18-7-2023 (SINGAPORE) As the costs of utilities and manpower continue to rise, more buildings in Singapore are turning to smart systems integrated with sensors and artificial intelligence (AI) for efficient facilities management. These innovative technologies not only help streamline operations but also contribute to environmentally friendly practices.
One prominent facilities management application developer has reported a significant increase in uptake, with adoption rates rising by a third compared to the previous year. The use of these smart systems has proven particularly beneficial in reducing manpower requirements.
A prime example of this can be seen at The Floravale condominium in Westwood Avenue. Visitors to the premises now enjoy a hassle-free experience, where a simple scan of a unique QR code at the gantry grants them entry. The traditional sign-in process at the guardhouse has been replaced by online registration in advance.
Mr. Teo Poh Siang, the managing agent at The Floravale, explained the advantages, stating, “We have actually cut down one security officer, and one security officer costs almost S$5,000 per month. So over a year, it’s about S$50,000 to S$60,000.” The transition to a digital system occurred approximately two years ago to cope with the mounting paperwork. Furthermore, this smart facility management system facilitates resident payments and enables the reporting of maintenance issues with ease. Future plans include using the system to monitor swimming pool water quality through sensor technology. The entire 754-unit property at The Floravale is managed by a lean team of only five workers, made possible by the implementation of the system developed by property technology firm Qornerstone.
Ernest Ong, the CEO of Qornerstone, acknowledged the historically manpower-intensive nature of the built environment industry. He stated, “So due to cost pressure, that is where the industry has no choice but to look into transformation by technology means.”
Another company benefitting from such smart systems is Fu Yu Corporation, a plastic product manufacturer. They utilize a similar platform developed by software solutions provider Cerexio to manage resources efficiently, including tasks such as monitoring room temperatures and controlling light switches remotely. Real-time sensor monitoring enables better energy usage, leading to a reduction of about a third in total man-hours. The system also optimizes operations related to data and finance, positioning the company to go green in multiple aspects.
With sustainability as a key focus, Fu Yu Corporation’s Group CEO, David Seow, emphasized their commitment to reducing energy usage by 30%. He elaborated, “And what goes into this 30% most is reducing raw material wastage, reducing water usage as well as electricity. So by using this system, it definitely allows us to turbocharge our process into this initiative.” The company plans to expand the utilization of smart systems across other areas of its operations to further support its environmental goals.
Smart facilities management systems are integral to the built sector’s digital transformation plans. Recognizing the importance of this transition, the Singaporean government offers grants to support organizations in adopting these advanced technologies. As Singapore aims to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, CEOs like S. Gowrishankar of Cerexio view the adoption of smart systems as essential to becoming carbon neutral. He expressed, “Because of the 2050 initiative, they have to be carbon neutral, and a lot of organizations are actually working towards that and to achieve that goal.”
