Farnek, a leading facilities management service provider, has launched a pilot project in select Aster facilities to test a new remote monitoring system that uses the Internet of Things (IoT) technology to improve operational efficiency.

With the help of sensors, the system will record and convey real-time changes in footfall, temperature and energy consumption to remote Farnek technicians.

The data collected will be then analysed by a machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI) platform to produce timely alerts, analytical reports and dashboards for day-to-day and predictive maintenance, forecasting and planning. 

The new system will enable the setting of benchmarks to measure and compare the efficiency of similar facilities and assets. “If there is a breach of standards, alerts are sent in real time to a 24/7 command centre and technical teams can take appropriate actions remotely using mobility solutions,” a press statement said.

It will also use encryption protocols to safeguard the collected data.

Hanie Abdul Sathar, Director of EuroHealth Systems, which is managing the project for Aster, said, “The introduction of the smart system will enable us to set a model for IoT enabled facilities management that is aimed at bringing energy efficiency and effective management which would enhance a customer’s experience with Aster clinics, pharmacies and hospitals. The introduction is in alignment with Aster’s Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) goals."

“The project highlights how we can provide practical business intelligence to our customers and as such add real value to our market proposition. Data about footfall can be extremely valuable to our clients. If they can correlate footfall with revenue and product portfolio over regular periods and benchmark that with other stores in different locations, it could initiate changes in stock ordering or opening times. It could also help managers plan their staffing requirements to cover heavy demand periods,” said Markus Oberlin, CEO, Farnek.

“This is an extremely exciting juncture for FM, where ML and AI come into play. Harnessing big data from all participating Aster locations gives us a valuable benchmark,” commented Kelvin Vargheese (pictured left), Senior Director - Total Facilities Management, Farnek.

“With measurement thresholds agreed and set, if the temperature goes beyond a certain point, we know exactly where the problem is and a maintenance team can be dispatched to rectify the issue, unless external variables are in question. This is the future of predictive facilities management,” he added.