Forever Forward - Facilities Management, Asset Operations, Maintenance and Beyond!

In this episode, host Sid sits down with Founder & CEO Umesh Bhutoria to explore the current state of solar operations and maintenance (O&M). As solar capacity continues to grow, many companies face significant revenue losses due to equipment underperformance and operational inefficiencies.

Together, they discuss why solar assets often fail to perform at optimal levels, highlighting the importance of having a dedicated O&M regime, particularly in commercial and industrial (C&I) setups.

The conversation also dives into the shift needed in the solar industry's approach to O&M, emphasizing how asset owners can better understand the financial impact of neglecting proper maintenance. With decent experience of working with solar O&M companies, Umesh outlines key digital strategies and technology investments that can help overcome operational bottlenecks, streamline maintenance workflows, and future-proof their assets for long-term sustainability and productivity.

Tune in and learn about the best practices for boosting asset performance, maximizing revenue, and building a stronger future for your organization.

In this episode, we dive into the evolving landscape of Asset Lifecycle Management (ALM), focusing on the critical Operations and Maintenance (O&M) phase. As the longest and most influential stage, O&M directly impacts asset lifespan, reliability, and costs. Join us as we explore the challenges faced by O&M teams today compared to the past, and how modern strategies and technology are reshaping the field.

We also discuss the pivotal role of Facility Management companies and how partnering with technology providers can unlock new opportunities for asset owners and managers. With assets growing increasingly complex and pressure mounting to maximize ROI, we’ll uncover insights into how strategies and tools have evolved to drive cost efficiency and operational success throughout the entire lifecycle.

FM leaders & Asset Owners, don't miss out on fresh perspectives and some interesting food for thought!

Stay tuned and subscribe to our channel for more interesting conversations at the intersection of FM, Technology, Buildings & Beyond!

This episode is close to our hearts and our vision for a more inclusive, connected, and rewarding future for the engineering and blue-collar workforce.

Hosts Umesh (Founder & CEO, Xempla) and Sid (Marketing, Xempla) dive into the hard-hitting realities facing the Smart Energy Transition such as the growing knowledge and skills gap, shortage of newcomers into the workforce, and its financial implications for energy sector organizations.

Tune in to learn how you can support the transition by empowering your workforce with the right tools and tech, ongoing skill development, and bold, helpful leadership. Effectively implement and measure the impact of digital tools on the knowledge, skill, and overall preparedness of the workforce.

Stay tuned and subscribe to our channel for more interesting conversations at the intersection of FM, Technology, Buildings & Beyond!

In this episode of the Forever Forward Podcast, Umesh (Founder & CEO, Xempla) and Sid (Marketing, Xempla) talk about ‘Decarbonization in Healthcare’, touching upon the role of Operations & Maintenance in driving low-carbon facilities and outcomes like net zero.

Starting off, they explore the positive strides the industry is making towards sustainability, and how O&M can be a powerful tool for driving down carbon emissions.

Umesh then shares insights on how FM companies can be key players in this transition, providing real-world examples of successful decarbonization initiatives.

Lastly, they discuss the future of O&M and the role of technology in accelerating progress toward a net-zero healthcare industry.

Stay tuned and subscribe to our channel for more interesting conversations at the intersection of FM, Technology, Buildings & Beyond!

Welcome to yet another episode of the Forever Forward Podcast! In this episode, we explore the transformative power of process automation for enterprise facility management companies. For FMs who haven’t considered automation yet, hosts Sid and Umesh discuss ample reasons why they should be looking to use it to their advantage. Learn how to identify the most impactful processes to automate, reducing manual effort and errors to free up staff for higher-value tasks. Finally, get insights into the evolving role of facility managers in an automated landscape, highlighting the new skill sets needed to thrive in the future of work.

Stay tuned and follow our channel for more interesting conversations at the intersection of FM, Technology, Buildings & Beyond!

The FM industry is on the cusp of a paradigm shift with the rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and automation technologies.

For decades, FM professionals have relied on manual and reactive processes to run building operations and maintenance. 

