Saving Time, Money & The Planet

The Facilities Management industry is at the forefront of energy efficiency; ensuring that buildings and their users reduce energy consumption and, where appropriate, achieve objectives such as higher LEED or BREEAM ratings in the process. The question which organisations within this industry should now be asking themselves is: “How can we benefit from energy efficiency in the same way as our clients?”
According to research by Hugh Jones (2011), Managing Director of Carbon Trust Advisory Services, businesses on average see an Internal Rate of Return of 48% within three years for investments in energy efficiency projects. This return may appear surprisingly high, but the positive implications of improving energy efficiency are perhaps more widespread than initially apparent.
An obvious implication of improved energy efficiency within an organisation is a reduction in overheads. However, this is not the end of the story, as this reduction in overheads can be leveraged when bidding for new business, allowing for quotes that are more competitive and thus more commissions.
In addition, greater energy efficiency makes companies more attractive to prospective clients that are expected to justify their selection of contractors, whilst taking in to account the impact that this selection will have on the environment. This expectation is likely to become more pervasive as clients utilise models that can predict emissions related to construction projects before they are made (Plataforma SINC, 2009).

The I.T. Factor

Enter, Information Technology. The revolutionizing effects of Information Technology have defined the first quarter of the 21st century and energy efficiency is no exemption.
Information Technology can improve the energy efficiency of an organisation in a number of ways. For example, by improving the efficiency of organisational processes, such as replacing mail with email or replacing manual thermostats with smart thermostats.
Beyond this, it helps organisations to make decisions which result in more efficient outcomes. By way of example, through the application of business analytics software to existing historical data, which allows for increased visibility of wastage and more effective identification of areas that require improvement.

Job Management in the Spotlight

The process of allocating employees and resources to customers is a Critical Business Function; this process is called Job Management. Here, efficiency is a word that means a great deal and the underlying question should always be: “How can we best match what we can supply to what our customers need?”
The tech revolution now has Job Management firmly within its sights, and software services, such as Okappy, stand to improve an organisation’s ability to efficiently manage its workforce and jobs.

1. On-Site

Job Management services provide a centralised platform through which jobs are created, allocated and completed. This centralisation has two effects on-site.
Firstly, it affords greater oversight and thus more considered allocation. For example, if two jobs are located close together, Job Management software can display this clearly and allow those in charge of distribution to make decisions that are more efficient. This has the potential to vastly reduce the distance operatives have to travel and thus reduce their fuel consumption.
Secondly, it allows for more reliable real-time communication and dynamic response, so if a customer needs to reschedule, you can redirect your operative before they get to the site – less wasted journeys, less wasted fuel.

2. In the Office

In the office, the impacts are equally positive. Job Management software allows for the digitization of processes such as invoicing and job creation. This means fewer journeys to the office necessitated by the need to drop off job sheets and, of course, less paper used. Gone are the days of printing (unless you really, really want to).

3. In the Decision-Making Process

Job Management software also allows organisations to compile large amounts of readily accessible job-related data in one location. This is perhaps the subtlest way that Job Management software can improve energy efficiency. However, as previously mentioned, when combined with business analytics software, historical data can provide invaluable insights that lead to decisions that are more efficient.
Ultimately, not only do investments in energy efficiency offer great rewards for organisations, but they also provide invaluable benefits for society at large. Hence, Job Management software services should be seriously considered by organisations wishing to save time, money and the planet — one job at a time.