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Shopping asset history and local conditions that may affect each asset ’ s condition and performance , including external climate conditions and footfall . Here , it ’ s important to understand SFG20 , the recognized UK industry standard for building maintenance specifications . The SFG20 database contains more than 1,000 maintenance schedules for 70 + equipment types , removing the need to consult manufacturer guidelines . Scheduling guidance within SFG20 includes the recommended frequency for maintaining each asset , minimizing over- or underrepairing , and a color-coding system based to assist prioritizing maintenance : red ( statutory / legal ); pink ( mandatory / business critical ); amber ( optimal ); and green ( discretionary ).
Getting smart
It is in the evolution of smart building technology where retail destinations can really enhance the customer experience . Footfall in a shopping center can vary significantly both during different times of the week and in specific areas of the site , putting different levels of demand on the same assets . Washrooms will experience much more frequent use on the weekend compared to a Tuesday afternoon , while the automatic doors of a more popular retail space will be made to work harder compared with quieter areas .
With that in mind , equipping assets with sensors and connecting them to the network allows operators to monitor and measure their condition , including temperature and vibration , while growing historic datasets build a better picture of how they perform over time .
This enables the development of a predictive maintenance plan , where a combination of analytics and machine learning algorithms analyze the data and forecast maintenance needs , ultimately reducing downtime and ensuring that engineers only service assets when necessary .
The same smart sensor-based technology can help operators manage the customer experience in real time . This can be anything from a sensor alerting the facilities team to when a car park light has gone out to environmental controls that allow operators to adjust lighting and temperature on the spot , especially useful if areas of the shopping center are experiencing significantly high footfall or are out of use .
The shopping center transformation into entertainment destination hinges on the ability to adapt and innovate in a rapidly evolving retail landscape . By implementing comprehensive maintenance strategies and leveraging smart building technologies , operators can ensure that their destinations remain attractive , efficient , and responsive to the needs of both retailers and customers . This proactive approach not only minimizes operational disruptions but also enhances the overall customer experience . ■
Mark Baker www . integral . co . uk
Mark Baker is divisional director at Integral . Integral , a JLL company , is a leading building services and engineering firm in the UK . Integral provides end-to-end , technology-led services to ensure safe , compliant , and resilient buildings . The company ’ s unrivalled technical expertise helps create more efficient , sustainable spaces for all .
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