New technology roadmap and guide to Smart FM launched in support of transformation efforts for the facilities management sector

Tuesday, 1 October 2019

Consortium Operations and Technology Roadmap comprises more than 50 technology solutions charted to improve service delivery for Facilities Management (FM)
- Smart FM guide developed to help building owners identify and implement technology solutions

Singapore, 1 October 2019 - The Singapore International Facility Management Association (SIFMA), in partnership with the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), has launched a Consortium Operations and Technology Roadmap (COTR) as part of efforts to transform the Facilities Management (FM) sector to be future-ready. This was announced by Mr Zaqy Mohamad, Minister of State for National Development at the opening ceremony of the International Facility Management Conference. The roadmap was also developed with support from the Building and Construction Authority (BCA), Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) and Enterprise Singapore.

With Singapore's growing number of buildings, aging workforce and manpower constraints, the local FM sector faces significant challenges in ensuring that service standards are met. The use of innovative technologies will help to ensure buildings are well maintained at optimal performance and sustainability. The COTR charts more than 50 near-, mid- and long-term technology solutions aimed at improving service delivery outcomes. It also maps technology solutions that may require further research and development. More information on the COTR can be found in Annex A.

"Digitalisation is taking the world by storm and has disrupted Singapore's FM sector. With the reconstitution of SIFMA, we believe that it is timely to work with our partners and government agencies to plan for a future-ready FM sector. With the development of the FM COTR, this will enable us to work towards the digitisation of the FM sector while improving the productivity, effectiveness and sustainability of the nation's buildings. We are excited to build towards the FM sector of tomorrow while tackling the challenges of today", Said Tony Khoo, President, SIFMA.

Professor Tan Sze Wee, Assistant Chief Executive of A*STAR's Science & Engineering Research Council, added, "By putting a technology roadmap in place, SIFMA members will be able to make better-informed decisions in their innovation strategies and future-proof their businesses. This will help improve the competitiveness of the facilities management sector. A*STAR is glad to be part of this multi-party collaboration, and we will continue to support the sector's needs with our technologies and roadmapping expertise."

One key outcome of the COTR is the development and adoption of advanced technology solutions that enable integrated and data-driven predictive FM services. In rolling out this roadmap, A*STAR, BCA, Enterprise Singapore and IMDA will work alongside SIFMA to promote the use of such technologies by FM companies.

Facilitating the wider adoption of Smart FM

A Guide to Smart FM was also made available to developers, Government Procurement Entities and building owners as an easy-to-use reference to identify, implement and reap the benefits of smart technology solutions for their business operations. This guide was jointly developed by a taskforce under the tripartite Facilities Management Implementation Committee (FMIC), comprising representatives from various agencies, building owners, service providers and industry bodies. More information on the Guide to Smart FM can be found in Annex B.

Mr Hugh Lim, CEO of BCA, said: "BCA is glad to be working closely with SIFMA and our tripartite partners in developing the COTR and the Guide to Smart FM, with more than 100 people from 50 organisations involved in workshops and consultations. The COTR and the Guide to Smart FM help firms identify and implement technologies and solutions for FM, such as AI-assisted centralised management systems and 3D printed parts for FM. We hope these efforts will greatly help to improve service delivery through Smart FM technology adoption and facilitate a more progressive and productive FM sector."

Reconstitution of SIFMA

The Singapore International Facilities Management Association (SIFMA) has recently amended its constitution to take in corporate memberships. This would allow SIFMA to better represent and serve the industry by amassing more support and awareness for industry development efforts like the COTR.

Related

Smart Facilities Management and Guide to Smart FM (opens in new tab)

Portable document format version of the media release is also available (opens in new tab) (479kB .pdf).