Impact of advanced technology on property and facility management of shopping malls

Abstract

Purpose – This research investigates the literature and perspectives of facilities management and property management professionals. It provides insights towards a comprehensive understanding of the advanced technology at shopping malls in Hong Kong. Design/methodology/approach – An investigation of the literature was conducted to examine what advanced technology has been utilized at shopping malls. Also, the investigation was undertaken through a study of two large shopping malls under same large-size property management company in Hong Kong. The relevant data were collected through informal discussions and structured interviews with 10 nos. of facility management and property management professionals at managerial level, officer level and frontline level to explore their views and feedback on advanced technology in PFM of shopping mall. Findings – The study found that the advanced technology in PFM of shopping mall in literature were namely Internet of Things (IoT), 5G, AR, VR, AI, BIM and BMS while in practical the advanced technology in use were namely LoRaWan with IoT applications, automated robotics, AI and VR. The research led to identifying the pros and cons, challenges, limitation, and problem of advanced technology. Research limitation – The sample size was rather limited, while the results were primarily involved with single management company and missing the views from top management. Originality/Value –This article reviewed the current advanced technology implemented by shopping malls. The findings add to the understanding of PFM of shopping mall and discover the impacts of advanced technology on PFM of shopping mall in Hong Kong. Keywords – Advanced Technology, Shopping Mall, Property and Facility Management, IoT, Robotics, AR, AI for chiller plant optimization