EXHIBITOR INTERVIEW: 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.
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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