EXHIBITOR INTERVIEW: PENBASE

60 seconds with Mr Philippe Garnier, CEO and Founder of Penbase

Penbase will be exhibiting its latest products at FM Expo this September. We spoke to the CEO and Founder, Mr Philippe Garnier; here's what he told us as he prepares to participate at the largest dedicated platform for Facilities Management in the Middle East.

 

How successful is the uptake of technology based tools in the Middle East FM market right now?

The FM market in the Middle East is going strong with a 10% annual growth rate expected by 2020*, reaching a value of $49.82bn by the end of 2030 as per MEFMA.
​Real estate is also growing swiftly within the region and customers realize the value FM can bring to their property.
​The FM industry is modernising very quickly and technology is clearly driving that change, transforming FM services in terms of customer behaviour service requirement.
​*source: Technavio

What is your take on technology based tools in the FM Industry today?

The FM market in the Middle East is highly competitive. It focuses on quality and service excellence, and technological revolution is compelling FM leaders to actively look for new methods to asset-manage a greater number of facilities while staying on top of the sector’s transformation.
​Using smart technology solutions is the key, the only way for companies to stand out from competitors and reach the level of excellence the clients are expecting.
​Facilities managers are not only in charge of running the building these days, but also to take care of the welfare of the people inside. This means dealing with health and safety parameters, but also to make the environment as comfortable and enjoyable as possible for people working and living in.
​While hand-held mobile technology is improving productivity and compliance, remote devices increase the data available for assets managed by facilities managers for them to reach the level of well being required nowadays.

What are the top 3 tech trends in the Tech FM industry according to you?

1. Facility maintenance automation - Automation is one of the keys to success in future buildings. Rather than wasting time with spreadsheets, paper blueprints, searching for information and relying on unrecorded people knowledge only to manage facilities, these systems will automatically bring up needed information when a work order is created, while eliminating the risk of duplicate data entry of paper alternatives. Facility maintenance automation solutions will not only avoid detrimental impact on the building itself but also gain a great amount of time to deal with high added-value tasks and projects.
​These solutions including logging issues, notifying relevant parties to enable scheduling of remedial services will become part of a daily occurrence for FM businesses. Managers can track the progress of reported incidents, and collect workplace data from a large number of employees.
​It is necessary for FMs to take advantage of data collected for them to understand user experiences and meet expectations as well as optimize their resources. Data collected will also help them to fully interact with their environment.
 2. Blockchain - Blockchain is a secure method to transfer information, bringing priceless security to IoT and AI solutions as devices must be authenticated and allowed by the system. There is also no entry points for hackers of malwares. A blockchain records every transaction and can be viewed by anyone within that network without being owned, deleted or altered.
​Blockchain could therefore help FM to accelerate processes with registered suppliers whilst securing transactions, avoid fraud as well as unnecessary intermediaries.
3. Artificial Intelligence - Most AI rely heavily on deep learning and natural language processing. Using these technologies, machines can be trained to accomplish specific tasks by processing large amounts of data/information and recognising patterns in the data. Inbuilt intelligence can predict situations and to let FM businesses know before it happens for them to prevent anomalies and fulfill their preventing role.

What do these mean for your company?

Penbase is a well-known software company specializing in mobile business solutions, providing its clients with high added-value products. We have great experience and strong track records in Europe working with blue chips such as Orange.
​From staff clocking to compliance, data collection to automation, Penbase provides FMs with essential solutions to manage an ever growing number of buildings and staff, stand out from competitors and reach the increasing level of excellence customers expect.

What products will you present at FM EXPO?

Penbase will present a suite of software solutions bringing FMs with strong added-value:
​Dalyo Clean : a mobile software solution to asset-manage the cleaning side of the facility management improving productivity and compliance while collecting and treating data ;
​Dalyo DATI : a lone worker protection solution on Android smartphones helping companies comply with the legal obligation to secure staff’s work ;
​A brand new solution to be previewed especially in FM Expo providing intelligent building management monitoring through lighting.

Why is there demand for them in the Dubai/Middle East?

As stated earlier, technology is clearly transforming the FM market in the Middle East and all companies need to adopt this change to progress.
​Penbases’ products definitely answer FMs strong technological needs and will help them keep on track the industry’s requirements as well as achieve customer satisfaction.

How will the exhibition help you to grow business in the UAE?

FM Expo is a great chance for us to penetrate the Middle East sector while introducing our products and provide FMs with the effective, intuitive and efficient technological solutions they look for.

 About Penbase -

Founded in 2003, Penbase is part of a group of innovative companies providing users with the latest innovations (mobility, IA, IoT, Facility Management). Our clients can focus on their core business while benefiting from our know-how.
​Since its creation, Penbase has constantly grown and its turnover currently exceeds 2M€.
​For over 15 years, Penbase has been developing powerful and innovative mobile solutions for all businesses working with itinerant staff. Penbase rigorously respects market's habits and characteristics of each client.
​The solutions we develop allow businesses to exchange information in real time with their field staff. This information is integrated into managerial tools to enhance the organization's overall management.

Meet with Penbase at FM Expo 2018 - Location: Hall 5 Stand 5E240

About The Big 5

The Big 5 is the construction event providing leading-edge innovation, knowledge, and business opportunities for industry players around the world to connect, grow, and succeed.

Taking place annually in Dubai since 1979, the event has launched hundreds of thousands of products boosting the expansion of emerging markets. It has facilitated partnerships, advanced knowledge and industry best practices, while serving as the gateway for international companies to access the Middle East, Africa and South Asia regions.

The Big 5 covers the full construction cycle; not only does it showcase products across dedicated sectors, it also runs alongside nine specialised events enabling industry professionals to source building solutions from around the globe for every stage of the construction projects: The Big 5 Heavy, Middle East Concrete, Windows, Doors & Facades Event, Gulf Glass, HVAC R Expo, The Big 5 Solar, Middle East Stone, the Urban Design & Landscape Expo, and FM Expo.

The event includes high-level summits, practical seminars, CPD-certified workshops, and The Big 5 Impact Awards to foster collaboration, support best practices, and provide effective solutions to today’s industry challenges.

The Big 5 is organised by dmg events and is free to attend for all pre-registered visitors. 

#Big5Exhibition

To know more, visit www.thebig5.ae


About dmg events

dmg events is a leading organiser of face-to-face events and a publisher of trade magazines.

We aim to keep businesses informed and connect them with relevant communities to create vibrant marketplaces and to accelerate their business through face-to-face events.

dmg events organises more than 80 events across 25 countries, attracting over 425,000 attendees and delegates every year. The company’s portfolio of products includes many industry-leading events in the energy, construction, hospitality & design, coatings and transportation sectors. ADIPEC, The Big 5, Gastech, EGYPS, The Hotel Show and INDEX are the company’s flagship events. For more information visit www.dmgevents.com.

About DMGT

DMGT manages a portfolio of companies that provide businesses and consumers with compelling information, analysis, insight, events, news and entertainment. The Group takes a long-term approach to investment and has market-leading positions in consumer media, insurance risk, property information, education technology, energy information and events & exhibitions. In total, DMGT generates revenues of around £1 billion.