Blogs

CMMS & CAFM insights.

Stay informed with the latest insights, trends and best practices in Computerised Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS) and Computer-Aided Facility Management (CAFM).

85 of 85 posts
22nd May 2026
Rob Whalley

Compliance in Facilities Management: More Than a Tick Box Exercise

Facilities Management has always carried significant responsibility.

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12th May 2026
Rob Whalley

The Changing Priority of CAFM: Integration or Intelligence?

For years, the Facilities Management technology conversation has largely centred around one thing: integration.

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7th May 2026
Rob Whalley

Are Trade Exhibitions Making a Comeback? Reflections from The Workplace Event 2026

For many businesses, especially in the CAFM and FM technology sector, exhibitions since COVID have felt… difficult.

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23rd April 2026
Rob Whalley

On-Premise vs Hosted CAFM Systems: Pros, Cons, and What to Consider

Choosing between an on-premise or hosted (cloud-based) CAFM system is a key decision for any organisation looking to improve its facilities and asset management.

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9th March 2026
Rob Whalley

Can a CAFM System Be One-Size-Fits-All?

Organisations across many sectors now rely on CAFM (Computer-Aided Facilities Management) and CMMS (Computerised Maintenance Management Systems) to manage their estates, assets, maintenance and compliance.

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23rd February 2026
Rob Whalley

Facilities Management Software | Compliance Software | Planned Maintenance Software | Field Service Management Software | Asset Management Software | Audit & Inspection Software | H&S Software | Financial Software | Resource Booking Softwar…

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2nd February 2026
Rob Whalley

Why a Dedicated Client‑Side Project Manager Is Critical to a Successful CMMS / CAFM Implementation

Implementing a new CMMS or CAFM system is rarely just a software project. It is a business‑wide change programme that touches people, processes, data, and day‑to‑day operations across estates, facilities, finance, IT, and service partner…

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19th January 2026
Rob Whalley

Delivering Social and Economic Value Through CAFM & CMMS

Social and economic value has become a central pillar of public-sector procurement. Across frameworks and tenders, Computer-Aided Facilities Management (CAFM) and Computerised Maintenance Management System (CMMS) providers are increasing…

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14th January 2026
Rob Whalley

When the System Sells Itself: Why Great Software Makes Sales Easier

In an increasingly crowded CMMS/CAFM software market, the strongest sales conversations don’t start with a pitch — they start with a product that speaks for itself. When a system is well designed, intuitive, and genuinely aligned to the…

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5th January 2026
Rob Whalley

Welcome to a New Year: The Perfect Time to Review Your CMMS/CAFM System

A new year naturally brings fresh targets, new budgets, and a renewed focus on performance. For facilities, estates, and maintenance teams, it’s also one of the best times to step back and ask a simple question:

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23rd December 2025
Rob Whalley

The Festive Period: When Maintenance and Estates Never Switch Off

As the festive period begins, many organisations start to slow down. Offices close, schools break up for the holidays, corridors fall quiet, and buildings see reduced occupancy. But while activity may decrease on the surface, facilities…

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11th December 2025
Rob Whalley

Beyond the Register: Modern Asset Management for Smarter Estates

Effective asset management is no longer just about listing equipment. Today’s estates, facilities, and operational teams need complete visibility of every asset’s location, performance, lifecycle, cost, and compliance status — all connec…

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2nd December 2025
Rob Whalley

The Power of Scalability in Modern CAFM Systems: Managing Multiple Clients, Sites, and Spaces with Ease

In today’s facilities and estates landscape, organisations rarely operate from a single building. Whether you’re a service provider managing dozens of customers, a multi-academy trust with multiple campuses, a healthcare trust with vario…

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18th November 2025
Rob Whalley

Beyond CMMS: Why Forward-Thinking Organisations Are Moving to CAFM Software

Many organisations start their facilities journey with a Computerised Maintenance Management System (CMMS). It’s a logical first step — a central place to log jobs, plan PPMs, and monitor assets.

