4 Space Management System Trends You Should Know About

Businesses have undergone several changes in recent years, mostly due to the influx of hybrid and flexible workplaces. The changes have also affected workplaces’ space management strategies. Trends suggest that facility managers can no longer rely on spreadsheets and manual processes for space management. 

But where traditional space management methods fail, space management systems swoop in to save the day. With real-time data insights, interactive tools, and the ability to track space usage, they can make real-estate planning easier.

But with new innovations and technologies, space management systems can do more than just track occupancy data and workspace planning. So, to help you get ahead of the curve, here are 4 space management system trends you must know about.

1. Cloud-based Space Management System

Offices no longer need to invest heavily in IT infrastructure just to deploy workplace software. Hybrid and flexible workplaces today cannot function on such rigid IT models. Hence, the move to cloud-based systems. 

Space management systems are increasingly becoming cloud-based subscription services. So, you can access your space management system from a range of IoT devices like laptops, desktops, and mobile. It is also easy to book demos and test the system for a limited period.

Cloud-based space management systems and hybrid workplaces are a perfect combination. Hybrid workplaces are dynamic, and space utilization changes daily. Cloud-based space management systems are easy to scale to accommodate all kinds of workplaces. 

Another benefit of cloud-based space management systems is that security becomes the vendor’s responsibility. So, IT supervisors can focus on improving the functioning of other vital systems and tools.

2. Integrated Space Management System

If you use multiple systems to manage your hybrid workplace, a lack of integration can affect the functioning of the workplace. The next trend is about tackling silos between different systems and improving the efficiency of space management efforts. 

Office space houses all your resources which means space affects your resource utilization and vice-versa. So, vendors have developed a solution that turns a space management system into a centralized system for hybrid workplace management.

These space management systems provide interactive floor plans showing real-time occupancy data. But they also include desk/room/parking spot booking tools, employee scheduling tools, and automated sanitation workflows. So, you can utilize each resource and assign tasks as per your space capacity and occupancy.

An integrated space management system not only gives you occupancy data but how employees utilize the available space. You can access insight from each tool using a single dashboard. You exactly know if your employees are using desks or meeting rooms to their full potential. 

You can forecast under or over-utilization even before it can happen and tweak your space management strategy for optimum usage. 

3. Space Management System with Smart IoT Devices

An integrated space management system is not just an amalgamation of different software. It also includes IoT devices to monitor space utilization. Facility managers can leverage devices like occupancy sensors to track space usage accurately. 

For example, an occupancy sensor detects a room’s occupancy. If the room is empty, sensors automatically shut all electronics and update the room as vacant. 

But occupancy sensors are just one bit of a massive fleet of smart space management devices. QR scanners for hot desking/hoteling, digital kiosks for access and visitor management, and automated temperature checks are some other IoT devices that have become trendy recently. 

These devices not only improve space utilization but also reduce the cost of running a workplace. At the same time, they provide a hassle-free work environment for employees to operate in. IoT devices are a boon for space management as they reduce the need for managerial oversight at every point of contact between employees, resources, and office space. 

4. Leverage Data for Optimal Space Utilization

Data has proven to be of great importance for improving operations and management in the workplace. If you go through the previous three trends discussed in the blog, you can see their genesis in the need for data-backed space management. 

Facility managers need access to accurate space data to help them understand their space usage. Hence, the increase in demand for space management systems that can integrate with employee-facing tools and IoT devices. 

An integrated space management system should not only streamline managerial tasks but provide centralized dashboards to monitor each activity that affects space management. When all necessary insights are available within a single system, you can analyze the effectiveness of your strategy and tweak it accurately to achieve desired results.

Final Words

These space management platform trends have risen to accommodate increasingly dynamic workplaces. At the heart of these trends are the efforts to improve space utilization through automation and data-backed decision-making.

WorkInSync space management software allows you to indulge in space planning. It helps you manage your office real estate portfolio. Managing space can become easier with WorkInSync. 

You can opt for a demo and learn more about the product.