Now, AI has already started to automate repetitive and mundane maintenance tasks, freeing up time and effort that can be redirected toward more strategic, value-adding initiatives.

This opens up the opportunity for scheduling and allocation of maintenance tasks to become automated, and possibly even unsupervised, to enhance team productivity, efficiency, and reliability.

Tune in to this exciting episode to learn:

• why the prospect of AI in maintenance scheduling and resource allocation is promising
• how it can help FM teams reclaim their time to focus on things that matter more.
• how FM companies can build a strong foundation for the use of AI and create a competitive advantage

Subscribe and never miss a beat on the most interesting and pressing themes at the intersection of FM, Technology, Buildings & Beyond!

Welcome to yet another episode of the Forever Forward Podcast! This time, we're diving into a pressing issue that plagues many O&M teams: maintenance backlogs. Backlogs have become a nearly universal problem for teams running planned or scheduled maintenance, and their costs are staggering.

For instance, the 2022 NHS Digital ERIC report reveals that the maintenance backlog cost across NHS England has ballooned to over $10 billion, nearly doubling since 2018.

In our rapid-fire format, we examine the real costs beyond these numbers—impacts on reliability, energy efficiency, and overall work quality.

Finally, we delve into strategies O&M teams can deploy to minimize and maintain a healthy state of maintenance backlog. From ensuring resource availability with the right skill sets to reducing reactive maintenance, ensuring quality consistency, and leveraging data-driven operations, we've got actionable insights to help you stay ahead.

Join us as we unpack the complexities of maintenance backlogs and provide practical solutions to keep your operations running smoothly!

This episode dives into the critical, but often overlooked, topic of Data Quality in Asset Operations & Maintenance.

Hosts Siddharth and Umesh explore why data quality hasn't been a priority in the traditional "business as usual" approach. However, with the shift towards Data-Driven O&M, reliable and accurate data becomes essential. In a nutshell, this episode explores:

• Why data quality is essential for effective maintenance.
• The current state of data in CMMS and forms used by technicians.
• Common factors that lead to poor data quality.
• Strategies to ensure high-quality data within your maintenance processes, including the role of command control centers and automation.

Tune in to learn more about the impact of data quality and how it can empower your team to make better decisions to optimize O&M practices.

As we witness a marked shift towards data-led operations and maintenance strategies, Umesh and Siddharth sit down to dissect what this shift is all about and whether the FM technology stack is ready to deliver everything it promises.

In this rapid-fire episode, they quickly cover the difference between conventional planned / reactive maintenance and the elements of modern data-led maintenance, discussing how the tech stack would need to evolve beyond Systems of Record like CAFM / CMMS and integrate a System of Decisions that empowers teams to succeed in a data-first environment.

Stay tuned and never miss a beat on the most interesting and pressing themes at the intersection of FM, Technology, Buildings & Beyond!

Welcome to the 5th and final installment of the What's Smarter Now Series on the Forever Forward Podcast powered by Xempla, ft. guest speakers Giovanna Jagger (IWBI Global Market Development EMEA) and Sandra Gritti (Director, Leesman Futures), and host Justin Kirby (Chair, Digital Buildings Council).

This episode dives deep into the current state and the future of the workplace. Smash the misconception that smart buildings are just about tech, and explore how the modern workplace should be smart, efficient, and human-centered to boost productivity and keep your employees happy and healthy.

Tune in to discover:

• How to move beyond technology for technology's sake and achieve real outcome-driven results.
• Why prioritizing employee well-being isn't just a fad, it's a smart business strategy.
• Practical tips for creating a work environment that fosters creativity, collaboration, and focus.

Get unique insights from our experts as they break down where we are now, where we need to be, and how we can get there as quickly and efficiently as possible.

Subscribe to our channel and never miss a beat on the most interesting and pressing themes at the intersection of FM, Technology, Buildings & Beyond!

#smartbuildings #builtenvironment #sustainability

Welcome to the 4th installment of the What's Smarter Now Series on the Forever Forward Podcast powered by Xempla, ft. guest speakers Elizabeth Nelson and Nicholas White from Smart Building Collective, and hosts Justin Kirby (Chair, Digital Buildings Council) and Umesh Bhutoria (Founder & CEO, Xempla).

