The Role of Technology in Infrastructure

There was a time when punching machines were looked upon as cutting edge technology but now with the electronic bar code scanners the use of technology in infrastructure has progressed immeasurably. At that time technology was made up mainly of mechanical equipment that required continual supervision by humans and tended to be unreliable when at its best. Today infrastructure technology has undergone total automation and that has become the standard. Greater efficiencies and savings in cost for companies that employ these technologies have come about. A main role is played by IT in infrastructure for tomorrow's work spot which is becoming more automated than ever.

As today's scenario is extremely competitive infrastructure needs to be streamlined and standardized for the way in which applications, business  processes and services are delivered. The realization has come to several companies that this key aspect of their business is an important contributor to their operations costs. Therefore technology in infrastructure is no more a luxury but an essential part of it because it accomplishes reduction in cost.

This realization has a classic example in the introduction of building automation systems that totally control and monitor different processes in the building. All that an employee needs to do is to swipe his ID card and the system registers his presence. From then on everything from the switching on of the corridor lights to the AC in the workplace happens automatically. Changes in the workspace are monitored by motion and heat sensors and lights and other electrical appliances are automatically switched off when not in use. At least 12-15 per cent of the utilized power is saved as a direct result in a big organization of over 60 people. Reduction in maintenance costs and reduced pollution are some of the other benefits that ensue from these systems.

The increasing adoption of automated workplace management tools is another example of IT in infrastructure management. Employees in a typical large organization are always moving as they join new groups and projects going to new stages of responsibility. The space manager traditionally would go to the desk location, make an entry in the security register, inspect the workstation and give the keys of the work spot to the employee. In the same way the telecom person would allot a phone and the IT team would allot a computer to him. Through this process 4-5 assignments could be done in a day by one person. The need for creating a more efficient solution to deal with this task caused the evolution of automated work- place management tools or asset management software. Facility managers would be helped by these tools to automate an interactive floor map and assign the employees to it with their equipment. The use of such a solution was reduced by many user-friendly features. With the coming of this a single person is now able to finish about 20 relocations in a day. The FM is enabled by extra value added features to give valuable information that could be used to forecast future trends and plans according to it. Flawless integration with other systems and databases such as Building Automation Systems and HR database improve its functionality. 

Another thrilling new development that has made the transition from theory to reality is Biometrics. This technology has already been taken up by big US companies for protecting information that is critical to the mission from unauthorized personnel. Server rooms and such areas that are crucial to global operations can be accessed only through following stringent security protocols including retinal scan and different biometric tools. 

Information technology is not the only technology involved in infrastructure. From mechanical to architectural, a wide variety of other disciplines are encompassed by it. New trends that could save facility managers another rupee and also contribute to the workplace are continually being looked out. As long as these two goals are accomplished they would gladly adopt any solution. 

To illustrate how other disciplines are used by facility managers a good example is the shift from the 'dedicated spaces' concept to the 'flexible office space' concept. Following the technique of allotting dedicated spaces the company would have to assign an employee with his own workspace, canteen space and dedicated meeting rooms to tackle his needs. Around 30-35 per cent more space than necessary would be used by the company by going according to this process. This is something the company can do without seeing the cost of real estate.

Architectural precepts are utilized by the flexible workplace idea to reduce these costs by decreasing the activity space needed for employees. The use of flexible furni- ture and wiring together with the idea of reserving space is advocated by the concept (the employee has to reserve his space-workspace, canteen space or meeting rooms before he wants to use them in a given period of time) to reduce needed activity space. The success of this concept is further augmented by new technologies such as wireless networking.

Other ideas such as layered enclosures with dynamic light- direction louvers and high visibility glass have assisted in the optimal use of daylight through out the year that has resulted 10 more cost savings. 

A significant reduction in their costs is being achieved by organizations with the help of technology but they need to emphasize the fact that technology is not a solution for all ills. A company needs to fully assess the need for such solutions before investing money in new technology. If they do not do these little will be done by technology to reduce costs and it may be increased instead. The need must first be studied by the companies and then the relevant solutions should be adopted to tackle that requirement to utilize infrastructure technology in an effective manner. If space pooling is the right approach, for instance then it may not be useful to spend on space reservation tools and then get GSM/IP converged gadgets to provide flexibility to the employees. 

At times a simple method such as employing one key receptionist with mobile phone/s who can take calls from anyone, anytime and confirm a space to the requestor by looking at her spread sheet, is a more affordable and flexible answer. 

The usual workplace is being reshaped by the evolution of technology. Technology is playing a much greater role from reducing costs to making our offices more comfortable. The advantages gained by using technology rightly outweigh the costs incurred in getting it. The imperceptible advantages of taking up technology besides cost, like employee comfort and productivity are all in its favor. Before long you may be going to work and getting a retinal scan and having the system take care of all your needs.