Innovation in the Use of Technology and Systems

About this award

This award recognises the best technology innovation in FM. Its scope is wide and relates to technology and systems, use of space, service delivery or any other area where technology has been employed to improve service delivery to the customer. The primary measure of success will be how the innovation improved the solution to a problem. It can simple and inexpensive or the most complicated rationalisation.

Submitting your entry

Entrants need to demonstrate the novelty of the solution clearly and concisely. They must explain the need for the innovation, how it was developed, who was involved, a measurement of the benefits to the customer and any plans for the future. Entrants must include sufficient data to show the cost-effectiveness of the innovation. The judges would like to see data for at least six months prior to 31st March 2012 in support of the entry.

Judging criteria

Entrants must present their completed submission via email in the order that addresses the following judging criteria.

1. Requirement.
2. Business case.
3. Technology solution. Is it innovative?
4. Implementation.
5. Measurement of success.
6. Application in general FM.

Additional information

Technology plays an integral role in our lives at home and in the workplace. Applications within the field of facilities management cover every aspect of our work through Computer Aided Design (CAD), Computer Aided Facilities Management (CAFM), and Building Management Systems (BMS) etc., with which we are all very familiar. The advent of e-portals, Embedded Smart Sensors (ESS), Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs), Radio Frequency Identification Devices (RFID), Smart Cards (SC), Biometrics, Web 2.0 and new Information Management Systems are revolutionising the way we collect, use and share information and to make decisions. But how will this affect our industry?

This is the key issue that must be addressed and we are looking for demonstrably effective examples of new technology in the FM work environment.

From the lead judge: Tony Middleton, FBIFM, Chartis Insurance

“We are looking for exemplary examples of the innovative use of technology and systems in the industry. We recognise that the technology may not be new, but are keen to see entries that use technology and systems in an innovative way. It could be that a system is widely used in another industry and that the entrant is pioneering this in the FM industry, through adaption for example. We are particularly keen to see scalability of application and its potential to be used across the industry. Alternatively it may be that we have a totally new technology, system or approach developed specifically for the industry. Innovative use and innovation is the ‘key’ to what the judges are looking for. We would welcome entries from all sections of the industry and particularly welcome solutions that are working successfully in pilot organisations. A winning entry would typically demonstrate a sound business case behind the development, together with measureable and tangible innovation and scalability prospects. The entry would be successfully operating in practice and delivering measureable benefits. One other major benefit of a successful entry would be cost effectiveness of the solution in relation to wide application across the sector. Winning this award will showcase by example the entrant across the industry. The winner will be able to demonstrate innovation at the highest level and recognition for having created the potential for a wide application of technology across the sector.”