Computerised estates management tool
Computerised estates management tool
Keywords Property, Software, Surveying
The application of modern software techniques to traditional condition surveys is set to have a major impact on the way in which property managers run their estates.
As part of a major survey for the City of Edinburgh Council Education Department, Cardiff-based Capita has developed a unique estates surveying software package, which has potential application in a range of sectors, including property, health, retail, leisure and local authorities.
Capita has applied familiar software packages, such as the industry standard AutoCAD and AutoCAD Map 3, to traditional condition surveys and reporting, to produce an inexpensive, flexible system that gives access to a huge range of searchable visual information about any property estate.
Ken Maund, director of Capita, explains: "First, the dimensions of the buildings in the estate are measured, and detailed plan drawings produced. A total and complete survey is then carried out, to ascertain the condition of all the buildings. This information is combined, together with topographical information and digital photography to give a package which can be interrogated by the owners of the estate.
"For example, a member of staff in Edinburgh education department can use his desktop PC to call up an OS map of the city. He can then zoom in on a particular school and view a plan or photograph of it, or any of its rooms.
"With the system, the user can check for things like broken windows, damp walls, or damaged carpets in any area of a school. Conversely, the package can also be investigated in terms of specific building attributes. For example, an entire estate can be searched to check the condition of fire doors, showing the location of defective doors, a digital image of them, and the cost of replacing them.
"The system has enormous potential for any company or institution with a large remote estate, be that schools, hospitals, shops, hotels or offices. It would also be of enormous use to property and facilities management companies.
"Because of the flexibility of the system, we are also able to add information such as the contents and equipment in each room, which enables owners and managers to update health and safety manuals or carry out IT audits from their desktops."
For further information contact: Matt Appleby (mappleby@golleyslater.co.uk)or Martin Long (mlong@golleyslater.co.uk). Tel: 01222 388621.
