In the 1970s, the overall look and feel of computers was becoming more advanced. Even though they were still bulky, prices were gradually decreasing, and computers were becoming more accessible across different industries. The predictions that had been surrounding the uses of computers were starting to come true and they were becoming increasingly part of our everyday professional lives.
Computerised process growth within the newly structured field of FM in the 1970s
When analysing how exactly the FM field became legitimised, it’s important to recognise significant contributions made by two key individuals. First was William Mitchell, who wrote a paper, “Notes on approaches to computer-aided space planning” in 1970. He later became a founder of one of the six Computer-Aided Facility Management (CAFM) companies that were formed during the decade. Secondly, Herman Miller, who hosted a conference called “Facility Influence on Productivity” in 1978. This event paved the way for the formalising of the FM industry as we know it today. The ideas that were shared here formed the groundwork within our field and allowed the initial concepts to develop and evolve.
Sanquist mentions that “from the very beginning, several key designers of FM software arose from architecture and space planning, engineering, maintenance and real estate to computerise FM business processes.” We knew our future was bright, and that with computers we could expand upon our own knowledge and take advantage of computerised capabilities within the field that is FM.