This episode explores the journey of getting certified as a smart and sustainable building and how it differs for various building types and distinct organizations.

Tune in as our guests and hosts break down where we are now, where we need to be, and how we can get there as quickly and efficiently as possible.

Subscribe to our channel and never miss a beat on the most interesting and pressing themes at the intersection of FM, Technology, Buildings & Beyond!

#smartbuildings #builtenvironment #sustainability

Welcome to the 3rd episode of the What's Smarter Now Series on the Forever Forward Podcast powered by Xempla, ft. guest speakers Anna Foden (Head of Sustainability, ISG) and Katie Whipp (Global Head of Partnerships @re:sustain) with host Justin Kirby (Chair, Digital Buildings Council).

This episode explores the world's much-needed transition to smarter and more sustainable net zero-carbon buildings as envisioned and brought to life by real estate leaders and other built environment stakeholders.

Tune in as our guests and hosts break down where we are now, where we need to be, and how we can get there as quickly and efficiently as possible.

Subscribe to our channel and never miss a beat on the most interesting and pressing themes at the intersection of FM, Technology, Buildings & Beyond!

Welcome to the 2nd installment of the What's Smarter Now Series on the Forever Forward Podcast powered by Xempla, ft. guest speakers Charlotte Langthaler (CBRE) and Renata Hartle (Colliers), and hosts Justin Kirby (Chair, Digital Buildings Council) and Umesh Bhutoria (Founder & CEO, Xempla).

This episode focuses on the journey towards a smart and sustainable built environment as envisioned and brought to life by real estate and facility management organizations.

Tune in as our guests and hosts break down where we are now, where we need to be, and how we can get there as quickly and efficiently as possible.

Subscribe to our channel and never miss a beat on the most interesting and pressing themes at the intersection of FM, Technology, Buildings & Beyond!

#smartbuildings #builtenvironment #sustainability

Welcome to the inaugural episode of our 'What's Smarter Now' series, brought to you by Justin Kirby and Umesh Bhutoria.

With Justin's expertise in human-centered design and Umesh's work in the FM & Maintenance software space, this series is dedicated to exploring the interplay of smart building technology, processes, and outcomes.

Stakeholders often find themselves uncertain about the desired outcomes when it comes to smart buildings. Our speakers shed light on the fundamental question: what do we seek to achieve through smart workspaces and buildings?

By establishing clarity around desired outcomes, the "jobs to be done" becomes more apparent, leading to tailored solutions that perfectly align with your vision.

Join us as we navigate the complexities of smart building initiatives, guided by a human-centric approach. By highlighting the significance of outcome-driven strategies, we empower stakeholders to chart a course toward smarter, more impactful built environments.

Subscribe to our channel and never miss a beat on the most interesting and pressing themes in FM, Maintenance, & More!

In this episode titled "What's Driving Enterprise Software Demand Across the Built Environment?", we welcome guest speaker Alex Chan, Program Leader, Customer Success at Schneider Electric.

Alex is a trusted expert in digitalization, resilience, and sustainability with tons of experience in customer-facing roles and makes for the perfect match for this episode.

Umesh (host) and Alex start off by exploring the key drivers of growth and pain points faced by global enterprises, discussing regional disparities and sector-specific nuances.

The discussion moves on to uncover the barriers hindering technology adoption by large accounts and dives deep into the vital role of collaboration within the ecosystem.

Lastly, don't miss Alex's wishlist for enterprise customers, as he plays the devil's advocate to address the missing pieces in tech adoption and shares his vision for change.

That's all for this episode. Stay ahead of the curve and keep listening to the Forever Forward podcast for more exclusive conversations!

Welcome to the world of smart buildings and retrofits in our latest episode titled 'State of Smart Buildings and Retrofits in 2023'.

This time, Umesh hosts Stefan Schmidt, building sustainability expert and Director of Smart Buildings Technology at Wiredscore, to unravel the trends shaping the present and future of this industry.

