The Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC), developing and proving innovation in British technology and manufacturing processes, has turned to Idox’s leading facilities and property solution, CAFM Explorer, to help improve the management of its growing estates operation.

The MTC plan to use CAFM Explorer to provide an integrated approach to all building services, planned maintenance, asset and property management functions. CAFM Explorer will enable the estates team to deliver joined up services across a growing property portfolio and improve service quality to the workforce. CAFM Explorer makes use of an integrated database to store information across all facilities and property disciplines giving MTC greater real-time visibility of their asset status and enabling clear and improved strategic decision making across the estate.

The MTC has seen significant growth during its 5 year existence. With continued growth expected for some time to come, a decision was made to bring the facilities management in-house in order to regain complete control. This decision led to a review of the technology used by the incumbent provider.

Colin Bradley, Estates Manager at The MTC, says “We needed a solution that not only enabled us to easily transition from our existing platform but also one that covered all our short, medium and longer term requirements. Having all facilities and property functions managed in one integrated system will provide the control and efficiency we need to deliver across the estate. ”

“We are witnessing an interesting change in attitude towards the out-sourced facilities management model where a service provider is managing many key processes.” says Claire Visser, VP Facilities & Infrastructure - Idox. “Typically, with an out-sourced contract model, the organisation may have little visibility or control of their data. This can create an uncomfortable position for many customers who have now decided to in-source the management of their facility while retaining the provider to carry out the necessary tasks.”

CAFM Explorer will enable the MTC to create and assign automated work order tasks that, while carried out by a service provider, remain the responsibility of the in-house Facilities Manager for reporting and analysis.

About The MTC

The Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC) develops and proves innovative manufacturing processes and technologies in an agile, low risk environment, in partnership with industry, academia and other institutions. It focuses on delivering bespoke manufacturing system solutions for its customers.

The MTC operates some of the most advanced manufacturing equipment in the world, and employs a team of highly skilled engineers, many of whom are leading experts in their field. This creates a high quality environment for the development and demonstration of new processes and technologies on an industrial scale.

The MTC’s areas of expertise are directly relevant to both large and small companies, and are applicable across a wide range of industry sectors. The MTC’s members include global manufacturing companies from multiple sectors. Research partners include the University of Birmingham, University of Nottingham, Loughborough University and TWI Ltd. The MTC is part of the High Value Manufacturing Catapult which is supported by Innovate UK (formerly the Technology Strategy Board).

About Idox Software

Idox plc is a supplier of specialist information management solutions and services to the public sector and to a wide range of industries around the world in the corporate sector. CAFM Explorer is a fully integrated and complete facilities and property management solution used by over 550 customers in 48 countries. Now in its 30th year it continues to innovate and develop to support this constantly evolving industry.

23 Oct 2015