While some history buffs may contend that the work of a facilities manager dates back to the development of the American railroad system in the 1800s, the term "facilities management" is most often credited to Ross Perot, founder of Electronic Data Systems and IBM alumnus. Perot is said to have coined the phrase in the 1960s in reference to managing IT networks.
With large-scale office buildings and corporate culture gaining popularity in the mid-20th century, researchers became interested in how office layout, lighting, noise, temperature and ergonomics could affect employee performance and well-being. In the 1970s, as computer networks were introduced to the office environment, so was the first systems furniture – the cubicle. The inventor of the cubical, Herman Miller, Inc., hosted a conference on "Facility Influence on Productivity" in 1978.
Among the many conference attendees was George Graves of Texas Eastern Transmission Corporation. George went on to host a meeting in Houston in 1980 to establish a formal facility management organization. That meeting was the founding of the National Facility Management Association (NFMA), consisting of just 25 members. Within a few years, a new chapter opened in Canada, and the NFMA became the International Facility Management Association (IFMA).
Today, IFMA supports more than 23,000 members in 100-plus countries. IFMA aims to advance the facility management profession by providing its members with resources, education, networking opportunities and advocacy. IFMA also contributes to developing industry standards and guidelines, collaborating with stakeholders to establish benchmarks and best practices for facility management.
Service and Maintenance are essential components of ensuring the longevity and efficiency of a building's equipment, mechanicals and other assets. Service entails the proactive and reactive measures taken to keep these elements in optimal working condition. It includes tasks such as cleaning, inspections, adjustments, repairs and parts replacement. Service and maintenance personnel are typically work-order oriented, addressing problems as they arise and conducting scheduled preventive maintenance.
As defined by ISO and adopted by IFMA, "Facility Management is an organizational function which integrates people, place and process within the built environment with the purpose of improving the quality of life of people and the productivity of the core business."
Often mistaken for a mere extension of the maintenance department, Facilities Management (FM) is a strategic domain. While maintenance is vital, FM is the orchestration of various services and amenities within a facility to enhance the occupants’ experience and the value of the building. It integrates numerous disciplines to ensure smooth operations and a productive environment for occupants. It anticipates the future, implementing strategies and harnessing technology for more efficient operations.
Facilities Management embraces sustainability through efficiency, reduced energy consumption, occupant comfort and cost savings. Facilities management is typically on the job 24/7, ensuring HVAC, plumbing, electrical/lighting, fire/life safety, central utility plant management, janitorial and landscaping operations are functioning smoothly.
As TD’s Senior Vice President of Facilities Brian Lillard puts it, Service and Maintenance is akin to a building's occasional babysitter, while Facilities Management is more like a building's full-time live-in nanny.
Hard Facilities Management typically refers to the physical, tangible aspects of managing a building or facility. It encompasses the maintenance, operation and management of a facility's physical infrastructure and systems. Hard FM services typically include the building's structural components like walls, floors and roofs; HVAC and plumbing mechanicals; electric, gas and water utilities; fire suppression, surveillance and security systems; and space planning and utilization.
Soft Facilities Management refers to the non-physical, intangible aspects of managing a building or facility. Soft facilities management primarily deals with the services that contribute to the overall operation and functionality of the facility. Soft FM services typically include janitorial services, security guards, pest control, grounds maintenance and waste management. Soft FM focuses on providing essential support services that contribute to the comfort, convenience and safety of occupants and visitors.
The strategic role of an effective Facilities Management team is the unsung hero of optimized property performance. From cost and resource management to sustainability initiatives, FM plays a decisive part in ensuring that a building operates at its peak potential.
Key benefits of Facilities Management include:
The impact of Facilities Management extends far beyond the physical infrastructure of buildings, making it a cornerstone of modern, sustainable and high-performing facilities. As organizations continue to recognize its value, FM will undoubtedly play an increasingly influential role in shaping the future of the built environment.
TDIndustries offers a suite of fully customizable Facilities Management Services. From supplementing your existing staff to introducing cutting-edge building management technology, such as BrightBlue® Analytics, our team of FM experts and certified technicians is available 24/7/365. Reach out to us to learn more.