With Wiredscore's extensive work in the certification of global buildings and tech programs, the episode explores the top growth drivers, their impact on regional disparities, and the tech adoption barriers that bridge continents while revealing intriguing differences. From the UK to APAC and the US, discover the unique challenges and common threads woven into this transformative sector.

Next, Stefan uncovers the essence behind technology companies' involvement and paints a vivid picture of the evolving state of smart building solutions. As we traverse the UK, APAC, and the US once more, gain insights into regional nuances and disparities that underline the chasm between supply and demand expectations versus reality.

Finally, we engage in a thought-provoking discussion on the essential factors that can propel retrofits to the forefront. The conversation navigates the balance between user-centricity and operational efficacy—raising questions on whether the focus on occupants inadvertently sidelines the operators and maintenance teams.

Tune in to explore the thoughts and critical perspectives of our speakers, offering a panoramic view of the world of smart buildings and retrofitting.

Happy listening!

In this episode, Umesh welcomes Hamza Zinedine B., Inside Sales, Marketing, and Strategic Partnerships at Jacobs GTO to examine the role of mid-level management in enabling digital transformation at facility management companies. 

In the facilities management space, a key leverage point in digital transformation that is out of sync is mid-level management. While senior management is aware of novel technologies and is driving the change, practitioners under middle managers are busy executing. Middle managers have an opportunity like never before to emerge as leaders who do not just “do digital” but help their organization ”be digital” at the very core.

Tune in as our speakers explore what being digital means, and how Facility Managers can overcome limitations to make the most of the opportunity that lies before them. Plus, there's more on the need for soft skills and digital competence that's growing rapidly in the FM industry.

Let us know your views on this episode. Subscribe now to stay abreast of our latest releases and join the Forever Forward movement!

This episode with Kritika Kumar, Product Ops & Innovation at CLP Smart Energy Connect is a departure from the conventional conversations around energy service providers. Simply because of the fact that it's uncommon to see their drive for innovation, especially when it comes to managing energy consumption in commercial buildings, facilities, and beyond. 

Umesh and Kritika look into what kind of role an energy utility company can play in enabling more efficient use of energy resources within the built environment and figure out which stakeholders in the smart buildings space can lead the wave of innovation and transformation.

We'd love to know your views on this episode. Drop a message here, or connect with Kritika and Umesh on LinkedIn to carry on the conversation!

In this episode, Umesh welcomes Zul Azhan Abu Bakar, Co-Founder & CEO at Infinity Wave and a hugely popular figure across Asset Operations, Maintenance, and Facilities Management to discuss the state of technology adoption, drivers of change, and recent developments within the built environment space in Malaysia.

As the world moves towards data-driven maintenance and asset management, Zul and Umesh dive into the reality of situations at the ground level, examine the impact of various factors on the total cost of ownership, and try to put a finger on which stakeholders among the many involved should take charge of delivering this transformation. 

Listen to their conversation to uncover a wealth of insight into where the industry is headed in Malaysia and what trends to look out for in 2023! 

We would love to know your views on this episode. Drop a message here, or connect with Zul and Umesh on LinkedIn to carry on the dialogue!

This episode with special guest Justin Kirby is a fresh and perhaps the only sensible take on smart buildings and retrofit opportunities in brownfield projects! 

With an academic background in human-centered design, Justin has worn a number of hats throughout his career, spanning cross-cutting areas like technology, sustainability, design, and marketing communications. He speaks with Umesh about frameworks like Jobs-to-be-done to shed light on how a smart building is not a destination, but a starting point. Moreover, he uses the term 'connected' as a better representation of the smart building ecosystem, rather than terms like 'intelligent' or 'autonomous' buildings. 

Tune in to the conversation to uncover a wealth of insight on how everything ranging from solutions, technology, and infrastructure should be centered around the user if organizations are to strike bigger conversations with customers and achieve their desired outcomes. 

We would love to hear your views on this episode! Drop a message here, or connect with Justin or me on Linkedin.

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