Gulf Construction Online - Emcor management system ‘evolutionary’

Facilities Management

Emcor management system ‘evolutionary’

01 August 2009

EMCOR Facilities Services Group (EFSG) is now implementing a new facilities management system utilising Concept Evolution CAFMS (computer-aided facilities management software) with portable PDA devices, in a bid to simplify and direct its processes and workflow for maintaining assets.
To facilitate this process which allows it to offer a totally integrated service, the Emcor Group, a global leader in mechanical and electrical construction, energy infrastructure, and facilities services, teamed up with FM solutions provider FSI late last year.
“This is a bespoke system that enables us to configure the exact requirements of any individual project – from grass management in stadiums to air-conditioning and water systems to HR (human resources) tools and health services; we even have a concierge service with one project – it’s a totally integrated service,” says John Kelley-Quinn, EFSG general manager Saudi Arabia.
“Where it gets really exciting though and what’s so special about this project in Saudi Arabia, is that the entire system is linked into portable devices carried by our staff on the ground, completely eliminating the paper trail in favour of efficiency and accuracy and saving time and costs,” he says.
The cost benefit to clients is real – clients can expect to save hours in resources, paperwork, efficiency and getting the job right the first time on any standard reactive and planned job.
The system works similar to GPS: Emcor’s man on the ground is alerted to a job in real time, where he can respond on the spot and have all the data from the master computer – manuals, blueprints history, 3D compositions – transported to the hand-held device, with step-by-step troubleshooting, eliminating the need for time-consuming travel back and forth.
Systems technology paired with expert management saves the client costs by employing less manpower to deliver a more efficient and timely output of work due to the collaboration of excellent time management and system integration, he says.
“These are the FM tools of the future where you have your office with you 24/7 to engage expediently in live time. The data is already populated in an intelligent easy-to-use format, which cuts the requirement for typing lengthy documents,” says Kelly-Quinn. “In essence, it means more jobs can be attended, inspected and completed in a safe and efficient manner without compromising the quality of the report it generates for your clients.
“The hard work is already established in our ‘business in a box’ roll-out model which, along with our first-class policies, procedures, systems technology and general business infrastructure, saves the client time and money as we are fully equipped to execute a contract.”
FM is a new concept in Saudi Arabia so EFSG believes it needs to create awareness of what services and benefits it provides.
Saudi Arabia has embarked on a massive development programme, which includes five economic cities and specialist universities, Kelly-Quinn says.
“Infrastructure needs to be managed, as any asset should, with professional care for the lifecycle of the property. In the past, buildings would be demolished and a new one built in its place. However, this is and has proven totally unsustainable, especially in the current economic climate. Our challenge here, and to the future of FM, is to manage and maintain our clients’ assets to best utilise and harness the full potential of these projects,” he says.
“As the country expands its infrastructure so will the FM sector grow, and only the best will win the work. That’s why Emcor has taken the high ground and invested in making a presence from the outset – it was a risk that is now paying dividends,” he points out.
The company plans to evolve in Saudi Arabia by adopting both a five-star working FM practice for clients, as well as educating and employing the local people for a more defined sustainable future.
“We will grow organically through winning long-term contracts in FM and/or total project solution contracts for providing total integrated maintenance and operational management services. Also, one of our key objectives is to work with, assist and educate the local population in Saudi Arabia, and everywhere we’re based, in FM to help create that sustainable industry and security,” he adds.