I’m a student from UiTM Jasin Melaka, currently undertaking my internship in Infinity Wave.
As an intern at a company developing asset and facility management products, I’ve discovered how essential domain knowledge is for data analysis. Like many data enthusiasts, I was drawn to analyzing numbers and trends, but working in this sector has shown me that technical skills alone aren’t enough. For meaningful analysis in facility management, understanding the specific industry is key.
The Role of Data Analysts in Facility Management
In facility management, data analysts work with CMMS (Computerized Maintenance Management System) data to help companies optimize asset performance, predict maintenance needs, and reduce downtime. But achieving these goals requires more than just analyzing raw data; it requires interpreting data through an industry lens.
Why Industry Knowledge Makes a Difference
Here are a few ways that facility management expertise adds value to data analysis:
- Recognizing Patterns: In facility management, knowing asset-specific behaviors, like seasonal maintenance needs, allows analysts to identify critical patterns that general technical skills may miss.
- Relevant Insights: With industry knowledge, analysts can deliver insights that directly support facility managers’ goals, such as asset longevity and cost efficiency.
- Clear Communication: Familiarity with terms like “work orders” and “asset lifecycle” enables data analysts to communicate findings effectively with non-technical stakeholders.
Building Facility Management Knowledge as an Intern
Since starting my internship, I’ve focused on developing my facility management expertise in three main ways:
- Hands-On with Real Data: Analyzing asset data from our CMMS has taught me what metrics matter most and how they impact decision-making.
- Learning from Experts: Working with experienced team members has helped me understand the facility management landscape and what insights add the most value.
- Continuous Learning: Staying informed on industry trends and digital transformation in asset management broadens my perspective and prepares me for the future.
Blending Technical Skills and Industry Knowledge
Combining technical analysis with domain expertise has shown me how to ask the right questions and provide actionable insights. For example, by understanding how assets are used, I can focus on questions like, “How can we reduce equipment downtime?” or “What assets need proactive maintenance?”
Conclusion
Facility management requires data analysts who understand both the technical and the industry-specific sides of the job. For aspiring data analysts, gaining domain knowledge in fields like asset management can lead to more relevant and impactful insights. As digital transformation continues, data-driven analysis will be more valuable than ever, especially in specialized sectors like facility management.