Across two power-packed days, more than 250 key industry veterans gained critical insights on future technologies at the inaugural edition of the Smart Facilities Middle East (SFM 2021).

 

Convened by Aldrich International, SFM 2021, it was held on August 18 and 19 at Sofitel The Palm in Dubai.

 

The forum spearheaded a series of discussions addressing the theme of “Gearing Up for the Future, Developing Sustainable Facility Management Strategies” and rolled out the Middle East’s most comprehensive facilities management (FM) industry comprising visionary keynote presentations, the latest technologies and digitalisation and AI focused tracks.

 

The event kickstarted with the interactive session on the role of FM in carbon reduction moderated by David Carey from the Institute of Workplace & Facility Management; Louise Collins, JLL Mena & James Grinnell from the Regulatory & Supervisory Bureau (RSB Dubai).

 

Key industry expert, Graeme Sims, Executive Director from The Regulatory & Supervisory Bureau (RSB Dubai), the regulator of Dubai’s water and electricity sector, delivered the opening keynote address at the event and stressed on ‘Building Energy Management Accreditation Scheme’ which aims to raise awareness of the important role of good Energy Management companies to play in delivering energy-efficient operation of Dubai’s buildings.

 

Shedding light on the scheme, Sims said: “I’m pleased to see such a strong focus on innovation and the application of technology in the FM industry. Commercial and residential property plays such an important role in Dubai’s economy that it’s vital these assets are well managed."

 

"For our part in the RSB, we are keen to see high standards of energy management recognised and awarded. Our recently launched accreditation scheme for building energy managers is designed to do just that.  I’d encourage any FM organisation with a commitment to exceptional energy management performance to get in touch and consider applying,” he added.

 

One of the key highlights of Day 1 was the Exclusive Inaugural Panel with Martin Gregory, Chief Executive Officer, Gregory & Jones Consultants; Said ElHaouasli, Vice President – Facilities Management, LOAMS; Tarek Nizameddin, Senior Executive Director, Ejadah Asset Management Group and Khaldun Aburok, Director of Business Development, Farnek Services LLC shedding light on the Role of Facilities Management in Dubai Vision 2040.

 

SFM 2021 witnessed an exclusive presentation by Javeria Aijaz, Senior Director, Technology & Innovations, Farnek Services where she put spotlight on the increasing efficiency through digitalisation in facilities management.

 

"There is a famous saying of Lord Kelvin - If you cannot measure it, You can’t manage and improve!. It is extremely important to measure the energy for building operations and hence it is not new and somehow already advanced, but do we know how efficient is a cleaner, when they arrive on site and are they productive throughout the day. The query becomes more significant when the FM staff are in hundreds and distributed among the building," she added.

 

There are many operational and supporting processes if digitalised can effectively bring efficiency to FM service delivery. The objective is not to only digitalise the individual process and leave them to operate in silos, but to connect these touchpoint which are a part of the entire FM service delivery. 

 

“These are critical to monitor as a part of FM lifecycle so they can be constantly improved in managing the FM operations. This is why Farnek not only brought Energy & Asset Management platform but a wide range of touchpoint digitalisation across the FM Service Delivery." said Aijaz.

 

A key highlight of the conference was the panel on the Covid-19 impact on the facilities management industry that saw an exchange of thoughts from industry pioneers from Abu Dhabi Ports Group, International Facility Management Association (IFMA), Aramex and CBRE on the measures needed to address the ongoing challenges. 

 

Highlighting CBRE’s strategy as part of this Sharon Withe, Regional Managing Director Middle East & Africa, CBRE, said: “Covid-19 has been and continues to be a humanitarian challenge that has changed the way we live, work and socialise. CBRE are supporting their clients, employees and stakeholders to navigate their way through these unprecedented times. CBRE is keeping our collective finger on the pulse sharing best practice and effective strategies to move through covid and look to a positive future."

 

One of the key focus areas at the event that saw a rendezvous of industry experts from Dulsco, Imdaad LLC, Nakheel Malls, bee’ah, and Green Eco Technologies to discuss about innovative waste management. 

