In episode 163 of the Asset Champion podcast, host Mike Petrusky speaks with Colette Temmink, a corporate real estate, facilities and operations leader at Voxel who is committed to making a positive impact championing safe, efficient and sustainable workplace technology. Mike asks Colette about how asset and facility management has evolved from a purely tactical focus to a more strategic and technology-oriented profession, influenced by trends such as digital twins, AI, and sustainability. They discuss how FM professionals should not be afraid to embrace new technologies and innovations, but they need to ask what they are solving for and explore technologies that align with their organization’s needs and data requirements. A holistic asset lifecycle approach to managing buildings and assets can provide multiple benefits and insights, not just for FM departments but for the entire organization. Colette believes that human connections and professional relationships remain critical in an increasingly AI-driven industry and she emphasizes the importance of being a lifelong learner and staying informed about technological advancements to maintain relevant in the field. FM professionals should shift from reactive maintenance models to more data-informed, AI-driven decision-making processes.
Agenda
- Shaping the modern FM landscape. Discussion of how AI, computer vision, and data-driven insights are redefining facility management and workplace safety
- Balancing tech and human connection. Exploration of how facility managers can embrace technology while maintaining emotional intelligence, communication, and collaboration
- Evolving roles and future relevance. Insights on how FMs can adapt, upskill, and stay competitive as technology and expectations continue to transform the industry
What you need to know: Facility and maintenance takeaways
Takeaway 1: Embracing technology and data in facility management is essential for future success, but maintaining human connections and emotional intelligence remains crucial.
Colette emphasizes the importance of integrating technology and data to enhance the role of facility managers (FMs). “Technology is important, right, and understanding which technology you need for the organization, but the data and the underlying data and the insight from that data is also important,” she states Colette highlights the potential of technologies like AI and computer vision to provide predictive and prescriptive insights, helping FMs make better decisions and improve building performance.
However, she also stresses that the human element is indispensable. “In an age increasingly shaped by AI, human connections and professional relationships still matter,” Colette notes. She encouraged FMs to focus on what the organization needs and to take a holistic, lifecycle approach to managing buildings. “One consideration to kind of maximizing their value is taking more of a holistic view and life cycle approach, which you mentioned earlier on, right, of the buildings or portfolio from a design and maintain and supporting the uses taking place,” she advises. This balance between technology and human interaction is key to staying relevant in the field.
Colette’s final advice to the audience was to remain open to learning and experimentation. “In this time of rapid change and innovation, FM shouldn’t be afraid to experiment and try something new, you know, within their risk tolerance or actually be the innovator,” she says. By staying informed and proactive, FMs can better navigate the future challenges and opportunities in their roles.
Takeaway 2: The role of facility management is shifting from a purely tactical focus to a more strategic and data-driven approach
Colette discusses the transformation of the facility management (FM) profession over the past few decades. “If you think about what we’re focused on today, right, if you look at the true definition of FM, it’s maintaining the buildings and really helping provide a safe and productive environment for the occupants,” she explains. This shift from a tactical role to a more strategic one has been driven by advancements in technology and the increasing complexity of building systems.
The challenges FMs face, such as integrating legacy systems with modern technologies, underscore the need for a strategic mindset. “Consider kind of the lack of capabilities of some of the mechanical and electrical systems with interfacing with modern technologies, or whether you can actually extract data from legacy systems for predictive analytics and other AI applications,” Colette points out. She emphasizes that FMs must be prepared to manage these changes and the implications they have on the building’s lifecycle. “Are the FMs focused on just replacing outdated equipment and mapping to the current environment or are they really considering an entirely new system for future needs and what may be required in the future going forward,” she questions.
As the industry evolves, FMs need to stay informed and adaptable. “Staying on top of learning. I think while many of your guests, you know, even in the past have kind of emphasized this importance of being lifelong learners, I would absolutely echo that,” Colette advises. By continuously learning and experimenting, FMs can effectively leverage new technologies to meet the changing needs of their organizations.
Takeaway 3: Collaboration and collective strength are vital for facility managers to navigate the future of the built environment
Colette shares her belief in the power of collaboration and the collective strength of teams. “My current favorite is probably the strength of a team is each individual member, and the strength of each member is the team,” she quotes, attributing it to Phil Jackson. This quote resonated with her view on the importance of teamwork in the FM industry, especially as it faces rapid technological advancements and shifting workplace dynamics.
She emphasizes that FMs should not only focus on individual skills but also on how to harness the collective strength of their teams. “Even if you think about organizations today, right, we’ve had a lot of discussion around are we going to bring people back full time, part time, you know, hybrid work environments, and whatever’s driving those decisions in an organization, whether it’s to drive better outcomes, supporting the culture, you know, there is value in bringing people together, that collective strength,” Colette says. This collective approach can lead to better decision-making and more resilient design in building management.
Colette also encourages FMs to support and learn from one another. “If you have an opportunity to learn, or if you have an opportunity to share your knowledge, take that chance to really do that,” she advises. By fostering a culture of continuous learning and collaboration, FMs can stay ahead of the curve and contribute to the success of their organizations in a dynamic and technology-driven future.
Maintenance management insights
- FM is a relatively young profession that has transformed from a tactical to a more strategic role, driven by technological advancements and changing workplace demands.
- Despite the rise of AI, human connections and professional relationships remain crucial in the industry.
- FMs should adopt a holistic lifecycle approach to building management, leveraging data to optimize design, maintenance, and operational decisions.
- The industry is facing challenges with integrating legacy systems with modern technologies and the need to prepare for resilient design in buildings.
- Data and the insights derived from it will play a critical role in the future of FM, helping to design better assets and improve performance.
Do a deep dive into more asset management insights by exploring all Asset Champion Podcast episodes.
