Vikas Chawla

Among the many challenges faced by facilities managers today, Chawla says, getting the statutory approvals from various approval authorities to start construction is a hassle that could require a lot of statutory documentation, process involved and coordinating with multiple stockholders to obtain the pre-construction approvals, which are challenging and time-consuming in current times. The design stage is crucial and it is when the FM needs to coordinate with the design team/architect to describe the project intent. Preparation of BOQ to float it in to the market to find out suitable vendors and reliable contractors, who perform on time and cost limits is another major challenge.

Managers also need to ensure key items like civil steel, concrete, waterproofing, MEP equipment, interior elements, etc, are of good quality. Plus, finding suitable materials for the project and getting quality materials to the site in time are a top concern, accepts Chawla.

SAP introduced healthy pantry offerings, created indoor gaming zones with a pool, billiards table, TT table, chess and carrom, allowed for outdoor gaming facilities including jogging track, lawn tennis court, badminton court, golf putting, etc, and providing a multi-cuisine café to employees, all of which encouraged collaboration and well-being.
The new SAP building went live in a record time with a capacity to seat 2,500 employees including a 450-seater state-of-the-art auditorium with key sustainability aspects, and complied with LEED standards.