Emrill Services, the UAE integrated facilities management (FM) provider, has launched an efficiency-enhancing app for housekeeping service delivery
Emrill senior facilities managers, Shyam Prasad and Siva Kumar, developed the technology with Technopurple to deliver soft FM services in both low-rise and high-rise communities.
The app is now fully operational across EMAAR?s Emirates Living master community after successfully completing a six-month trial.
Global FM identified the UAE FM market as hugely competitive with high-price sensitive customers in its 2018 report. It also reported the use of advanced technology service delivery, remained low on the market compared to other regions. Global FM estimated the industry to be as large as US$5.37bn and by 2021, according to management consulting firm TechSci Research, it will grow by more than eight per cent CAGR.
?At the beginning of a shift, housekeeping staff are assigned a route and task schedule. As they start to move along the mapped-out path, tasks pop up on their mobile devices, determined by their proximity to the required work. Sub-tasks are automatically triggered when staff is in the area, ensuring no task is overlooked. As staff complete jobs, they upload photographs, which are automatically synced to the supervisor?s interface,? Shyam Prasad said.
?We have developed an advanced notification system that alerts supervisors if paths, sections or tasks are missed. This allows immediate corrective actions to be taken. More frequent deviations automatically trigger higher escalation levels.
?The app flagged all potential issues during the trial period, and supervisors were able to rectify them before a single complaint was raised by the client or residents. That is zero complaints for more than a six-month period. We were able to achieve this by using 20 per cent less manpower, completing the same number of tasks as before, but in a shorter period and with lesser resources,? he added.
Emrill stated that machine operators use optimised routes, resulting in reduced fuel consumption. In addition, the app has been extended to the IMS domain, enabling all work permits to be digitised.
Previous paper-based work, including method statements, risk assessments and work permits, is now digitally signed and time-stamped, removing the need for paper while ensuring the authenticity of the work being signed-off.
The efficiency-enhancing app from Emrill is compatible with both iOS and Android mobile devices. The data is synchronised automatically, providing increased transparency and allowing Emrill to develop fully customised routes that are unique to each site.
The app also offers independent routing for each soft FM and housekeeping staff member, ensuring that there are no overlaps in a single community. The advanced pathing feature allows team members with little to no site awareness to easily navigate new areas.
