Network FM: An essential technology in real estate and facility management

Abstract

The success of digital transformation in real estate (RE) and facility management (FM) is based on understanding modern digitalisation technologies, their applications and benefits. Among them is a technology called network facility management (NFM), which is essential to manage one of the most important asset classes: data and communication networks. Business processes and economic success are highly dependent on a smooth and reliable operation of those networks. Data and communication networks, with their diverse components and connections, are a particularly important and complex class of facilities that require the same attention and professional IT support as other assets supported by computer aided facility management (CAFM) systems and integrated workplace management systems (IWMS), for example. The IT systems used for this purpose are referred to as NFM systems and can be considered special CAFM/IWMS systems for networks. NFM covers planning, provision and operation of all physical and technical facilities required to establish and operate network infrastructure, including network infrastructure components, physical connectivity and supporting infrastructure such as power, cooling and space. Despite some similarities between CAFM and NFM systems, such as the mapping and management of facilities in their spatial environment, NFM systems support very specific planning, documentation and management tasks. Communication and data exchange with other systems are equally important. The collaboration between NFM systems and other related IT systems like dynamic network management systems (NMS) is presented here as particularly important and useful. Furthermore, special challenges in data capturing are discussed, which differ significantly from classic data collection in RE/FM due to the specific nature of networks. The paper describes relevant NFM features, processes and benefits. The focus is on how to provide a reliable, up-to-date source of information despite the complexity and high rate of change in the physical IT infrastructure. At the heart of the proposed solution is the efficient interaction of various management and monitoring tools. Furthermore, we consider the role that modern artificial-intelligence-based assistance systems can play in interdisciplinary knowledge provision. An insight into current research is provided. This article is also included in The Business & Management Collection which can be accessed at https://hstalks.com/business/.