with other systems or even buildings, was way beyond anyone’s imagination.
The first generation facility management systems were known as Computer-Aided Facility Management (CAFM). Computerised Maintenance Management System (CMMS), Facility Management Information System (FMIS) or Gestion de la Maintenance Assistée par Ordinateur (GMAO) were also commonly used terms. Although they were considered integrated, most of these systems actually focused on specific areas of facility management, mostly maintenance management and space management. Some of the first generation systems with space management even provided integration with AutoCad on a basic level.
Despite all the developments and innovations, today many organisations still face challenges getting their basics in place regarding space and maintenance management. But regardless of their maturity level in relation to implementing an IWMS, almost every organisation is exploring smart building technology in some way.
Of course, there were benefits from early generation CAFM systems. Structured and centralised data and processes led, for example, to cost reduction and improved customer satisfaction - but integrated facility management solutions were still in their infancy. The professionalisation of facility management and corporate real estate management along with rapid innovation in technology helped to accelerate the growth of these systems. In the late nineties and early 2000s, most solutions were based on relational databases, and solutions became more customer-oriented and functionality was extended, for example with service management. Furthermore, standard integration with other systems, for example, HR or financial systems, became an important priority and a key customer requirement.
During that period, the first integrations with ‘buildings’ were achieved by interfacing with building management systems. Automated notifications were sent by the building to the CAFM solution and a ticket was generated. This was one of the first steps towards a ‘smart building’, but further development was on the horizon. Gartner introduced the concept of IWMS in the early 2000s and published its first IWMS market guide in 2004, and this development determined where we are today.
Initially Integrated Workplace Management Systems were defined as a software solution that helps organisations optimise the use of workplace resources, including the management of a company’s real estate portfolio, infrastructure and facilities assets. Today, IWMS has evolved to be so much more and is considered an integral part of smart building technology, connecting with tools such as building management systems (BMS), energy management software (EMS), workplace management tools, sensors and Building Information Models (BIM).
In the second blog of this series, I will talk more about the rise of IWMS, the implications for the market and benefits for users. I will also discuss how rapid advances in technology and other factors such as economic and demographic shifts have influenced the evolution of IWMS and the birth of smart building technology.
