Dubai, UAE, 24 September 2018: Training lies at the heart of every strong FM solutions provider and Mahmood Hussain Rasheed, COO, Imdaad, said the company has invested heavily in this regard, especially when it comes to adding specialised HVACR FM solutions to the company’s expanding portfolio. “We have allocated a separate budget for our training department,” Rasheed said, “because if our technicians are trained, and they know how to handle the problem, especially with the ACs, the pumps, [and similar equipment] we can repair whatever is at fault from the first visit. But if they are not trained, our cost will be higher as we will keep coming back for the second time, the third time, etc.”

Avoiding the long-term inefficiency that comes with inadequate training is a strong driving force behind Imdaad’s investment, Rasheed said, stressing that in addition to basic and theoretical courses, personnel are also made to undergo hands-on training sessions. “We have a small room, with all equipment where we see how they fix and repair the AC unit or the pump, so when they go to the site, they will not be surprised. Some of the technicians you bring from overseas, the first time they see certain equipment, they would be surprised. They may know the theory, but once they have to physically handle it, what would require only 10 minutes will take one hour.” Rasheed said this is why Imdaad simulates a real-world environment that will allow technicians to be ready once on the field. “Yes, we may be spending a little bit more on the training,” he admitted, “but we are saving on time, [reducing] the calls, and saving on the repair. This is the payback of investing in training. It may be intangible at first, but in the long-run, it will be tangible.”

Rasheed said that while the market has matured over the years, showing greater appreciation for the role FM solutions play in optimising building operations, cost remains an issue, with clients demanding more, yet often reluctant to pay for higher quality services.

Hannah Jo Uy is Assistant Editor at Climate Control Middle East magazine. She may be contacted at hannah@cpi-industry.com