DMA Group’s Fable: A Vision for a Better Built Environment
Introducing The Tale of the Forgotten Building and the Three Engineers
DMA Group has published a fable titled The Tale of the Forgotten Building and the Three Engineers, which tells the story of how traditional maintenance practices in the UK have overlooked the true needs of our built environment. Set around a single forgotten building and three engineers, this story represents a reality faced by thousands of buildings and plantrooms nationwide, where outdated approaches have led to inefficiency, wasted resources, and missed opportunities for improvement. Through this tale, we aim to illustrate the challenges in a relatable way, prompting critical reflection on how our industry can evolve to deliver better service, greater efficiency, and, importantly, support the national ambition for net zero.
A 200-Year Legacy and the Need for Change
The idea behind this fable wasn’t simply to point out where others have gone wrong but to share our own experiences and hard-won insights from over 200 years in the industry. Having been a longstanding part of the sector, we acknowledge that we, too, were once contributors to the industry’s shortcomings. Over time, our familiarity with the industry’s pitfalls—fragmented service models, low standards, and lack of transparency—made it clear that a fundamental shift was needed, not just within DMA but across the board. Five years ago, recognising these issues, we embarked on creating our own service management platform, BiO®, designed from the ground up to transform our operations through automation and efficiency. This platform now underpins everything we do, enabling us to be more responsive, agile, and aligned with the needs of modern facilities management.
Addressing the Impact on People and Buildings
Through The Tale of the Forgotten Building and the Three Engineers, we look into how the traditional approach impacts not only the physical state of buildings but also the people who care for them. The disjointed systems often leave engineers feeling frustrated and undervalued, leading many to leave the field or discouraging new talent from joining. The industry has a well-known shortage of engineers, and with an increasing demand for skilled individuals, we must ensure that maintenance careers are seen as valuable and sustainable options for future generations. The fable explores this from different perspectives, illustrating the consequences of systemic issues on both infrastructure and the people behind it.
Sparking Industry-Wide Change and Innovation
Our hope is that the story resonates with others in the industry, igniting a sense of urgency and a commitment to change. We’re not suggesting that DMA has all the answers, but rather, we aim to spark a conversation that leads to collective action. The traditional, reactive approach to maintenance, which focuses on patching problems as they arise, has long been an accepted norm. However, we’re advocating for a proactive, technology-driven model that can meet modern demands for energy efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and sustainability.
Positive Feedback and an Invitation to Transform Together
The feedback we’ve received since publishing this fable has been inspiring, and it reinforces our belief that change is both necessary and achievable. The Tale of the Forgotten Building and the Three Engineers is more than just a story; it’s an invitation to rethink our practices and to hold ourselves accountable. We believe that by embracing smart technology, collaborative practices, and a commitment to continuous improvement, the UK maintenance sector can evolve into an industry that truly makes buildings work better.
Looking Ahead: A Sustainable, Efficient Built Environment
We envision a future where maintenance isn’t seen as a reluctant necessity but as a vital component of an efficient, resilient, and sustainable built environment. DMA Group is dedicated to leading this transformation by sharing our knowledge, implementing our technology, and promoting a proactive approach to maintenance. This journey is our commitment to creating a legacy that redefines what it means to care for buildings, ensuring they serve the needs of the present and support the ambitions of the future.
