9 Essential Tips You Need to Consider When Selecting a CAFM System
Embarking on the journey to select the perfect CAFM system can be both exciting and overwhelming. With numerous options available, making the right choice is crucial to streamline your operations. In this section, we will provide 9 essential tips to help select the right one.
#1 Don’t Ignore User/ Stakeholder Input
Not involving end-users/ stakeholders in the decision-making or requirement process can result in a system that doesn’t align with their needs and preferences, leading to resistance during the decision-making process and implementation.
#2 Don’t Neglect Mobile Capabilities
Ignoring the importance of mobile access for on-the-go facility management can limit efficiency and productivity, especially for field staff.
#3 Choose a User-Friendly System
Select a CAFM system with an intuitive interface and looks easy to use. A user-friendly platform will reduce training time and accelerate adoption.
#4 Consider Customisation & Configurability
It’s vital a CAFM system is tailored to your specific needs, make sure the system aligns with your current workflows and operational management processes. Make sure various areas of the platform are easy to change, and information is easy to upload into the system.
#5 What Reporting, Analytics & Dashboards do They Have?
The key to success of a CAFM system is being able to analyse the data within. Make sure they have plenty of reports available within the system and you have ability to create your own, including scheduling of reports. Dashboards are another great way to visualise the data, so make sure they have plenty available with the ability to create your own views.
#6 Vendor Support
Consider their response times to any issues that arise with the system. Make sure their support aligns with your operational hours to make sure somebody is on hand to resolve any problems.
#7 Module Availability
Make sure you scope the software in full, including all its features and modules. Ensure the price provided includes access to all the features you require and consider the pricing for modules you may require in the future. A lot of providers have a modular pricing strategy, so when you want to add a module in future it may become more expensive than you thought!
#8 Roadmap & Upgrades
Ask to see their roadmap for new development in the platform. You may find the development they are working on will benefit you in the long term. In terms of upgrades, make sure the price includes all the new upgrades and features. Otherwise, you will end up on a version that will quickly become outdated, and you will end up paying more in the long-term.
#9 Integration (if required)
Consider if they can integrate with any current systems you deem a necessity or may require in the future. This could be a financial integration, workspace management system, BMS system or anything else.
Selecting a Computer-Aided Facility Management (CAFM) system requires deliberate consideration. Make sure you meticulously plan out your requirements from the outset, involving the relevant people that will be using the system.
Considering the tips above will help enable you to select the right software that’s a good fit, not just for the short-term but also the long-term.
CAFM system can be an amazing way to streamline your processes, improve visibility of your cost and compliance, but make sure you are selecting one that is fit for purpose. The last thing you want to do in invest time into a CAFM system only to find it’s not suitable, or you outgrow the system very quickly. Putting you back to square one and having to repeat the process all over again.
What some more help?
Why not download our Free eBook on the 4 Simple Steps To Help Choose a CAFM System.
In this eBook we’ll cover:
- 4 simple yet powerful steps to help you choose a CAFM system- even if you have no experience or don’t know where to start.
- 6 Essential tips you need to consider when selecting a CAFM system.
- How to avoid the 3 most common mistakes made by facility/ operational teams– making even 1 of these errors could cost you £1000’s and set you back several months.
- And Much Much More
Simply click here and input your details to get the report right away.
Author
Charlie Bown
Ex Facility Manager, I feel your pain!
