Drone technology has rapidly emerged as a transformative tool in various industries, and one area where it has gained significant traction is in soft facilities management. Soft facilities management encompasses a wide range of non-physical services that contribute to the smooth operation and maintenance of a facility, such as cleaning, security, and environmental monitoring. Drones have revolutionized these aspects by providing efficient, cost-effective, and innovative solutions to traditionally labor-intensive tasks.

In soft facilities management, drones offer numerous advantages over conventional methods. For instance, they can be equipped with high-resolution cameras and sensors to conduct comprehensive facility inspections, detecting maintenance issues and potential hazards that might otherwise go unnoticed. Drones can efficiently navigate complex environments and access hard-to-reach areas, such as rooftops and tall structures, enhancing safety and reducing the need for human intervention in risky situations.

Furthermore, drones are being deployed in cleaning operations, where they are capable of autonomously sweeping and sanitizing large areas, ensuring cleanliness and reducing the workload for facility staff. They can also be utilized for security purposes, patrolling premises and providing real-time surveillance to detect any unauthorized activities or potential security breaches.

Moreover, environmental monitoring is another critical aspect of soft facilities management where drones excel. They can be equipped with sensors to monitor air quality, temperature, humidity, and other parameters, providing valuable data for efficient energy management and proactive maintenance.

We spoke to leading FM service providers in the UAE and Qatar to understand how they are using the power of drone technology to enhance facilities management. 

Ejadah is utilizing drone technology in Vision Tower at Business Bay, Dubai. Drones offer numerous advantages in various areas of operations. They utilized drones in our daily operations in:

Façade inspections 

Drones can quickly and efficiently inspect the exterior of the building, including hard-to-reach areas, without the need for manual scaffolding or cranes. This allows for regular inspections to identify any maintenance or repair needs promptly.

Structural inspections 

Drones equipped with high-resolution cameras and sensors can capture detailed images and data about the building's structure. This information can be used to assess the condition of the building, identify potential weaknesses or damage, and plan necessary repairs or maintenance.

Safety and Accessibility: Drones eliminate the need for workers to physically access hazardous or inaccessible areas, reducing the risk of accidents and injuries. They can access rooftops, high-rise exteriors, or other challenging locations, ensuring safety and accessibility during inspections or maintenance tasks.

Quality digital records 

By capturing high-resolution images and videos, drones create a comprehensive digital record of the building's condition. These records can be stored and accessed digitally, making it easier to track changes over time and provide documentation for insurance purposes or regulatory compliance.

Efficiency in human resources, time, and cost 

Utilizing drones in inspections and maintenance tasks can significantly reduce the time and resources required. Drones can cover larger areas in less time compared to manual inspections. They also eliminate the need for extensive manpower, such as erecting scaffolding or assembling inspection teams, resulting in cost savings.

Elimination of human error 

Drones are capable of capturing accurate and consistent data, reducing the potential for human error in inspections and assessments. This helps ensure that the information gathered is reliable and can lead to better decision-making regarding maintenance and repairs.

By leveraging drone technology in these areas, Ejadah can enhance operational efficiency, improve safety, and maintain a high standard of building maintenance and management at Vision Tower.

Drone technology is gaining popularity in Qatar as well. Maisara Mohammed, General Manager, Marakez Facility Management, Qatar says, “Among the technological marvels, drones have emerged as a game-changer in modern facilities management. With their ability to swiftly navigate and capture data from different perspectives, drones have proven invaluable in streamlining facilities management activities.”

He goes on to discuss that one of the primary benefits of utilizing drones in facilities management is their capability to conduct inspections and maintenance tasks efficiently. Drones equipped with high-resolution cameras and sensors can swiftly survey large areas and capture detailed imagery of facilities, enabling inspectors to identify potential issues. The aerial perspective provided by drones eliminates the need for manual inspections, saving time and reducing risks associated with accessing hard-to-reach or hazardous areas. Additionally, drones can monitor equipment, ensuring proactive maintenance and reducing the risk of unexpected breakdowns, thereby optimizing the overall efficiency of facility management operations.

Safety is a paramount concern in facilities management, and drones play a significant role in enhancing safety measures. Instead of sending personnel to potentially hazardous environments, drones can be deployed to inspect rooftops, chimneys, or high structures, reducing the risk of falls or accidents. Moreover, drones can assess the integrity of security systems, fire alarms, and access control, ensuring compliance with safety regulations. By minimizing human exposure to potentially dangerous situations, drones contribute to the well-being of facility management staff while improving overall safety standards.

Drones offer the ability to collect and analyze vast amounts of data in a short time, providing facility managers with valuable insights for decision-making and documentation purposes. High-definition cameras and sensors onboard drones capture precise measurements, allowing managers to monitor energy consumption, assess the effectiveness of various systems, and identify areas for improvement. Furthermore, the collected data can be used to generate comprehensive reports, track maintenance history, and evaluate the performance of different facilities. By streamlining data collection and analysis, drones contribute to informed decision-making, efficient resource allocation, and long-term planning in facility management.

