ET EDGE SFM SUMMIT 2023: Redefining the role of facility managers as new strategic partners for business optimization

A good facility management player can make a huge difference. Reiterating this thought, ET EDGE steered the QUESS IFMS presents the 3rd edition of Strategic Facilities Management Summit 2023 co-powered by COMPASS Group and Tenon FM on 13th September in Mumbai. Through a series of interactive panel discussions, keynotes, case studies, and one-on-one meetings, the summit uncovered the industry’s best practices and explored creative and sustainable strategies to digitally transform the Facility Management function to keep our shared spaces/workplaces safe, healthy, and productive while assuring optimal utilization of these spaces in Strategic planning area.

In his opening keynote address, Ashish Podar, Executive Director, Global Workplace Solutions, CBRE India highlighted the need to embrace a circular economy that promotes a recycling mindset leading to a gradual shift towards sustainability. He said “The circular economy is all about obtaining resources, making products, and returning them to Mother Earth. It is important to rethink the ways we live our lives. Everyone is talking about sustainability, so we are in a spot where sustainability solutions will bring bright prospects for facilities management.”

Munish Kumar, CEO, of Quess IFMS stated “Sustainability and net zero are the major trends that have taken over the industry. As the world around us is changing at a rapid pace, the use case for automation especially robotics is changing and there is a lot more to come. The gamut of smart facilities management is huge and with the advent of digitization, the trends that we are seeing are technology-driven which also focus on enhancing efficiency.”

Jasdeep Singh, COO, Quess IFMS said “Whether it is public or private, in-house, or outsourced, the role of facility management companies is to assist and facilitate the core business aspects to accomplish the business’ strategic objectives.”

Tushar Saksena, Vice President and Head Client Solution, Tenon FM “While developing an ESG strategy, there are three key pillars i.e., understanding the stakeholders, clients, and technology implementation. It is important to ensure that your partners are working in collaboration for a successful ESG strategy. ESG journey will give you ROI in the long run.”

The summit deliberated on the future of the evolving FM market in India and analysed the challenges and opportunities in the sector.