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12th November 2025
Rob Whalley

Compliance Management and Reporting: What You Should Expect from Your CAFM Software

In today’s facilities and estates landscape, compliance is more than a checkbox exercise—it’s a critical component of organisational integrity, safety, and operational excellence. Whether it’s statutory maintenance, health & safety, or envi…

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4th November 2025
Rob Whalley

Facilities Management Software | Compliance Software | Planned Maintenance Software | Field Service Management Software | Asset Management Software | Audit & Inspection Software | H&S Software | Financial Software | Resource Booking Softwar…

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31st October 2025
Rob Whalley

When Facilities Go Bump in the Night: Avoiding CAFM Nightmares This Halloween

As the nights draw in and pumpkins appear on doorsteps, it’s not just ghosts and ghouls that can send a shiver down a facilities manager’s spine. Hidden within poorly managed estates and outdated systems lurk real horrors — reactive chaos…

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2nd October 2025
Rob Whalley

More Than Just a Number: Building Genuine Partnerships with Your Software Provider

When organisations invest in a facilities/estates management software solution (CAFM - Computer-Aided Facilities Management or CMMS - Computerised Maintenance Management), they often focus on features, cost, and functionality. But there’…

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23rd September 2025
Rob Whalley

Facilities Management Software | Compliance Software | Planned Maintenance Software | Field Service Management Software | Asset Management Software | Audit & Inspection Software | H&S Software | Financial Software | Resource Booking Softwar…

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16th September 2025
Rob Whalley

Training for CAFM Success: Ensuring Your Teams Get the Best from Your System

Implementing a Computer-Aided Facilities Management (CAFM) system is a transformative step for any organisation. But while selecting the right software is important, success often hinges on how well users are trained. A CAFM platform tou…

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9th September 2025
Rob Whalley

CAFM Success is Built on Customer Collaboration and Support

Choosing a Computer-Aided Facilities Management (CAFM) system is only the first step. The real success lies in the relationship that develops between the customer and the vendor. A CAFM provider that prioritises collaboration, communicat…

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2nd September 2025
Rob Whalley

Key Stages of Implementing a CAFM System for Success

Implementing a Computer-Aided Facilities Management (CAFM) system can transform the way an organisation manages its estates, assets, maintenance, and compliance. However, success doesn’t just come from buying software—it depends on follo…

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26th August 2025
Rob Whalley

How IoT is Transforming CAFM Software and Facilities Management

The Internet of Things (IoT) has quickly moved from being a buzzword to a practical, powerful tool within facilities management. For organisations managing estates, assets, compliance, and maintenance, the combination of IoT devices and…

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12th August 2025
Rob Whalley

Why Capturing the Right Information at the Helpdesk Stage Is Critical in Facilities Management

In facilities management, the efficiency and accuracy of maintenance and service workflows start with a single point: the helpdesk request.

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6th August 2025
Rob Whalley

What’s in a Name? Choosing the Right Terminology for Jobs, Work Orders, Task, and Helpdesk in Facilities Management

In the world of Facilities Management (FM), language matters. Whether you're a facilities coordinator logging a request, a contractor completing a reactive repair, or a software provider configuring a CAFM/CMMS platform — the terminology…

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22nd July 2025
Rob Whalley

CAFM System Security: Safeguarding Your Facilities, Data, and Compliance

In today's connected world, CAFM (Computer-Aided Facilities Management) systems play a pivotal role in how organisations manage their buildings, assets, people, and compliance obligations. But with this digital capability comes a critica…

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16th July 2025
Rob Whalley

Contractor Management in CAFM

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8th July 2025
Rob Whalley

What Makes a Good CAFM System?

