Computer-Aided Facility Management
Computer Aided Facility Management ( CAFM ) is the support of facility management through information technology in the form of a computer program, which consists of a database and a user interface. Focus is on the provision of information about the facilities and the support of work processes in the foreground.
Functional Description
The program is called CAFM software, CAFM application or as a CAFM system. There are so-called integrated systems that combine several functions. These applications are referred to as multifunctional systems (or iCAFM software). Applications with only one specific function are called mono-functional applications.
In the industry systems distinguish between client / server and web-based.
For client / server systems, the data can be entered and accessed exclusively by fixed networked computers. To store a link to the application must be prepared. In addition, a data base is required.
In a web-based CAFM system is a Web browser is next to the database required and the information can be a company-wide intranet or over the Internet world entered from any computer and retrieved without that something needs to be installed on the computer. You only need the appropriate web address, at which the system as a Web site opens.
Increasingly CAFM systems are also used increasingly for mapping facility management processes. For example, it is possible (for example, an office staff, etc. ) (eg, a defective lighting) to deposit reported defects as repair orders in the system of a building's users. These orders can then be viewed and edited from the relevant department or an external company. It can be an order tracking are used in the open orders are submitted to the department or the company carrying again if the job after a certain period of time should not be done ( escalation ). Once a job has been done, it is recorded in the system as completed and it can automatically run an errand message - eg via e -mail - will be sent to the client. In this way, operations can be monitored and customer satisfaction can be increased.
Related areas, extensions
A building management system (BMS ) is defined as the set of monitoring, control, regulation and optimization facilities in buildings within the scope of technical facility management. The goal is to perform functional sequences craft comprehensive independent (automatic), according to predefined set values ( parameters) or to facilitate their operation or monitoring. All sensors, actuators, controls, consumers and other technical units in the building are interconnected. Processes can be grouped into scenarios. The characteristic feature is the decentralized arrangement of the control units (DDC ) and the universal networking by a bus (usually EIB / KNX or DALI lighting at ).
The extended term CAIFM or iCAFM (English Computer-Aided Integrated Facility Management and Integrated Computer - Aided Facility Management) sees itself " as an integral part of the information technology of the entire company or the organization as a whole and therefore supports enterprise-wide processes involving which FM functions. a CAIFM is therefore always with the ES - Enterprise System (often referred to ERP - Enterprise Resource Planning system called ) online and real-time integrated such ES dominates in Germany in large organizations SAP with its R / 3 Furthermore, a CAIFM ideally also. integrated with building automation systems. CAIFM thus, a part of the management information system ( MIS) of the company and thus to real support for top management. " Source: Mag Prischl Peter