Christoph SchulzAccording to Farnek Group’s technology solutions business HITEK Services, the UAE is undergoing a ‘paradigm shift’ as AI-powered computer-aided facilities management (CAFM) solutions are adopted by the hospitality sector.
HITEK credits CAFM solutions for reshaping facility management by providing precise control over assets, locations, and resources. These systems allow hotel management teams to monitor hotel operations around the clock through a comprehensive real-time dashboard on a centralised digital platform. This 24/7 access to hotel asset data enables informed decision-making and seamless asset management.
AI-powered CAFM can manage predictive maintenance, identify asset failures, order parts, and track repairs, with a complete online history, making hotel budgets more accurate, with minimal downtime.
In tandem with the development of smarter infrastructure, CAFM systems integrate with existing building management systems (BMS), thereby enhancing operational efficiency, employee welfare, and sustainability objectives.
The range of responsibilities covered by CAFM is extensive, spanning routine maintenance of mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) systems, commercial kitchen equipment, security, energy and water usage, and waste management. Additionally, these systems support health and safety compliance, landscaping irrigation, procurement, and operational planning.
Independent studies have shown that by adopting CAFM software, hotels can reduce maintenance costs by up to 20 per cent and even improve space utilisation by as much as 15 per cent.
Javeria Aijaz, Managing Director of HITEK, explains, “Independent studies have shown that by adopting CAFM software, hotels can reduce maintenance costs by up to 20 per cent and even improve space utilisation by as much as 15 per cent. Our own CAFMTEK system empowers hospitality professionals to achieve these results and produce a significant return on investment. It will also support the UAE’s pledge to achieve net zero by 2050.”
Major UAE hotel brands, including Anantara, Sheraton, Four Seasons, Millennium, Wyndham, and Swissotel, have incorporated CAFM into their operations. Monitoring and controlling systems like air conditioning, water temperature and pressure, and recycling grey water and food waste not only bolster guest satisfaction by ensuring consistent service standards but also underscore the hotel’s commitment to sustainability, resonating with eco-conscious travellers while reducing operational expenses.
Aijaz says: “On average, approximately 15 per cent of a hotel’s total revenue is spent on energy, water, and maintenance. Applying this to a 200-room Dubai hotel with an average annual RevPAR [Revenue Per Available Room] of AED 415, this would yield approximately AED 30 million in room revenue alone. In this case, utilities and maintenance costs would amount to AED 4.5 million, excluding energy-intensive F&B operations and leisure facilities.
“AI-powered CAFM can manage predictive maintenance, identify asset failures, order parts, and track repairs, with a complete online history, making hotel budgets more accurate, with minimal downtime.”
As the UAE’s hospitality industry increasingly turns to technology to enhance operational efficiency and align with national sustainability goals, AI-driven CAFM solutions are proving to be invaluable assets in meeting these objectives while optimising financial performance.
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