Choosing the right CAFM (Computer-Aided Facilities Management) system is essential for streamlining operations, improving compliance, and gaining full visibility of your entire estate. But with a crowded market, what should you consider…

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19th June 2025
Rob Whalley

RFI, RFP, and RFQ: Navigating the Facilities Management Software Procurement Process

Procuring a Facilities Management (FM) software solution—whether a CAFM or CMMS system—is a significant investment. To ensure the best fit for your organisation’s operational needs, it's vital to follow a structured procurement process.…

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11th June 2025
Rob Whalley

Why Stakeholder and User Buy-In is Critical for Successful CAFM/CMMS Implementation

Deploying a Computer-Aided Facilities Management (CAFM) or Computerised Maintenance Management System (CMMS) is a significant investment — not just financially, but in time, effort, and organisational change. Yet, even the most advanced…

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28th May 2025
Rob Whalley

Why Mobile Technology is Essential for Modern CMMS and CAFM Software

In today’s fast-paced facilities management environment, Computerised Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS) and Computer-Aided Facilities Management (CAFM) software have evolved way beyond traditional desktop solutions. The rise of mobil…

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19th May 2025
Rob Whalley

Why Multi-Lingual and Multi-Currency CAFM/CMMS Are Now Essential

Facilities management is no longer confined to local teams overseeing single-site operations. Many organisations now manage properties, contractors, and maintenance operations spanning multiple regions and even continents. This brings se…

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13th May 2025
Rob Whalley

Why IT Call Management Systems Are Not a Good Fit for Facilities and Estates Maintenance

While IT call management systems are effective for handling digital helpdesk requests, they are fundamentally unsuited to the complex, compliance-driven, and operationally diverse world of facilities and estates management. Designed arou…

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9th May 2025
Rob Whalley

Navigating the Buying Lifecycle of a CMMS/CAFM System: From Preparation to Procurement

Investing in a Computerised Maintenance Management System (CMMS) or Computer-Aided Facilities Management (CAFM) software is a strategic decision for any organisation looking to streamline operations, boost asset performance, and ensure c…

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1st May 2025
Rob Whalley

Managing Contracts Through a CMMS and CAFM: A Complete Lifecycle Approach

Contract management in facilities management is a complex, multi-phase process involving specification, procurement, delivery, performance tracking, and profitability analysis. For organisations managing multiple clients, assets, and ser…

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28th April 2025
Rob Whalley

Why Integrate The SFG20 Standard Into Your CAFM or CMMS?

In facilities and estates management, consistency and compliance are critical. That’s why many organisations are now integrating SFG20 , the industry standard for building maintenance, into their CAFM (Computer-Aided Facilities Management…

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22nd April 2025
Rob Whalley

From Floor Plans to Future Plans: How CAFM Software Is Powering Smart Campus Evolution

In an age where data-driven decisions guide almost every industry, the concept of the "smart campus" has rapidly shifted from futuristic fantasy to practical reality. At the heart of this transformation is Computer-Aided Facility Managem…

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28th March 2025
Rob Whalley

How CAFM Software can support CQC Audits: A Digital Solution for Compliance

Healthcare facilities must meet stringent Care Quality Commission (CQC) standards, ensuring safety, efficiency, and high-quality patient care. A Computer-Aided Facility Management (CAFM) system provides a powerful tool to streamline the…

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24th March 2025
Rob Whalley

Integrating Multiple Systems with Facilities Management Software

The need for system integration is frequently raised at the point of sale when organisations are looking to invest in a Computer-Aided Facility Management (CAFM/CMMS) or Computerised Maintenance Management System (CMMS) to manage their f…

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5th March 2025
Rob Whalley

Key Elements in Preparing a Tender Document for Facilities Management Software

Facilities management (FM) software is essential for organisations seeking to streamline their operations, enhance efficiency, and improve service delivery. When procuring FM software, preparing a comprehensive tender document is critica…

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24th February 2025
Rob Whalley

The Importance of Evaluating a CAFM Provider Based on Their Roadmap

In today’s rapidly evolving facility management landscape, choosing the right Computer-Aided Facility Management (CAFM) provider is critical for operational efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and long-term scalability. While many organisati…

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20th February 2025
Rob Whalley

