March 5, 2023
Work Environment

The digital transformation of General Services: necessity and strategy

The digital transformation of General Services: necessity and strategy
Publié par
Anne Farhane

The digitisation of workplace services represents a strategic turning point for companies. Beyond a mere trend, it has become a necessity in addressing the challenges of flexibility, efficiency, and well-being at work. This article delves into the motivations behind this transformation, explores the challenges to be tackled, and proposes a roadmap for successfully digitising your building.

The stakes of digitisation

Addressing complex and variable needs

Workplace management within companies is facing increasing complexity. The varied demands from different departments, ranging from Human Resources to Procurement and Management Control, require constant adaptation of spaces. This diversity of needs highlights the importance of flexible and responsive management, capable of quickly adjusting to new demands through building digitisation.

Overcoming technical and human barriers

Implementing tools like Building Information Modelling (BIM) often presents both technical and human challenges. The lack of internal skills to fully exploit these tools complicates space management and underscores the need for upskilling the relevant teams.

Managing urgency and unpredictability

Decisions on layout are frequently made in haste, without thorough consideration of long-term needs. This reactivity limits the efficiency of space management and highlights the importance of a more strategic approach, made possible by building digitisation.

The costs of inaction

Financial impact

The financial consequences of imprecise space management are significant. They result in additional expenses related to unsuitable layouts, underutilised equipment, or poorly optimised spaces.

Effects on quality of work life

The intangible impact of lacking digitisation is equally important. Inefficient space management can harm the quality of work life, decrease employee satisfaction and engagement, and damage the company's image.

Strategies for effective digitisation

Establishing digital foundations

The first step towards effective digital management of workspaces is establishing a solid database. This foundation will allow the collection, enrichment, and sharing of information related to space layout and usage, facilitating building digitisation.

Training and supporting teams

Developing internal skills is crucial for maximising the use of digital tools. Targeted training and continuous support for teams will help overcome technical obstacles and promote the adoption of new practices.

Promoting sharing and collaboration

Digitisation should encourage information sharing and collaboration between different departments. Intuitive and accessible digital tools will foster a culture of transparency and collective efficiency, essential for successful building digitisation.

Digitisation of tertiary spaces

The digitisation of tertiary spaces, namely offices and other administrative work environments, is a key component of the digital transformation of companies. By integrating advanced technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT), smart energy management systems, and online collaboration platforms, companies can optimise resource use, improve employee comfort, and reduce their ecological footprint. This allows for more agile and precise space management, better meeting the evolving needs of teams.

Digitisation of operations

The digitisation of building operations encompasses the management and optimisation of daily operations through digital tools. This includes real-time monitoring of HVAC systems (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning), lighting, security, and more. With these technologies, companies can not only reduce operational costs but also anticipate maintenance needs, improve infrastructure sustainability, and ensure an optimal work environment.

Conclusion

The digitisation of workspaces is a complex but essential process for companies aiming to improve efficiency, flexibility, and employee quality of life. By addressing technical and human challenges, investing in team training, and promoting a culture of sharing, companies can transform their workspaces into levers of performance and well-being. This digital transformation is not limited to improving internal processes; it is part of a broader strategic vision, aiming to place humans at the heart of digital innovation.

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