FM dashboard : A facility management monitoring tool for planning, design and construction to optimize function and cost in operations

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to create a deeper understanding of the importance of monitoring key aspects of facility management (FM), right from the planning stage of a building's lifecycle. Design/methodology/approach – This paper is based on literature review and qualitative research. Empirical interviews were conducted with various executives and academics to identify FM‐related aspects that should be considered during the planning, design and construction of buildings. These insights are the foundation of a newly developed monitoring tool which can be applied to different settings. Findings – When analyzing relevant aspects of FM, ten main categories were identified, together with corresponding sub‐categories. These were used as input for a quality assurance tool designed to analyze the degree to which FM is taken into consideration in the early stages of planning. Respondents fill out an item battery, using a five‐point scale. The questions refer to the completeness and plausibility of the respective (sub‐)category. This newly developed monitoring‐tool has been applied to a construction project in the city center of Zurich/Switzerland. Research limitations/implications – The monitoring tool presented here is only a first attempt to structure and analyze important aspects of FM during the early stages of building construction. It will be further developed over time to include various building types and more project phases within the life cycle of buildings. Practical implications – FM dashboard can be used as an analytical tool to support the structured monitoring of FM relevant aspects during planning, design and construction. Originality/value – Corporate facility managers need better methods and tools for demonstrating the importance of early consideration of FM‐relevant aspects to various parties involved in construction (e.g. architectural and planning offices, owners, construction companies, etc.). This paper provides an insight into a tool designed for this purpose and offers practical assistance and guidance for its use.