ISJ Analysis: A cohesive approach to facilities management

By integrating cutting-edge systems, facilities management teams can streamline security and enhance operational efficiency.

When it comes to the relationship between security and facilities management, the integration of technologies that do more than simply protect is extremely valuable.

In fact, across the industry – and in support of numerous other roles and sectors – integration is proving successful from both a safety and efficiency perspective. Such an approach simplifies facilities management.

As Tim Purpura, Vice President, Global Sales and Marketing, Morse Watchmans explains: “The facilities management sector finds itself at a crucial juncture as it navigates the complexities of the new digital-physical landscape.

“But,” continues Purpura, “in the pursuit of digital-physical convergence, facilities managers are faced with the challenge of striking the right balance between legacy solutions and cutting-edge technologies.

“Security solutions are well suited to provide a happy medium. After all, facilities and security go hand in hand. By seamlessly integrating security measures into the fabric of facility management, these solutions not only protect against potential threats but also enhance the overall efficiency and functionality of the facility.”

“This harmonious combination ensures that the facility remains a safe and conducive environment for occupants while optimising operations for the benefit of all stakeholders,” Purpura adds.

The power of integration

Facilities management teams are no stranger to integration.

In fact, the role of such teams is typically constructed around processes of multiple systems management, paired with the movements and demands of people, often against a backdrop of operational technology.

This makes the integration of modern security systems both ideal and seamless, particularly when such technology can be used to manage difficult-to-track assets like keys or can provide valuable data capable of improving business efficiency and oversight.

Like with any application, however, integration is not the answer to every challenge; this makes it critical to partner with companies that not only offer reliable solutions and support, from installation to completion, but that can recommend solutions which truly address the pain-points facing a facilities management team.

Moreover, solutions which can complement systems and do not disrupt existing protocols and strategies are, naturally, desirable.

This also ensures that the human element is truly alive within an operation, something extremely valuable when it comes to managing experiences, systems and safety.

“At Morse Watchmans, we believe the best example of security-facilities convergence and digital-physical convergence is key control,” Purpura continues.

“At their most basic level, key control systems securely protect keys in a key cabinet that can only be released to authorised users, thus exemplifying security.

“But, under the surface, key control also uses advanced technology to address various pain points for facilities teams including reporting, compliance, occupancy management and more, thus exemplifying a powerful synergy between security and facilities management in the evolving digital-physical landscape.”

Purpura concludes: “As the facilities management sector continues to evolve, embracing the seamless integration of security and facility management technologies will be critical.

“Key control serves as a testament to the potential of a cohesive approach, where security and facilities work in harmony to create a secure, productive and futureproof environment.”