In modern property management, facility management software (FM software) has become the go-to tool to simplify building maintenance and streamline operations. The most popular FM software is Computer-Aided Facility Management (CAFM) systems which have emerged as powerful platforms to enhance efficiency and drive strategic decision-making.
CAFM systems serve as centralised hubs for managing assets, spaces, maintenance tasks, and resources. By automating processes and providing real-time data insights, CAFM systems empower facility managers (FMs) to make informed decisions and improve overall operational efficiency.
Knowing the right CAFM software to choose can be challenging, but once you understand what features are needed, you’ll be better equipped to make an informed decision. But what features are essential in comprehensive facility management software?
Key Features Needed in Facility Management Software
Reporting and Analytics
Robust reporting and analytics capabilities are fundamental to any effective CAFM system.
These features allow facility managers to gain valuable insights into their operations, identify trends, and make data-driven decisions.
Elogs CAFM excels in this area by providing live data which allows you can get total visibility of everything happening on your sites without leaving your desk.
This real-time access to information enables you to receive online audit trails for each facet of a job, see supplier performance stats, or get a top-level exception report when you log in.
PPM Planner
A Planned Preventative Maintenance (PPM) planner is crucial for effective facility management software. It allows facility managers to schedule and manage maintenance tasks based on predefined intervals, ensuring critical assets receive timely attention and care.
Elogs CAFM’s PPM planner provides clear visibility of scheduled maintenance across your portfolio. Jobs can be updated in real-time, providing comprehensive audit trails so everyone stays informed. This proactive approach not only minimises downtime but also extends the lifespan of assets.
Through CAFM, property and facilities managers can monitor energy consumption, identify areas for improvement, and effectively optimise building performance. This aligns with sustainability objectives and helps in developing a robust ESG strategy.
With real-time data and insights, you can make informed decisions about your ESG strategy and ensure you are targeting the right energy-saving initiatives. By developing a PPM plan using Elogs CAFM, you can keep equipment running at peak performance, reducing the risk of costly breakdowns and .
Asset Performance Tracking
Effective asset management is at the heart of facility management. Facility management software should have features that provide comprehensive asset data, including maintenance history, warranties, and current condition. This enables proactive maintenance planning and optimised asset utilisation.
Elogs CAFM makes asset management easy by allowing you to link assets to industry or personalised service specifications. With Elogs CAFM, engineers can access historical service data when servicing or repairing assets, leading to efficient work processes. This seamless sharing of information between users and engineers enhances overall asset performance and longevity.
Asset lifecycle management is a critical process for organisations that rely on physical assets to support their operations. Elogs CAFM supports organisations to maximise the value and performance of their assets while minimising costs and risks.
Supplier Performance Monitoring
Another key feature that is vital for facility management software is the ability to monitor supplier performance.
Tracking supplier performance is crucial for maintaining service quality and ensuring compliance across your assets and properties.
When searching for a CAFM platform, you should look for tools that can help you analyse the credentials of suppliers and contractors.
Elogs CAFM is the perfect system for data analytics and reporting, you to track supplier performance, as well as consolidating the required insurances, certifications and critical documentation in one place. Not to mention, our FM software is integrated with Prosure360, a supplier management software.
This ensures that your supply chain aligns with your business’s requirements and values. With total control of your supply chain, features like this help you avoid working with non-compliant service providers.
Elogs CAFM also has a Service Provider Feedback Ratings feature which allows facilities managers to give their honest opinions on their service provider partners who are working across their sites. This gives other CAFM users real-world feedback, alongside the numbers and statistics that the Elogs CAFM platform is so good at providing.
Document Management
Efficient document management is also essential for maintaining accurate records and ensuring compliance in facilities management. Every good facility management software system should provide a centralised repository for all facility-related documents, making it easy to access and update information as needed.
Elogs CAFM stores all your documentation in one place, tracks actions, and allows you to see comprehensive audit trails. This centralised approach to document management enhances collaboration and ensures that all stakeholders have access to the most up-to-date information and data.
Integrated 24/7 Service Desk
An integrated service desk is a key differentiator for modern CAFM systems. It provides continuous support and monitoring, ensuring that all facility-related issues are addressed promptly and efficiently.
Elogs’ combined solution of an integrated CAFM and 24/7 service desk proactively ensures nothing gets dropped. Our service desk helps people solve problems by taking calls or emails and raising requested jobs on the CAFM system. Once a job has been raised, our team will communicate with the clients, the facilities managers, the surveyors, and the contractors to ensure the work gets completed as quickly as possible.
We act as an extension of your business, making sure you have a service desk team who truly care about your problems. Having a service desk team who are invested in your business means that they’ll want to provide efficient solutions for you and your tenants. This round-the-clock support sets Elogs apart from other CAFM providers, offering unparalleled responsiveness and reliability.
Why These Features Matter
Each of these features plays a crucial role in effective facility management and they are all crucial for facility management software:
- Reporting and analytics provide insights for strategic decision-making and performance improvement.
- PPM planners ensure proactive maintenance, reducing downtime and extending asset lifespans.
- Asset performance tracking optimises asset utilisation and maintenance strategies.
- Supplier performance monitoring maintains service quality and ensures compliance.
- Document management ensures accurate record-keeping and enhances collaboration.
- An integrated service desk provides continuous support and monitoring, minimising disruptions.
With Elogs CAFM, every job is managed from quotation and approval through to ownership and completion. Each step is monitored to ensure nothing is missed or forgotten. This comprehensive approach to job management, combined with real-time updates and comprehensive audit trails, ensures that all stakeholders stay informed, and processes run smoothly.
Elogs CAFM offers all the essential features needed for effective facility management, along with advanced capabilities that set it apart from other providers. By leveraging these tools, organisations can optimise their facility operations, reduce costs, improve sustainability, and drive overall business performance.
From enhancing asset management and streamlining maintenance processes to improving supplier relationships and supporting ESG initiatives, Elogs CAFM provides a comprehensive solution for modern facility management challenges. Its integrated approach, combining powerful software tools with 24/7 support, ensures that facility managers have the resources they need to excel in their roles and drive value for their organisations.
By choosing a CAFM system like Elogs, facility managers can transform their operations, gaining total visibility and control over their facilities without ever leaving their desks.
