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From Maps to GPS: Why Facility Management Needs Contactless Proof of Presence

John Kunzier
John Kunzier |

Not too long ago, if you wanted to get somewhere unfamiliar, you had two choices: use a paper map or rely on directions from someone else. Both methods had flaws—maps didn't update themselves, and directions often depended on someone's memory rather than accuracy. Then came GPS, a technology that fundamentally changed the way we navigate. We rarely think about it today—it's just part of how we travel.

The same shift is happening in facility management, but this time, the game-changer is Contactless Proof of Presence. Much like how GPS transformed navigation, Contactless FM is set to redefine how we track tasks, validate work, and ensure compliance in facility operations.

The Paper Map Era of Facility Management

Before GPS, getting from Point A to Point B required preparation—looking at a map, memorizing routes, and hoping road conditions hadn't changed. In facility management, we're still using the equivalent of paper maps:

  • Handwritten logs that are prone to errors
  • Verbal task confirmations that rely on trust rather than proof
  • Manual checklists that require constant updates

Facility managers track many tasks daily, from scheduled maintenance to safety inspections, often relying on staff to manually report what has been completed. The issue? Human error, forgotten tasks, and manipulated check-ins make accountability nearly impossible.

So, how do we solve this? The same way GPS solved navigation: by automating and verifying every step of the process.

The GPS Moment: Facility Management Needs Contactless Proof of Presence

When GPS became mainstream, it wasn't just about knowing your location but about efficiency, accuracy, and real-time updates. It eliminated the guesswork in navigation and made travel smoother, avoided police speed traps, and more predictable.

Contactless Proof of Presence does the same for facility management.

Contactless FM automates proof of task completion rather than relying on manual check-ins, verbal confirmations, or after-the-fact reporting. Staff don't just check a box to say they completed a job—there's a digital footprint that verifies:

  • Who performed the task
  • When it was completed
  • Where it took place

Much like how GPS provides turn-by-turn navigation, Contactless FM ensures every facility task can be validated with time and date, proving your staff was actually there. Instead of constantly chasing staff for updates, facility managers get real-time confirmation of work completion without the need for oversight.

Why Adoption Will Follow the Same Path as GPS

Initially, GPS adoption wasn't immediate. Many resisted, thinking paper maps and personal experience were "good enough." However, as GPS became more accessible and proved its value, it quickly became an essential tool for travelers and drivers.

Similarly, Contactless Proof of Presence is still relatively unknown, but its need is undeniable. As early adopters implement Contactless FM and see its benefits, the industry will naturally shift like GPS-reshaped transportation. This shift is not a question of if, but when, and it will bring reassurance and efficiency to facility management.

Here's why:

  • It Eliminates Guesswork: Just like GPS provides exact routes instead of estimates, Contactless FM removes uncertainty from facility management by providing verified proof of work.
  • It Reduces Time Wasted: Before GPS, getting lost was common. In facility management, time is lost tracking reports, verifying tasks, and dealing with compliance headaches. Contactless FM automates this entire process.
  • It Becomes an Essential Tool: Once you've used GPS, going back to paper maps feels impractical. The same will happen with Contactless FM—once facility managers experience the efficiency and control it provides, they won't return to outdated tracking methods.

The Future of Facility Management: A Seamless, Automated System

Facility management is evolving, and automation is the next logical step. Paper maps became obsolete when GPS arrived, and manual task tracking quickly became outdated with the introduction of Contactless Proof of Presence.

The key takeaway?

Facility managers no longer need better checklists, more staff check-ins, or stricter manual logs. They need automation, real-time tracking, and instant compliance insights.

The best part?

Getting started is simple. Contactless FM is designed to be an easy entry point into PropTech, seamlessly integrating into existing workflows to reduce overhead costs, improve service quality, and ensure compliance—without adding extra administrative burdens. This simplicity should encourage you to take the first step towards a more efficient facility management system.

If you're still managing tasks the old-fashioned way, now is the time to shift. Just like GPS makes travel more efficient, Contactless FM will redefine how facility managers track, validate, and optimize operations.

What's your biggest challenge in tracking compliance?

Let's discuss how Contactless FM can reduce overhead and improve service delivery.

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