 

Speaking as part of the panel, Maryke Tredoux, Head of Soft Services, Nakheel Malls said: “An informative 2 days, paving the way for exciting smart innovations that will contribute to the UAE being a global leader in terms of Facilities Management and Innovative Waste Management.  We need more of these platforms to discuss, collaborate and share innovative ideas, that will contribute and have a positive impact, not only locally but also on the global sustainability goals.”

 

Adding on to the above, John Grainger, Chief Operating Officer, Environmental Solutions, Dulsco said: “Sustainability is a massive global issue and has many aspects that need critical attention, one of which is waste management. We are pleased that the topic is being discussed at such a high level in this event and are delighted to share our industry-leading solutions and experiences in innovation for waste management."

 

"We’ve invested in various technologies and processes that allow us to repurpose waste and create value, for instance, our facility that is state-of-the-art in the region, as well as our concept store – New Old & Reloved – which is an upcycling initiative that transforms waste into contemporary home décor and furnishings. Moving forward, the key trends that we see is at the forefront of waste management issues will be helping and supporting our clients in the diversion of waste from landfill and continuing efforts to decrease carbon footprints across our services,” he added.

 

The facilities management-focused programme at SFM 2021 saw also panel discussions & presentations focusing on the Technology & New Age Workplace, How FM leaders can create customer value through data-driven agile service delivery, digital handover management for the built environment and the asset digitisation basics.

 

Tarek Nizameddin said: “Smart Facilities Management conference brings the industry professionals together to discuss the current industry best practices and market condition with an overlook of the future and we are very happy to be part of it.”

 

Speaking at one of the presentations on the ‘Facility Management in the Era of Digitalisation, Robin Machado, Digital Services, Business Manager, Siemens Middle East said: “As buildings get smarter, facility management gets more complex. But it doesn’t have to be a mystery. You can stay in control -- and reduce your risks and costs -- with digital technology. Digitalisation brings real, quantifiable benefits like less downtime and greater energy savings. So, the way forward in the digital era is to transform the way you operate: Let smart buildings and facilities work for you.”

 

Shedding light on the smart residential solutions, Muhammad Bilal Khan, Business Development Manager, Dahua Technology Mena said: “Smart Security & Surveillance System empowers safe communities, which leads to a safer environment. The selection of the right brand with the appropriate models can help in preventing acts of vandalism and serious crimes. Dahua Technology, which is one of world’s leading CCTV manufacturing company always takes the initiative in offering the most innovative and reliable products to its valued customers. Our AI technology even provides proactive and real-time security, hence helping the community for a better and safe living."

 

Peter Maung, General Manager from Intertech Vision ME talks about ‘maximising the power IoT with AI-assisted Remote Alarm Management System.’

 

He said: “In line with the new “Dubai 2040 urban master plan”, there is a need for Smart Facility Management control rooms to manage new urban areas with the focus of enhancing people’s happiness and quality of life. Designing control rooms is a complex procedure requiring experts in the control room design field to ensure an efficient and human-friendly workspace in a safe environment. Intertech Vision has one of the most skilled design teams in the region with a combined experience of more than 100 years in the control room industry."

 

"Over the past 21 years, Intertech has designed and built more than 450 control room projects fully compliant with the ISO 11064 Ergonomic Standard. It is important to emphasise that a successful control room design will enhance productivity while reducing or limiting operators’ errors caused due to the work environment," he noted.

 

The one-day conference also witnessed key presentations from Majd Fayyad, Royal Danish Consulate General Dubai speaking about the ‘Smart Cities & Building Solutions’, David Carey from Institute of Workplace & Facilities Management (IWFM) talking about ‘Developing Professional Potential for a Smart Workplace’ and from Oliver Baxter, Herman Miller who discussed the three shifts to help organisations navigate a post-pandemic future.

 

The debut SFM brought over 200+ facility management professionals, building administrators, purchase managers, health & safety managers and real estate management professionals from across the GCC onto one platform by spearheading actionable debate, impactful change, and high-level outcomes.

 

The key partners at SFM 2021 included: Dahua Technology Mena, Siemens Middle East, Facilio, Ramsys, Intertech Vision Middle East, Barco, Ejadah Asset Management Group, Farnek Services LLC, Belimo, SHRAS IT Solutions, Eaton, CATEC, Evreka & HygieneTech. The event is supported by IWFM, IFMA, Emrill Services and Mace.-TradeArabia News Service