In conclusion, the utilization of drones in facilities management activities has transformed the way organizations oversee and maintain their facilities. Drones offer efficient inspections, enhanced safety measures, and data analysis capabilities, enabling facility managers to optimize operations, reduce costs, and enhance overall productivity. 

We also took insights from AG Facilities Management. According to them, the FM sector is welcoming drone technology with open arms. Drones offer a number of advantages over traditional methods of inspection and maintenance, including:

• Increased safety. Drones can inspect areas that are difficult or dangerous for humans to access, such as roofs, high-voltage lines, and hazardous material sites. This reduces the risk of accidents and injuries.
• Improved efficiency. Drones collect data faster than humans, improving the efficiency of inspection and maintenance processes. This can save time and money, and identify problems sooner, preventing them from escalating.
• Enhanced data collection. Drones can gather a variety of data, such as thermal images, 3D models, and video footage. This data can be used to identify potential problems, track asset conditions, and plan maintenance activities.

As a result, the FM sector increasingly employs drones for tasks like:

• Inspection
  Drones can inspect roofs, HVAC systems, electrical systems, façade leakages, façade panels and structural damages/ deterioration and other critical assets, identifying potential problems before they cause significant disruptions.
• Maintenance
  Drones can perform tasks like painting, cleaning, and rigging for rope access in difficult to reach areas, improving the efficiency and effectiveness of maintenance activities.
• Security
  Drones can patrol perimeters and monitor for unauthorized activity, improving security and preventing accidents.

The use of drone technology in the FM sector, though in its early stages, is rapidly growing. As the technology continues to evolve, drones will likely become even more prevalent.

 Here are some specific examples of how the FM sector is using drone technology:

• Aerial surveying: Drones create detailed aerial maps of facilities for maintenance planning, hazard identification, and asset condition assessment.
• 3D modeling: Drones create 3D models of facilities for purposes like designing new facilities, planning renovations, and training emergency responders.
• Thermal imaging: Drones equipped with thermal imaging cameras can detect heat loss and energy inefficiencies, building/ façade panels and glazing leakages, aiding in improving facility energy efficiency, saving money, and reducing environmental impact.
• Video surveillance: Drones equipped with video cameras can monitor facilities and grounds for security, helping deter crime and improve safety.
• Façade cleaning: Keeping a clean facade is vital for providing companies and buildings with an environment that meets many necessary requirements. Drones offer an alternative to traditionally limited options. They are also considered work-safe. Working from dangerous heights is hazardous, and drone technology eliminates the need for workers to physically access these heights and dangerous environments, thus making the use of this technology fundamentally safer.

And last, but not the least, we spoke to representatives at Ejadah. Ejadah is utilizing drone technology in Vision Tower at Business Bay. Drones offer numerous advantages in various areas of operations. They utilized Drones in our daily operations in:

Façade inspections: Drones can quickly and efficiently inspect the exterior of the building, including hard-to-reach areas, without the need for manual scaffolding or cranes. This allows for regular inspections to identify any maintenance or repair needs promptly.

Structural inspections: Drones equipped with high-resolution cameras and sensors can capture detailed images and data about the building's structure. This information can be used to assess the condition of the building, identify potential weaknesses or damage, and plan necessary repairs or maintenance.

Safety and accessibility: Drones eliminate the need for workers to physically access hazardous or inaccessible areas, reducing the risk of accidents and injuries. They can access rooftops, high-rise exteriors, or other challenging locations, ensuring safety and accessibility during inspections or maintenance tasks.

Quality digital records: By capturing high-resolution images and videos, drones create a comprehensive digital record of the building's condition. These records can be stored and accessed digitally, making it easier to track changes over time and provide documentation for insurance purposes or regulatory compliance.

Efficiency in human Resources, Time, and Cost: Utilizing drones in inspections and maintenance tasks can significantly reduce the time and resources required. Drones can cover larger areas in less time compared to manual inspections. They also eliminate the need for extensive manpower, such as erecting scaffolding or assembling inspection teams, resulting in cost savings.

Elimination of human error: Drones are capable of capturing accurate and consistent data, reducing the potential for human error in inspections and assessments. This helps ensure that the information gathered is reliable and can lead to better decision-making regarding maintenance and repairs.

By leveraging drone technology in these areas, Ejadah can enhance operational efficiency, improve safety, and maintain a high standard of building maintenance and management at Vision Tower.

These are just a few examples of how drone technology is being used in the FM sector. As this technology continues to evolve, we can anticipate even more innovative and creative uses for drones in facility management.

Embracing this technology will undoubtedly continue to shape the future of facilities management, ushering in a new era of efficiency and effectiveness.

Overall, drone technology presents exciting opportunities for soft facilities management, enabling cost savings, improved efficiency, and enhanced safety. As the technology continues to evolve, we can expect further advancements and innovative applications that will redefine the way soft facilities are managed and maintained.