The Importance of Auditing Maintenance Jobs

Auditing maintenance jobs is a critical aspect of facilities management that ensures the effectiveness, efficiency, and compliance of maintenance activities. By systematically reviewing and evaluating maintenance tasks, organisations can…

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12th February 2025
Rob Whalley

Streamlining Planned Preventative Maintenance Management (PPM) with CAFM/CMMS Software

Effective Planned Preventative Maintenance (PPM) management is essential for ensuring the longevity and optimal performance of facilities and equipment. Computer-Aided Facilities Management (CAFM) and Computerised Maintenance Management…

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5th February 2025
Rob Whalley

Enhancing Customer Engagement with a Modern CAFM System

Customer engagement is a cornerstone of success for any Computer-Aided Facilities Management (CAFM) system. By incorporating features such as mobile-responsive web forms, self-service portals, SSO integration, dynamic questions, real-tim…

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30th January 2025
Rob Whalley

Optimising Property Data Management with CAFM Systems

Managing property data effectively is crucial for maximising operational efficiency and ensuring compliance in real estate and facility management. From tracking lease terms to handling maintenance requests, modern property portfolios de…

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24th January 2025
Rob Whalley

Understanding the Importance of Recording and Reporting F-Gas Consumption and Extraction

In today’s climate-conscious world, the accurate recording and reporting of fluorinated gases (F-gases) have become a critical aspect of sustainable facility management. Facilities that rely on refrigeration, air conditioning, and heat p…

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17th January 2025
Rob Whalley

The Future of AI in CAFM Software: Transforming Facility Management

Last week the Labour government announced a comprehensive blueprint to turbocharge Artificial Intelligence (AI) development across industries. This initiative highlights AI as a cornerstone for driving innovation, enhancing productivity,…

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10th January 2025
Rob Whalley

Managing Multi Academy Trusts (MATs) through CAFM and CMMS Software

Computer-Aided Facilities Management (CAFM) or Computerised Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS) are software solutions designed to support facilities and estates management across various sectors, including education.

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2nd January 2025
Rob Whalley

Effective Data Management in CAFM System Mobilisation

In today’s fast-paced environment, efficient data management is essential for the successful setup and ongoing operation of any Computer-Aided Facility Management (CAFM) system. Without precise and vital data during the initial mobilisat…

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18th December 2024
Rob Whalley

Managing Christmas Chaos with CAFM: A Festive Tale

Ah, Christmas! The season of joy, giving, and… utter chaos. From tangled fairy lights to last-minute gift shopping, the holiday season can be a logistical nightmare. But what if I told you that a CAFM (Computer-Aided Facility Management)…

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28th November 2024
Rob Whalley

Reducing Carbon and Improving Sustainability with CAFM

In today’s world, where sustainability is becoming increasingly important, organisations are seeking innovative solutions to manage their operations more efficiently and reduce their carbon footprint. One such solution is Computer-Aided…

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19th November 2024
Rob Whalley

The Evolution of Computer-Aided Facility Management (CAFM)

Facility management has significantly progressed from the era of manual record-keeping. The introduction of Computer-Aided Facility Management (CAFM) systems has transformed the industry, offering tools that streamline operations, boost…

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11th November 2024
Rob Whalley

10 Key Reporting Outputs from CAFM Systems

Effective facility management relies heavily on accurate and timely information. Computer-Aided Facility Management (CAFM) systems are designed to provide facility managers with the data they need to make informed decisions. One of the m…

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6th November 2024
Rob Whalley

Enhancing CAFM System Security: Key Strategies for Resilience

In today's digital landscape, the security of Computer-Aided Facility Management (CAFM) systems is paramount. As organisations increasingly rely on these systems for efficient facility management, ensuring their resilience against cyber…

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31st October 2024
Rob Whalley

Managing Asset Depreciation in CAFM Software

In the world of facilities management, effective asset management is crucial for maintaining operational efficiency, minimising operational costs and maximising the lifespan of assets. One key aspect of asset management is understanding…

