Using interactive databases , equipment, personnel, and communications, can all be tracked to their future locations during the planning stages. Assets are costly to corporations. Using ODBC technologies, Assets are described once, and tracked throughout their lifetime. Linked databases can help planners by providing immediately accessible work lists. They can also generate furniture purchase requirements .
All new sites require special plans for local zoning and safety agencies.
Things that sound as simple as getting the correct telephone extension to the right location, or getting an adequate number of power drops to a work area, can all be expedited by the reuse of information afforded by the use of CAD drawings with databases. All of the above tasks are parts of a successful Facilities Master Plan . Prior to CAD and CAFM, the amount of available information was minimal, and effective use of space was more wish than reality. With the present high cost of construction and renovation, good planning can save dollars and reduce the costs of duplication and affect the outcome by making the workplace more effective in its design. CAFM stands for Computer Aided Facilities Management.