Management: Understanding the Difference between Hard and Soft Facilities

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The success of any organization depends on its facilities management. Facility managers (FMs) are responsible for managing the unique needs of each facility and often working with multiple vendors and partners. They ensure the functionality, comfort, safety, sustainability, and efficiency of an organization's physical locations. From the HVAC systems to the parking lot, the FM makes sure the facility's structure and the supporting systems are operating properly.

Because facilities management touches just about every aspect of the workplace, it requires a lot of oversight. It is difficult to manage all the tasks necessary for a facility or group of facilities. Many organizations hire a facility management company to help them manage their FM. This helps to avoid downtime and save money. This article will discuss the advantages of partnering with a facility manager company as well as the qualities you should look for in a FM provider.

Benefits of a Facility Management Partner

To partner with a facilities management company means that your organization benefits from the ongoing presence of highly skilled professionals in a wide range of trades and services who know your facility and equipment inside and out. While there are dozens of benefits, these three have the greatest impact on your organization:

Increased Efficiency: Having a partner that can streamline operations to take care of the day-to-day, while ensuring you have maximum control over the big picture is a major benefit. FM providers manage projects with reduced response and resolution time so you can continue serving your organization's facility needs. You can rest assured that your projects will be handled quickly and efficiently by technicians who are always available.

Nationwide Access to Skilled and Vetted Technicians: Choosing to partner with an FM provider means you have access to their catalog of trusted technicians who are experts in their field. This ensures that you can find the right technician for the job, no matter where they are located.

Reliable and Continuous Service: Partnering with an FM provider means you can expect the same standard and quality of work whenever and wherever you need it. This level of consistency ensures your needs are consistently addressed every time.

Qualities for a Good Facility Management Partner

Not all FM providers offer the same level of service. The process of choosing an FM provider will vary depending on the needs of your organization. There are some things you should look out for in a partner FM provider. These are the characteristics that make the best FM providers for your company.

Reliable

When choosing an FM provider, reliability is something you should look out for. Reliable FM providers hire thoroughly vetted technicians that are proven experts in their field. They have a diverse selection of well-rounded services and experienced teams to carry them out. This level of reliability helps you maintain a high level of service at all times, ensuring consistency in services that can evolve as your needs do.

Communicative

System operation is only possible with good communication. Smooth communication has a positive impact on not only the facilities managers, but also employees, customers and ultimately revenue. Clear and direct communication is a key characteristic of FM providers. They are aware of the importance communication plays in company performance and will ensure that you and your team can reach them whenever they need.

Collaborative

FM partners who are good at collaboration and communication are a great partner. They take time to understand your situations, perceptions, and expectations to better learn your facility and deliver a custom solution that meets your needs. The best FM providers are invested in protecting the longevity of your systems and presenting options for both the long and short term.

Adaptable

The nature of facilities and property management is dynamic and ever-changing. FM providers that are top-rated can adapt their services to meet the needs of your facility. Your best partner will be able to adapt to industry changes and within your company.

Innovative

The best FM providers are resourceful and creative. They know when to use technology to maximize efficiency and are up-to-date on the latest trends in all of their service areas. This helps them provide the highest quality of service which improves your bottom line and reflects well on your ability to manage the facility.

The Power software project management software of an Integrated Self Performing Facilities Management Partner

You may find the right partner in facilities management to set you up for success. They can assist by developing smoother systems of communication between the technician, command center, and facilities managers to ensure a process that streamlines service, integrates teams, centralizes goals, and lays the framework for efficient and quality relationships.

At National Facilities Direct, we solve problems for both the long and short term that meet resolution-time needs and make your job easier. If you're ready to partner with an FM provider that is truly invested in the success of your organization, let's set up a meeting to discuss how we can help take your operations to the next level.

National Facilities Direct is designed to consolidate your complex ever-changing needs through top-quality facility services derived from real-time communication, state-of-art analytics, data-driven decisions, proprietary technologies to develop customized all-inclusive maintenance programs, best-in-class connectivity, and a vast in-house network of diverse professional licensed technicians. National Facilities Direct is a leader in the industry, having worked with all industries and achieving client satisfaction.