Campus Management Maturity Framework: Where are you in the journey to a smart campus?

This is the third and final installment in a 3-part blog series about the smart campus and the benefits of using an integrated campus management system in the operation of a smart campus. In this blog I will explore some of the different priorities universities have when it comes to managing the campus and how it relates to the maturity levels of an integrated campus management system. I’ll also share some information about important next steps for campus management leaders.

Campus management solution maturity

When it comes to campus management systems and smart campus technology, not every higher education institution is at the same level – and not every university has the same objectives and priorities. A maturity framework for integrated campus management systems can help campus management leaders to see where they are currently in comparison to the standard, where they want to be strategically, and the potential value of closing that gap.

The smart campus maturity journey

Planon has developed a maturity framework for campus management solutions that consists of these five levels:

1. Initial – Defining strategy and getting the basics in place
2. Managed – Running supported campus operations
3. Defined – Organised and compliant campus management
4. Measured – Enhancing the smart campus experience
5. Optimised – Informed decision making and ability to make quality predictions about campus performance and future needs

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As mentioned in the previous blog, the journey towards a smart campus starts with getting the basics in place, as indicated in phase one of the maturity model. If the framework is applied to the space utilisation example we explored in the previous two blogs, we can see where a university would fall within the framework based on how far along they were in their space utilisation initiative. For instance, phase one ‘Initial’ would start with defining a business case and a use case for implementing the solutions and technology required to improve space planning and utilisation. Phase five ‘Optimised’ would be achieved when the university has a working solution in place. That solution would be integrated across the campus, and real-time data could be collected and used by all relevant departments and stakeholders. It is also in phase five where many universities could begin to test and experiment with technologies such as machine learning or augmented reality and apply them to processes like room booking and space utilisation.

Next steps in the journey

To achieve the objectives around optimised space usage from a technology perspective, campus management leaders must take a proactive role - looking at their maturity level and determining what is required to help steer their institution in selecting the right technology tools and campus management solutions to create a connected smart and intelligent campus.

Campus managers can use Planon’s maturity framework to help determine where their institution stands regarding strategy, processes, data, analysis & reporting, automation & technology, and organisational readiness, as well as determining what the next steps need to be for their organisation. Based on the maturity framework, here are some example steps in relation to implementing an integrated campus management solution and smart campus technology for real-time optimisation of space usage:

• Level 1, Initial – Define strategy and getting the basics in place
  Integrate the specific goal for optimising space usage in the integrated campus management system strategy with creating a business case, relevant use cases and potential benefits around productivity, cost-effectiveness and student and staff satisfaction.
  
  
• Level 2, Managed – Running supported campus operations
  Define standard and integrated processes around space planning and usage that is shared with all relevant departments and stakeholders. Additionally, basic room booking requirements for structured and centralised data and integrated functionality and technology must be implemented.
  
  
• Level 3, Defined – Designed and compliant campus management
  Implement integrated solutions based on predetermined objectives with centralised data and full reporting capabilities. Additionally, at this level, all stakeholders understand the business case and added value of utilising these standard processes.
  
  
• Level 4, Measured – Enhance campus experience
  There is a development toward a data-driven and performance-based campus management system with additional innovative smart campus technology initiatives, such as sensoring that will support better decision making around space planning and utilisation on an institutional level.
  
  
• Level 5, Optimised – Informed decision making and predicting the future
  The campus has received full maturity around an integrated campus management system. Smart and intelligent campus management technology that supports continuous real-time improvement for all stakeholders based on predictive analysis can be applied.

An integrated campus management solution will help campus management leaders to achieve their objectives around location awareness, improved maintenance, facilities operations and improved student and staff satisfaction. So, where are you in this journey and what will your next step be?