A conceptual model for the interrelationship between information technology and facilities management process capability

The scope for using dedicated facilities management information technology to stimulate advancements in facilities management (FM) is discussed. The concept is put forward that a synergistic interaction occurs between the process of FM and the specialist information technology (IT) used for FM. This co‐operation can produce co‐maturation or co‐stagnation of their capability. The mechanism of this interaction between specialist FM IT and the FM process appears to be dependent on the relative capabilities of the process and the IT. This paper presents a conceptual framework for describing the relationship between the FM process and FM IT, and a model for the dynamic mechanisms of their co‐operation. The paper commences by reviewing work done on modelling process capability for software procurement and the design and construction process, using the established capability maturity modelling (CMM) technique. The generalised principles of an existing model for the dynamic interaction between the design and construction process for buildings and specialist construction IT are discussed. The paper then considers their application and extension into the context of FM. The specific example of growth in specialist FM IT and FM process is examined for the case of space management. Finally, the implications of co‐maturation for FM IT and the FM process are explored.