The use of mobile technology in FM

Over the past few years the possibility for and use of mobile technology solutions associated with cleaning and hygiene activities within the FM sector has rapidly developed. Here are some of the ways mobile technology can be deployed and the benefits for the FM sector.

More effective engagement with front line staff

The need to ensure that staff are promptly made aware of  changing health and safety protocols (particularly during the pandemic) has meant that traditional channels of communication, such as face to face guidance by on-site contract managers, is often no longer sufficient.  Staff information centres or hubs, presented on a smartphone and integrated to staff databases are now coming into their own, with staff able to read important information in their own time on their own device. In addition, these hubs also allow staff to access important documents such as payslips, holiday entitlements, and to submit routine queries and requests without needing to speak directly to their contract manager or head office based personnel.

Staff scheduling and demand-based resource allocation

Staff scheduling and the focussed deployment of staff is key to driving high levels of staff productivity and contract cost control.  Mobile workforce management software (WFM) at helping with this requirement.

Using smartphones or tablets, cleaning teams can familiarise themselves with their weekly schedules, view relevant risk assessments method statements or personal protective equipment requirements, take photographs, and obtain client sign-off. Combined with GPS tracking, WFM systems also provide an insight into which parts of a building are absorbing your resources the most, enabling management to reallocate resources in a focussed way based on demand. See for example the capability provided by the Easy Cube  solution from Essity in this regard.

Materials control

The ability to easily decentralise but control on-site materials ordering has been much easier with mobile technology. The use of order Apps, with centrally controlled pre-defined product lists and budget parameters, has removed the need to produce burdensome manual order forms and the sometimes back and forwards negotiation with the centre regarding the final list of materials to be ordered. The best of these Apps, such as Cherwell's online Order App (see below), can be integrated directly with both the FM's own purchase system and supplier's sales order system, in order to provide real time control of materials ordering.

Integration is key

In order to get the full benefits from mobile technology it is important that solutions are appropriately integrated  with their counterpart back office system. Integration captures the benefits of each individual application, whilst minimising duplication of data entry and making it possible to analyse information more rigorously and quickly, leading to better-informed decision making. Mobile WFM solutions are increasingly becoming the preferred way for FM contractors to manage the increased complexity of providing effective and efficient cleaning services.

Cherwell Mobile App

If you would like more information about the Cherwell Online Order App and how you could use this in your organisation please contact us.