CAFM stands for Computer-Aided Facilities Management and is the process of enabling computer technology to support facilities management. CAFM tools aim to streamline facilities management and allow facilities managers to automate processes and modernize their facilities to be more efficient and function better. CAFM software enables facility managers to monitor all activities involved in facilities management, including asset management, preventive maintenance, corrective maintenance, room reservations, and facility internet of things (IoT) controls.
Before CAFM software development, facilities managers relied upon mountains of paperwork, filing cabinets, and/or database spreadsheets for work orders, equipment manuals, maintenance schedules, and maintenance records. These processes made staying on top of needed maintenance time-consuming and tedious. CAFM software has made these processes immensely easier for facilities managers and has allowed them to focus on making their facilities more efficient on every level.
Type of CAFM Software
There are various types of facilities management software. CAFM software primarily focuses on the physical workplace and assets located within it. CAFM software integrates with Computer-aided design (CAD) and building information modeling (BIM) to provide an easy-to-use layout of the buildings that it’s helping to manage. This allows for easy optimization of space use and maintenance planning. Overall, CAFM software makes buildings run more efficiently and facility managers’ jobs easier. As buildings move to a more efficient “smart” future, CAFM software will become an even more vital tool for the future of facilities management.
Benefits of CAFM Software
The benefits of CAFM software for organizations are wide-ranging, including:
- Increased building energy efficiency
- Increased labor efficiency
- Cost savings from increased energy and labor efficiency
- Longer equipment and asset lifespans
- Access to in-depth building and equipment data
- Increased ability to plan maintenance and projects
- Improved team communication and performance
