Solutions - Based Facility Management Covers Broad Scope

IT USED TO BE THAT the corporate warriors logging late night overtime were the only ones on a first name basis with the cleaning staff. Today, however, smart property managers are working closely with their facility management team, bringing this essential service into the 21st century.
Although the value of traditional services like waste removal, dusting and cleaning offices and hallways, and maintaining a building’s exterior is still necessary, new ideas about best practices for facility management are emerging in day-to-day business strategy.
“A building’s look and feel gain a great deal from more than just cleanliness and order. The overall atmosphere can actually enhance either the living or working experience for those who spend their time there.” Observes Jason McCague, CEO of Facility Services Corporation, which provides services to the office, manufacturing and institutional sectors.
There are efficiencies to be found by consolidation services,. Facility contractors should be able to accurately assess maintenance needs and issues and provide an integrated program of services.
According to a recent study by the Freedonia Group, Inc., a Cleveland-based industrial market research firm, the “well-developed office buildings market will remain the largest segment of this industry. However, industrial and residential markets will experience the fastest growth based on the relatively low presentation of contract cleaning service firms. The industrial market will benefit from trends towards outsourcing, as well as from large amounts of manufacturing floor space.”

SERVICE CONSOLIDATION
Property managers must be confident that the teams in their buildings are well trained, observant and responsible. It falls to the contract’s on-site supervisor to maintain consistently high standards and to work closely with the property manager to promptly solve everything from small issues such as leaky taps to the big challenges of flooding or fire.
By consolidating services, property management firms can simplify invoicing, negotiate extended terms and reduce costs through a more consultative relationship with their contractor. The advantages of this solutions-based approach will allow property managers and their facility team to address ongoing issues both large and small, while maximizing the impact, efficiency and functionality of this relationship. While effective across a variety of property sectors, this is particularly true of some of the niche segments such as medical facilities and buildings that house highly technical, intellectual property workers.
With rapidly changing technologies, shifting global markets, and a myriad of other compelling issues facing businesses in the 24/7 business environment, the demands on maintenance staff have also decreased in complexity. Yesterday’s mop crew now must be fully aware of environmental issues, new building technologies, unique client needs and customer service.
Today’s facility service providers must have on-site supervisors who are familiar with each property and its inhabitants, and be constantly connected and engaged with their teams on the ground-using everything from new wireless cellular technologies to conducting surprise inspections in order to maintain quality control.

ON-SITE SENSITIVITY
Today’s facility managers are facing a new type of office environment – one that often features, extremely robust, round-the-clock traffic. These new environments call for teams that are able to deal effectively and discreetly with regular maintenance matters, while not interfering with that business’ purpose of operations.
Property managers are increasingly demanding a more agile and specialized maintenance program with an increasing level of accountability. As the first line of security these teams are responsible for alarm calls, and regularly noting any lapses in safety. Facility services providers must be vigilant about the staff they employ.
“Conscientious firms do thorough background cheeks, hire only bondable and insurable staff, and train them to a high level.” McCague says, “After all, many are dealing not only with corporate security, but with medical and legal confidentiality issues as well.”
As in many areas of business today, one trend stands out above all – being environmentally friendly. “Most companies are determined to present themselves to their customers as green, and this commitment must extend beyond just a social marketing or branding strategy; in fact, this commitment must extend to the facility itself,” McCague notes.
Most reputable facility service firms today are offering a range of biodegradable and eco-friendly chemicals for their cleaning and sanitizing, and they use biodegradable paper products and garbage bags. “The switch to green cleaning products will not only contribute to a corporate brand position, but it also provides a company’s employees with a healthier environment.” McCague adds.
In light of the changing corporate environment and the evolving needs of today’s businesses and the facilities in which they operate, the savviest property managers will be seeking out those maintenance contractors who can provide integrated economical, technical and environmental solutions to everyday logistic challenges.