Global enterprise software provider, Ramco Systems collaborated with Media Fusion, the Middle East’s fastest growing Publications and Trade Shows enterprise, to host an exclusive roundtable that brought together the brightest minds in the facilities management industry. The event, held on 13 September in Dubai, featuring a gathering of 15 industry leaders, provided a platform to exchange ideas, share expertise and address pressing challenges faced by the industry. It primarily focused on the role of technology in digitally transforming the facilities management industry.

Some of the salient insights covered during the roundtable include:

• Facilities management service providers are increasingly moving towards a well-integrated IT landscape, in which systems such as Building Management Systems (BMS), CAFM, ERP as well as Time and Attendance software are connected in real-time.
• Pricing services in the market have been challenging for facilities management service providers, due to the lack of standard qualification criteria. There is a strong need for standardisation of RFPs and requirement capture process.
• Clients of facilities management service providers are increasingly pushing for digitalisation. On the other hand, service providers have a contract tenure shorter than the time it takes to go through with digital transformation. 
• Facilities management service contracts in the region are outcome-driven and there is a lot of emphasis on real-time operational visibility and adherence to the SLAs.

Prashanth Vasu, President & Head – Ramco ERP Software, Ramco Systems, said, "This roundtable exemplifies the power of cooperation and collective wisdom within the facilities management industry. Our association with Media Fusion has helped us extend a platform for the industry leaders, to deliberate on the way forward for digital transformation, to get the most from Computer Aided Facility Management (CAFM) software. Together with Media Fusion and our esteemed guests, we are poised to drive positive change and make a lasting impact. It was a pleasure hosting the roundtable with all the eminent personalities from the Middle Eastern Facility Management Industry.”

"This roundtable effectively combined in-depth knowledge of the region's FM leaders with the expertise of Ramco Systems to identify solutions that enable enhanced integration of data systems for improved decision-making. Media Fusion extends its sincere gratitude to all participants for their contribution in delivering an enriching discussion. We will continue to bring unique perspectives from the built industry through our magazine, Built Environment ME," commented Fyna Ashwath, Editor, Media Fusion.

A detailed report on the points of discussion at the roundtable will be covered in the next issue of Built Environment ME.