James Symons, CEO of LocknCharge, talks about how the FM industry is facing challenges with keeping technology and devices safe.
As an industry, it is fair to say the Facilities Management sector has been slower than some to fully embrace digital technology. But with computers, tablets, laptops and mobile devices being used more and more each day, there is no hiding from this technology.
According to Website Magazine, it is a fact there are 6.8 billion people on the planet and 4 billion of them use a mobile phone. By comparison, only 3.5 billion of them use a toothbrush! Technology is well and truly taking over!
With every technology user carrying on average 2.9 devices on them at all times, this could have a huge impact on how daily lives and tasks are carried out. We can expect to see an increase in the use of virtual reality, apps, digital monitoring and a larger emphasis on interactive displays.
In the FM sector, there are already apps for visitor and contractor management, software solutions for recording all staff, visitor, and contractor check-ins, tools for job management, engineer scheduling, quoting, costing, invoicing and asset tracking, and even janitorial apps which can enhance communication between managers and employees.
And with a rise in smart buildings, with connected solutions introduced into the infrastructure of buildings, an organization will be focusing on more technological and improved FM strategies.
But regulations such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), which came into force on May 25, 2018, now mean that businesses have to be more aware of personal data protection, including how data is stored, video surveillance and even how photographs are used. Those who fail to adhere to the regulation will face large fines. With 30,000 websites hacked each day; however, it is getting harder to protect data, and not surprising that for some these regulations will present challenges that have never previously surfaced.
It is no longer good enough in 2018 to be remiss with data – devices need to be managed correctly and safely stored. And in order to provide a good customer experience, they also need to be fully charged and ready for use at all times.
One solution to help manage this is a laptop, iPad or tablet charging station, which charges multiple devices simultaneously but also syncs them. This also allows devices to be locked away safely.
Business leaders need to change their approach to the management process of mobile devices and technology in general. Proper device management plays a critical role in the future of digital technology, as the new workplace experience is defined.
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