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Exploring the full picture of facility management: How does ISO define the core functions of this profession?
Facility Management (FM) is a professional discipline focused on the coordinated use of space, infrastructure, people and organizations. The core function of this area is to ensure that the physical assets and environment are managed effectively and efficiently to meet the needs of users. Facilities management helps organizations achieve their goals in the built environment by integrating maintenance, safety, efficiency and comfort.
Facility management is defined by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) as an organizational function that integrates people, places and processes to improve the quality of people's lives and the productivity of core businesses.
History of Facilities Management
The concept of facilities management originated in the 1960s and was initially mainly related to IT system management. At the time, IBM founder Ross Perot coined the term to describe the integration of network management and support services. Over time, the field has evolved to include broader elements of construction and operations management. In 1979, at a conference sponsored by Herman Miller, facilities management was recognized as an important component of the strategic organizational planning process. Subsequently, the Facility Management Institute (FMI) was established in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
Definition and Scope
The scope of facilities management covers multidisciplinary business functions to balance the demand and supply of facilities and services. According to the definition of ISO 41011, "facilities" include all tangible assets that support an organization, such as real estate, buildings, infrastructure and IT services. The implementation of these principles, in line with the management framework of ISO 41001:2018, helps to improve the quality and productivity of the working environment.
Key Competencies for Facilities Management
Facilities management is the practice of coordinating the physical workplace with the people and work that organizes it, integrating principles from business management, architecture, and the behavioral and engineering sciences.
According to the International Facility Management Association (IFMA), the key capabilities of facility management cover eleven capabilities, including leadership and strategy, operations and maintenance, finance and business, environmental protection and sustainability. These capabilities ensure that facilities management has a strategic position within the organization and continues to face the challenges of innovation and development.
The Role of the Facilities Manager
Facility managers are responsible for operations across business functions and their top priority is ensuring the safety and health of people. The job of a facilities manager needs to be carried out at both a strategic and tactical level: on the one hand, helping clients understand the impact of their decisions on space, services and business risks, and on the other hand, ensuring that the living environment operates efficiently and cost-effectively.
Environment, Health and Safety (EHS)
Facilities management must identify, analyze, evaluate, control and manage a wide range of issues related to the environment and safety. Failure to properly address these issues may result in an unhealthy workplace environment, employee illness, injury, business losses, or legal action.
Fire safety
Fire threats are potential high-risk events, and facility management departments need to set up a comprehensive fire equipment maintenance and inspection system to ensure life safety and property integrity.
Security Management
Facilities Management is responsible for the safety of our employees and operations, which involves the maintenance of security hardware and other complex security arrangements.
Maintenance, Testing and Inspection
Regular maintenance and inspections are necessary to ensure the safe and efficient operation of your facility. This type of work is usually planned through a computer-aided facilities management system (CAFM). Building maintenance encompasses all the preventive and restorative work necessary to ensure the durability and functionality of a building, from paint to plumbing, from glass to tiles.
Cleaning Management
Cleaning is often done after commercial operations, but it is also necessary to arrange separate work to ensure the cleanliness of public areas. This includes regular cleaning, replenishment of consumables and rapid response service.
Business Continuity Planning
All organizations should have a business continuity plan in place to respond to fire or major failures and ensure operations can be restored quickly. Facilities Management will need to assist in restoring operations to a designated location when necessary.
Space Allocation and Changes
Office layouts in many organizations need to be adjusted frequently, a process known as churn. Facilities management departments often use computer-aided design (CAD) systems to make these adjustments to ensure they meet business needs and regulatory requirements.
Global Facilities Management Day
Since 2009, Global FM has sponsored World FM Day to celebrate and recognize the contributions of facility management professionals, highlighting their role in driving sustainability, innovation and operational excellence.
The importance of facility management is increasing with the complexity of organizational operations. In this context, what challenges and opportunities do you think facility management will face in the future?
