Leverage Automation to Optimize Workflows and Procedures

Lack of skilled labor is a challenge for many facilities – and one not likely to change soon. By 2030, it’s expected that there will be 85 million global vacancies for skilled workers^[i]. Fewer, less experienced workers can increase the potential of human error, particularly when combined with the management of aging building stock and legacy systems. This can impact not only how buildings are managed and systems are maintained but also how occupants experience spaces from a comfort and even safety perspective.

Building automation solutions are now being designed to be easier to install, commission and maintain as well as help to digitalize building operations. These technologies can also help building owners and operators change how they approach workflows and procedures to improve operational efficiency even with smaller teams.

Three ways to improve workflows

1. Automate processes

Traditionally, building operations have relied on manual documentation to define and drive workflows and procedures. This approach has several flaws. It relies on people to remember key steps which is problematic as no one has a perfect memory, and in a crisis, people may forget to activate every step in a procedure. With a manual approach, when an incident arises relevant information may not immediately accessible and there is no ability to pool data from other interrelated processes. When amplified over multiple workflows and procedures, it is likely to result in errors, which could have potentially dangerous results. Digital solutions can store the steps in standard operating procedures – no matter the situation – and can automate response actions to assist staff through the workflow. This helps remove human error while enabling consistent, faster responses without relying solely on the staff on duty.

2. Introduce dashboards

Maintaining a comfortable, efficient building involves integrating and managing countless applications and assets. These assets from lighting and heating to security and safety, generate vast amounts of data. Building operators need the ability to harness this data and gain greater visibility of building operations. Dashboards that collate data across assets and their performance can help enhance situational awareness. A building automation system that integrates multiple operating systems and displays status on one central dashboard further improves operational response and productivity.

3. Intervene earlier

Insight into building assets also helps improve uptime and reduce maintenance costs, allowing emerging issues to be spotted earlier. An automated and integrated building system can be programmed to know what the acceptable operating parameters are for each asset. When an asset exceeds predefined thresholds, the platform issues an alert, and the problem can be investigated or fixed right away. More timely interventions mean that major downtime can be averted because systems are not left to fail before a maintenance ticket is raised.

Improved Workflows to Help Empower Workers

Optimizing workflows through building solutions is one way to address the skilled labor shortage in buildings. Automating standard operating procedures across departments, teams and functions allows the right teams to have the right information at the right time so critical decisions can be made quickly and collaboratively. These technologies also enable workers to take immediate, more informed actions. Honeywell offers several scalable and flexible solutions that can integrate and automate workflows and procedures to achieve optimal operational efficiency and help empower your facilities teams.

Learn more about how Honeywell can help you improve operational efficiency in your buildings in our e-guide here.

^[i]Korn Ferry, Future of Work: The Global Talent Crunch, Spring 2018 [Accessed March 20, 2024]