Chris Delaney
Director of Life Sciences, Apleona Centre of Excellence
Valerie Golden
Director of Operations, Apleona Ireland
Providing facilities management services in highly regulated life science environments is a challenge, but one that can be solved with technology, training and forward-thinking.
We give operatives access to data via digital tools, but they must have the expertise and judgement to interpret that data properly.
Facilities management is an absolutely critical function that has to run faultlessly at all times in the life sciences sector. “These are operationally complex and controlled environments that are developing products for patients,” says Chris Delaney, Director of Healthcare and Life Science Centre of Excellence Europe at facilities management provider Apleona. “So, it’s essential they remain uncontaminated, and their equipment is well‑maintained.” Apleona’s services — which include technical maintenance, specialised project and energy management, cleaning, waste management and security solutions, all delivered through a network of SME partners — are becoming increasingly data‑driven.
For example, the company uses AI for real‑time monitoring to prevent equipment faults before they occur, and it deploys occupancy sensors to show how and when a building is used, helping identify where energy savings can be made. “The facilities management sector used to be highly reactive,” admits Valerie Golden, Director of Operations at Apleona Ireland. “It was always, ‘There’s an issue that we need to fix — let’s fix it.’ Now it’s much more proactive, strategic and risk‑based. There’s a lot more thinking ahead in a sector where organisations must be adaptable, flexible and audit‑ready. We’re always asking, ‘How can we maximise efficiencies for our client partners?’”
We give operatives access to data via digital tools, but they must have the expertise and judgement to interpret that data properly
Training infrastructure that supports talent development
Yet she stresses that optimisation must never compromise compliance. For instance, cleaning operatives and maintenance technicians working in life sciences spaces must always be fully cognisant of and adhere to strict Good Manufacturing Practice rules. “As a facilities management provider, we have to align with our clients’ policies, strategies and procedures,” explains Golden. “To do that, we ensure that our people on the ground are highly trained.” In technical environments like these, subject expertise really matters. To bridge the skills gap and develop talent, the company created its own training infrastructure and education programmes.
“We give operatives access to data via digital tools, but they must have the expertise and judgement to interpret that data properly,” says Golden. “Technology can automate a process — but (our operatives) optimise it.” The best facilities management providers will offer an integrated, one‑stop‑shop solution that makes a real difference for life sciences clients, says Delaney. “It’s not about working for them,” he notes. “It’s about partnering with them — and becoming the engine room of their sites.”
