The internet-based technologies of intranets, extranets and ASPs allow facilities managers to access their databases and gather timely data anywhere, anytime. Steve Vatidis explains
New technology is changing the infrastructure of the property business as more senior property people recognise the benefits of intranets, extranets and the internet in areas such as business intelligence, global reporting, knowledge management, and flexible remote working.
The internet is, of course, a global network of interconnected networks and computers that links an enterprise with the outside world. An intranet is a private network within an organisation that provides instant links with subsidiaries and divisions at local, national, regional and international level. An extranet, meanwhile, is a private network between two or more enterprises and links an enterprise with its suppliers, customers and partners
Intranets enable information and the answers to queries to be dealt with quickly and automatically. Extranets allow links with agents, outsourced managers and service providers for faster reporting, while retaining control of information. In both cases, document imaging and management through a central server also saves property managers’ time and storage requirements.
The lure of instant access worldwide
When King Sturge recently announced plans to install the Manhattan property and facilities management system, senior partner Malcolm King said that the move reflected the growing need for clients to have instant access to key portfolio and management information from anywhere in the world.
Facilities management staff are discovering the benefits of having their entire database available to them online on site, via a remote workstation or handheld device with a web browser. Using a web-enabled system with a geographical mapping function allows them to conduct inspections and condition surveys and instantly update their main database.
A web-enabled application can be deployed to any workstation that contains a browser. This workstation accesses a central server that hosts the database and runs the property management application. This greatly simplifies deployment to sites and allows implementation at offices that might not have any technical support.
Cost savings through ASPs
Instead of hosting their own equipment and property management software in-house, a growing number of organisations are choosing web-enabled property solutions that can be provided online through an application service provider. Although this approach requires more powerful servers, it simplifies implementation. Cost savings can be made at a local or regional level because workstations do not need to be as powerful.
Application service provision also enables regular software updates to be applied directly by the ASP online.
Web-enabled applications operate 24 hours a day and can therefore be accessed at any time from anywhere in the world. Although the physical location of the central server makes no difference, the help desk (and the supplier’s understanding of the user’s business) still requires a truly local service. For the application to be of practical use, the ASP must have local physical support in, or near, the countries in which the service is being provided.
Of course, web-enabled systems and application service provision will not be appropriate to every organisation. But the benefits of this technology do make a lot of sense in many situations.