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22nd October 2024
Rob Whalley

The Role of Computer-Aided Facility Management (CAFM) in the NHS

In the complex landscape of healthcare, effective facilities and estates management is crucial for ensuring that hospitals and healthcare facilities operate smoothly and efficiently. One of the key tools that has emerged to support this…

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16th October 2024
Rob Whalley

Enhancing Educational Estates with CAFM Software

In today's educational landscape, effective management of facilities/estates is crucial for creating a conducive learning environment. Computer-Aided Facility Management (CAFM) software plays a vital role in streamlining operations, impr…

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7th October 2024
Rob Whalley

CAFM Software for NHS Cleaning Standards Auditing

The National Health Service (NHS) in the United Kingdom is a cornerstone of healthcare delivery, providing essential services to millions of people. Maintaining high standards of cleanliness in NHS facilities is paramount to prevent the…

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4th October 2024
Rob Whalley

The Benefits of API Integrations in a CAFM System

In today's fast-paced business environment, the efficiency of facility management is crucial. Computer-Aided Facility Management (CAFM) systems play a vital role in optimising the management of facilities and resources. One of the most s…

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23rd March 2019
Rob Whalley

Introducing CAFM Systems for Financial Directors (Business Case)

If you've produced a business case before for similar products or services, you'll no doubt already have a good understanding of what to include in such a document. This guide is designed to help those who may not be too familiar with busin…

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13th March 2015
Rob Whalley

Keeping It Current - CAFM Software Upgrades

As technology continues to evolve and transform into better and more powerful solutions, Tabs CMMS & CAFM is no different. The ethos of Tabs CMMS & CAFM is to provide a centralised, robust and technologically advanced solution that compe…

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22nd October 2013
Rob Whalley

3 Top Reasons to Use CAFM software

First and foremost, costs savings is surely the top reason why you should choose a CAFM system to manage your Facilities Management operation. In fact, almost any reason you can think of will indirectly relate to, or provide routes for,…

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16th October 2013
Rob Whalley

Why you need Mobile CAFM software

Quick response times from field based maintenance workers, is an essential component of any successful Facilities Management or Facilities Management Service delivery operation. Being able to deliver and receive information quickly and ac…

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20th August 2013
Rob Whalley

Advances In Facilities Management Mobile Technology

Providing instant access to business critical information on the move is just one of the many benefits of migrating internal engineers or service specialists to Mobile CAFM solutions. Mobile CAFM software offers two-way data transfer soluti…

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10th February 2013
Ken Frankis

Tabs CMMS & CAFM in Education

Tabs Facilities and Estates CAFM software is the chosen software solution in many halls of learning and associated educational organisations.

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2nd February 2013
Rob Whalley

CAFM Procurement Process

Procuring a new CAFM software system is a major decision and not one to embark on without great thought and research. CAFM systems require a substantial investment in both monetary terms and time/labour, so it is paramount that the syste…

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10th November 2012
Rob Whalley

Benefits of Facilities Management (CAFM) Software

In the world of CAFM, there are many benefits software solutions can offer Facilities Management departments or Service Provide operations. Benefits of CAFM may include scalability, usability or deliverability depending on the specific re…

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16th September 2012
Rob Whalley

Field Service Mobilisation ... Windows Mobile, iOS (iPad, iPhone) or Android smartphones and tablets?

Providing instant access to business critical information on the move is just one of the many benefits of migrating internal engineers or field service specialists across to Mobile Computer-Aided Facilities Management (CAFM) solutions. Mobi…

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21st August 2012
Rob Whalley

Importance of CAFM Implementation and System Managers

A defining factor in the success of any CAFM system is underpinned by the quality and skill set of those involved in the implementation and on-going administration/management of the CAFM system. With a considerable investment required for a…

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13th July 2012
Rob Whalley

Facilities Management software acronyms are confusing!

