Digitisation in the field of Facility Management (FM) is continuously advancing. Current software solutions support various processes – from maintenance and cleaning management to complex tasks in sustainability and auditing. Following this progress and to further develop the quality assessment of FM software, the German Association for Facility Management (gefma) has revised the GEFMA 444 and GEFMA 445 guidelines. These guidelines form the basis for the certification of CAFM and FM software products and aim to provide an objective quality benchmark.
The updates to the guidelines were developed by the gefma Digitisation Working Group. As part of the GEFMA 444 revision, two additional testing catalogues were integrated: 'Auditing/Checklists' and 'Sustainability'. This expands the original nine-catalogue system to twenty testing catalogues. GEFMA 445 also underwent an expansion; it now additionally considers the topics of 'Cleaning Management' and 'Help and Service Desk'. This means the guideline now covers four essential FM functional areas instead of the previous two.
The published regulations are primarily aimed at manufacturers of CAFM software and providers of specialised software solutions for individual areas of Facility Management. The standardised testing criteria increase transparency regarding the functional scope and performance of software products. Marko Opič, head of the Certification Committee within the gefma Digitisation Working Group, stated that the guideline work makes an important contribution to digitisation in property management, leading to greater transparency and differentiation among market participants, as well as increased trust and security for users.
For users and decision-makers in Facility Management, the updated guidelines and associated certifications offer reliable guidance in selecting appropriate software solutions. The objective and standardised evaluation ensures improved comparability of products, which increases investment security. Software manufacturers receive a recognised and neutral seal of approval through certification according to GEFMA 444 or GEFMA 445, confirming the quality and performance of their solutions.
The updated guidelines are now the basis for all future certifications according to GEFMA 444 and GEFMA 445. gefma emphasises that this publication is to be seen as an integral part of an ongoing development process. The dynamic evolution of the market requires constant review and adjustment of standards. The Digitisation Working Group will continue to monitor the market and update the guidelines in regular cycles to maintain their relevance and topicality.
