8 Reasons Why Historical Facility Management Data Matters

Historical data, also known as historical information or historical records, is the term used to describe a collection of data and information that has been recorded, documented, or collected in the past. Regarding facility management, historical data can include preventive maintenance schedules, corrective work orders opened and completed, and equipment breakdowns and repair details.

Historical facility management data provides valuable insights, informs decision-making, and supports various maintenance activities. Here are some of the critical reasons why historical data is crucial for effective facility management:

1. Facility Management Planning - By tracking past maintenance and repair activities, facility managers can anticipate when equipment might need attention. This proactive approach can help prevent unexpected breakdowns and reduce downtime.
   
   
2. Budgeting and Cost Control - You can use historical data to develop more accurate facility maintenance and operations budgets. Organizations can allocate funds more efficiently by understanding past costs and resource utilization.
   
   
3. Regulatory Compliance - Certain facilities, especially in industries with strict regulations, must maintain records of maintenance activities and compliance with safety and environmental standards. Historical data provides evidence of compliance.
   
   
4. Performance Benchmarking - Facility managers can use historical data to benchmark their facility's performance against industry standards or similar facilities. This helps identify areas for improvement and set realistic performance goals.
   
   
5. Emergency Response - Historical data on emergency procedures and incidents can be invaluable for emergency response planning. It provides insights into past incidents and solutions, aiding future emergency preparedness.
   
   
6. Documentation and Auditing - Facility managers may need to provide historical records for audits, inspections, or legal purposes. Having well-maintained historical data ensures compliance and legal protection.
   
   
7. Improvement Opportunities - Analyzing historical data allows you to identify areas to improve. This can lead to more efficient operations, cost savings, and a safer, more functional facility.
   
   
8. Knowledge Transfer - When staffing changes occur within an organization, historical data is valuable for training new team members. It ensures that institutional knowledge is preserved and shared effectively.

Facilities in any industry can use facility management solutions to store, maintain, and utilize historical data effectively. With the right facility management software solution, facility managers and technicians can be sure that critical data is being saved and leveraged for various facility initiatives.