The world of Facilities Management (FM) is abound with various acronyms used to describe the same or very similar software products. For example, CAFM, IWMS, CMMS, FMIS, BMS, EAM, EMS…to name a few.

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24th May 2012
Rob Whalley

The Importance of Meeting Room Booking Software

Meeting room management is just one of the many disciplines under the Facilities Management umbrella. The effectiveness of meeting room management has a direct impact on the overall performance and financial standing of an organisation. Fro…

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22nd May 2012
Rob Whalley

Evolution and Innovation ... the future of Tabs CMMS & CAFM

Since 1992, Tabs FM Ltd have supplied the Facilities Management industry with advanced Computer-Aided Facilities Management (CAFM) software systems. A product which organically grew from close monitoring of the FM industry and close collabo…

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23rd March 2012
Rob Whalley

How does Tabs CMMS & CAFM software meet end-user needs?

Tabs CMMS & CAFM is constantly in development, from advances in new technology or bespoke client functionality. All new development is placed into a centralised system to the benefit of all clients through future upgrades.

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23rd March 2012
Rob Whalley

How to Monitor and Improve Performance

One of the many benefits in the employment of a CAFM system is its ability to provide complete control over an entire Facilities or Service operation. With control comes complete visibility. Through the various methods provided by a CAFM sy…

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17th February 2012
Ken Frankis

Great Customer Service...The Holy Grail

The biggest differentiator in the market place today is Great Customer Service.

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30th November 2011
Rob Whalley

The future of Mobile operating systems for rugged devices

Historically, Tabs FM have always developed Mobile software for Windows Mobile devices. The driving force behind this approach is that Microsoft is often the selected Operating System of rugged and barcode scanning devices. But will this al…

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19th June 2011
Ken Frankis

A facilities manager's tale

The Facilities Manager sat in his new office for the first time, proud that he had landed his promotion but worried about sourcing a new CAFM Software System to manage his Help Desk, Planned Maintenance tasks, Room Booking, Asset Tracking e…

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12th April 2010
Rob Whalley

BMS, CMMS, CAFM, IWMS, EMS...confused?

Acronyms abound in the world of building management, representing the different software solutions available in today's market. You may have read recently that Government bodies are under pressure to reduce the amount of jargon and abbrevi…

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22nd March 2010
Ken Frankis

Facilities Management Customer Service

Customer service is an integral part of any organisation. Whether your customers are external (clients) or internal (colleagues) is irrelevant. What's important is how your customers perceive you, your organisation or your department.

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25th February 2010
Rob Whalley

Implementing a New Computer Aided Facilities Management (CAFM) Solution

Implementing a new Computer Aided Facilities Management (CAFM) software solution can seem like both a daunting and exciting challenge. Major changes are expected as users transfer to a new system and a new way of working. Such changes have…

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Are Facilities Management Trade Events Still Worth It for CAFM Software?

In the dynamic world of facilities management (FM), staying updated with the latest trends, technologies, and best practices is crucial. One way professionals achieve this is by attending trade events. But with the rise of digital altern…

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CAFM Technology

Computer Aided Facilities Management (CAFM) evolved in the late 1980s and has become an essential business tool, relied on by many facilities and estates departments. CAFM Solutions offer distinct benefits in the management of day-to-day op…

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Identifying and Mitigating Risks of CMMS or CAFM System Implementations in Facilities Management

Implementing a Computerised Maintenance Management System (CMMS) or Computer-Aided Facilities Management (CAFM) platform offers transformative benefits—streamlined operations, improved compliance, enhanced visibility, and data-driven pla…

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How Can CAFM Save Money?

One of the great benefits of a CAFM system its ability to save money. Many CAFM vendors will tell you that their CAFM system will save you money, but the question is...how?

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22nd Sept 2018
Rob Whalley

How do Facilities Managers Manage Facilities?

Facilities Management is one of the fastest growing industries in the UK. Why? The answer is simple…its role is to control all aspects of building, ensuring that it is run both efficiently and economically. Without an efficiently managed bu…

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