Management Information System Factors Affecting Strategic Facilities Management for Industrial Properties

Abstract

There are many challenges that a Facility Management team faces, in relation to time, cost and quality of their work. Management Information Systems (MIS) have since been developed to ease the workload of Facility Managers, as well as improve user comfort and satisfaction. However, companies in Singapore have not been very receptive to this.

This study hypothesises that there are indeed many benefits that can be reaped from MIS. In proving the accuracy of this research hypothesis, this study aims to raise awareness and convince companies in embracing technology and adopting MIS in achieving Strategic Facilities Management.

The focus of this study is on industrial properties. Using a case study approach, a leading industrial developer was chosen and in-depth analysis was conducted. Interviews and discussions were carried out as well at the data collection stage. After which, data analysis was conducted to list the possible benefits in their consolidated areas.

The results point out that there are many benefits that a Management Information System can generate for the organisation. Findings include Energy Savings for properties, Productivity Savings for Owner and Facility Management Contractors, Improved Assets Life, Cost Avoidance for FM Contracts and Fault Management, Improved Customer Satisfaction, Centralised Intelligence and Better Analytics for Future Design. Particularly, analysis was conducted on the top three Facility Management spending areas- Mechanical & Electrical, Cleaning and Security Systems.

This study is limited due to highly confidential areas, especially when they are linked to the organisation’s financial budget. Also, although the organisation in the case study is one of the first few organisations practising the adoption of MIS, it is still relatively in its infant stage. Lastly, it is the limited number of studies done prior to this which reveals limited background information on the topic.