Super Apps – Integrating Services, Transforming Industries
The concept of a “super app” or integrated software/app is revolutionising how we interact with digital services. By bringing together multiple, distinct services—such as messaging, payments, ride-hailing, and e-commerce—into a single, unified platform, super apps offer unparalleled convenience and efficiency.
This all-in-one approach has seen widespread adoption in Asia. Apps like WeChat, Alipay, Grab, and Gojek becoming essential tools for daily life. However, European adoption has been more measured. This is due to factors like data privacy regulations (GDPR) and established user habits, the underlying principle of integration remains powerful. This raises a crucial question: can the super app model transform other industries, specifically facilities management?
Asia: the Super App hub
In Asia, super apps have redefined the digital landscape. Starting from core services like messaging (WeChat) and payments (Alipay), these platforms have expanded to encompass a vast ecosystem of services, from e-commerce and social networking to food delivery and financial services. Grab and Gojek followed a similar trajectory, evolving from ride-hailing platforms into multi-service powerhouses. This demonstrates a clear demand for integrated solutions that simplify daily tasks.
Europe: A Different Approach to Integration
In Europe, however, super apps face a tougher path. European companies like Revolut, Klarna, and Bolt offer a mix of services but remain focused on specific industries, such as finance and transportation. This limited approach is partly due to strict data privacy laws, like the GDPR, which restrict how companies use personal data. Additionally, people in Europe prefer using different apps for specific needs, unlike in Asia, where one app for everything is more accepted.
Evolutions of super apps
Despite these differences, the super app in Asian and European markets continues to evolve. While Asia’s super apps prioritise convenience and multitasking, Europe’s apps focus on security and specialised services. Both regions show that super apps must adapt to user preferences and regulatory landscapes.
The super app in Asian and European markets reflects diverse user expectations and cultural norms. Super apps thrive in Asia, while in Europe, they must overcome privacy concerns and consumer habits that favour specialised apps.
The future of Facilities Management integrated systems
The facilities management industry has traditionally relied on specialised software solutions, most notably CMMS (Computerised Maintenance Management Systems). However, the way we manage properties and facilities is evolving rapidly. Today’s needs demand more than just maintenance tracking. This is where facilities management integrated systems come into play.
These systems consolidate various crucial functionalities—including communication, maintenance management, financial tracking, building operations, smart building integrations, and crucially, tenant/resident services and integration with local service providers—into a single, unified platform.
To understand the shift toward facilities management integrated systems, it’s important to distinguish between different types of FM software. The following table illustrates the evolution from basic maintenance management to comprehensive workplace management:
| CMMS | CAFM | EAM | IWMS | FMS | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Focus | Maintenance | Facility Management | Asset Lifecycle | Workplace Management | Facility Operations |
| Scope | Maintenance Operations | Buildings & Spaces | Entire Organisation | Entire Workplace | Buildings & Spaces |
| Relationship | Core component of CAFM, EAM, IWMS | Included in IWMS, often overlaps with FMS | Included in IWMS | Encompasses CAFM, EAM, and more | Often overlaps with CAFM |
This table illustrates the evolution of FM software. While CMMS focuses on maintenance, modern facilities management integrated systems encompass a broader range of functionalities, blurring the lines between these categories and paving the way for a truly integrated platform.
It’s crucial to recognise that using “CMMS” as a catch-all term is now inaccurate and limiting. Modern solutions offer much more. I produced a research paper regarding the acceptance of CMMS, which is highly adopted by facility managers in Malaysia. But it is inaccurate to label all system as CMMS.
You may also look at the image below to see how ingrained CMMS to the industry.
Image from: Aziz, N. D., Nawawi, A. H., & Ariff, N. R. M. (2016). ICT Evolution in Facilities Management (FM): Building Information Modelling (BIM) as the Latest Technology. Procedia – Social and Behavioral Sciences, 234, 363–371. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sbspro.2016.10.253
The Benefits of Facilities Management Integrated Systems
Facilities management integrated systems offer a clear advantage over fragmented systems by providing a holistic view of building operations and facilitating seamless communication and collaboration. Just as super apps simplify daily life by consolidating multiple services, these systems streamline property management, offering a seamless experience for all stakeholders. This “super app” approach for FM brings several key benefits:
- Improved Communication and Collaboration: Centralised communication channels streamline interactions between tenants, residents, building staff, and vendors, including integration with local businesses and community forums.
- Enhanced Operational Efficiency: Automated workflows, streamlined processes, and real-time data access improve efficiency and reduce operational costs.
- Data-Driven Decision Making: Consolidated data provides valuable insights into building performance, maintenance trends, and tenant behavior, enabling data-driven decision making.
- Increased Tenant/Resident Satisfaction: Streamlined processes, improved communication, and convenient access to services including rent payment integration and access to local service providers enhance tenant and resident satisfaction.
- Smart Building Integration: Integrating with smart building technologies enables proactive maintenance, energy optimisation, and enhanced building performance.
Embracing the Future of Facilities Management Integrated Systems
Facilities management integrated systems offer a clear advantage over fragmented systems by providing a holistic view of building operations and facilitating seamless communication and collaboration. The market is demanding more than just maintenance management. It needs a unified platform that connects all aspects of property operations and resident services.
It’s time to move beyond the limiting label of “CMMS” and embrace the future of facilities management: the FM super app – a single, powerful tool for managing the entire building ecosystem. This is the future of facilities management integrated systems.
The market is demanding more than just maintenance management. It needs a unified platform that connects all aspects of property operations and resident services. It’s time to move beyond the limiting label of “CMMS” and embrace the future of facilities management: the FM super app – a single, powerful tool for managing the entire building ecosystem.
This is what we’re aspiring to achieve with FOX. We’re building a comprehensive facilities management integrated systems—one that moves beyond the limitations of legacy CMMS solutions. The market demands more than just maintenance management; it needs a unified platform connecting all aspects of property operations and resident services.
It’s time to embrace the future of facilities management: the FM super app—a single, powerful tool for managing the entire building ecosystem. FOX is leading this charge, offering a glimpse into a streamlined, efficient, and user-centric future of property management. This is the future of facilities management integrated systems.
Are you struggling to gain control over your assets, reduce downtime, track assets, or ensure compliance? Infinity Wave’s FOX app provides the intuitive solutions you need. Contact us for a free demo of FOX and let us show you how it can transform your facilities and asset management.