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In today’s dynamic business landscape, Facilities Management (FM) plays a crucial role in ensuring that the built environment supports an organisation’s core objectives. But what exactly is facilities management, what FM services are involved, and why is it so important?
Facilities management is a multidisciplinary profession that focuses on the efficient and effective delivery of support services for the organisations it serves. According to the International Facility Management Association (IFMA), FM “encompasses multiple disciplines to ensure functionality, comfort, safety, and efficiency of the built environment by integrating people, place, process, and technology.”
This is further defined by the ISO (International Organization for Standardization), who are a worldwide federation of national standards bodies.
The organisational function that integrates people, place, and process within the built environment to improve the quality of life of people and the productivity of the core business.
Further definition of FM/Facilities Management terms can be found in their readily available Facilities Management Glossary.
In simple terms, facilities management involves the management and maintenance of an organization’s physical assets and infrastructure. This ensures that workplaces, buildings, and surrounding infrastructure are well-maintained, safe, compliant, and optimised for the people who use them.
Facilities management can be broadly divided into two core areas: Hard Facilities Management (Hard FM) and Soft Facilities Management (Soft FM).
Both services are vital in ensuring that premises are managed efficiently, helping to maximise business security, safety, and productivity. An effective FM strategy combines both aspects to create a safe, efficient, and productive work environment.
Hard Facilities Management (Hard FM) focuses on the physical built environment, and cannot be removed. These services ensure the health, safety, and welfare of employees is adhered to, and most are required by law. This typically includes:
Soft Facilities Management (Soft FM) focuses on tasks and services that make the workplace a safer, secure, efficient, and pleasant environment to be in. Examples of soft facilities management include:
An effective strategy executed by a facilities management provider can have significant overall benefits for an organisation. The surroundings of a site, grounds, or facility can affect every aspect of daily life for a person, and they should be comfortable, productive, and sustainable.
Successful implementation can help ensure individuals are empowered, work more effectively, and produce high-quality work in environments and buildings that are safe, welcoming, and efficient. Ultimately, effective facilities management contributes to the bottom line of a business and can significantly impact the short-term and long-term value of property, buildings, and equipment.
Technology is transforming how facilities managers operate. Tools like Computer-Aided Facilities Management (CAFM) systems, Integrated Workplace Management Systems (IWMS), and Internet of Things (IoT) devices enable better data collection, predictive maintenance, and energy monitoring.
These technological innovations help facilities managers make informed decisions, improve efficiency, and reduce costs by utilising data efficiently to make computer-aided facilities management possible. FM managers can analyse the data and learn from it, delivering real-time visibility, performing predictive facilities maintenance, and creating more cost-efficient, productive environments.
Some of the key trends that are influencing the FM industry include:
Facilities managers have a diverse range of responsibilities, including:
Facilities management is much more than maintaining buildings, it’s about creating an environment that allows people and organisations to thrive. By integrating people, place, process, and technology, facilities managers play a vital role in supporting business objectives, improving employee satisfaction, and driving operational efficiency.
If you’re looking to optimise your workplace or need expert facilities management services, partnering with experienced FM professionals can make all the difference.
You need facilities management professionals you can trust. Supporting over 1,000 businesses across the UK, ProFM Group delivers integrated facilities management that’s built to match the evolving demands of businesses. This is all backed by a range of industry-leading accreditations including;
One of the key elements we’ve recognised is that juggling different providers for your key business services is a drain on time, resources, and budget. Our solutions-driven, tailormade approach to soft facilities management sets us apart and ensures you stay safe, compliant, and productive.
Ready to elevate your facilities management strategy? Contact the ProFM Group team who be able to answer any questions you may have around FM, Security and Cleaning.
Emily is responsible for business growth and account development via new sales. She leads the Business Development teams through strategic goals and objectives in line with business targets and strategy. Emily is a friendly, approachable and a respected senior manager at ProFM Group who always strives to deliver service excellence.
