FM is not only Eng. Service..!

 

Whenever I had a discussion with FM Managers; I had the impression that their views are only focused on Engineering or Hard services only.. The other aspects of FM service are almost negligible or unimportant from both planning or controlling perspectives.. Certainly; the amount of planning for engineering services are large, full of details and critical for the proper management of the property.. However; with the CAFM intelligent systems; the task is much easier and only requires well trained technicians to manage..

From the wider surveys; if the FM team would be 100 personel; it is comfortable to estimate that Engineering service; excluding spare parts; would be around 30% of FM staff and dry cost.. while HSE would be 20%; due to increased cost of Waste disposal.. Soft service would be around 45%, in the hot dusty regions.. and Management is 5%.. Of course, the numbers would vary according to the intended services and packages, terms of SLAs and the overall engagement parameters..

My 2012 thesis had included the creation of the Pentatonic Structure; which divides the FM into 5 main sectors, each is also divided into 5 key packages.. All were structured in 5 Tiers that covers all potential requirements and demands.. Integration is the key for the FM comprehensive services.. Only Security service was excluded due to regulations that make security's license a stand alone one..

The above photo from Imdad, a leading FM Service Provider in UAE; who started to widen and provide various Reception service, including Front Desk, Lounge Hospitality, Concierge, Mail-room, and others.. This provides an evidence that my rationales were correct on estimating the Soft service, which most people narrowly recognize as Cleaning and Housekeeping.. 

Yet; the proven fact that the 1st appreciation a facilities Manager will get is the overall ambiance of the interiors; which the Soft service will provide; even-so the malfunction of Engineering service..

I always repeats that the underestimated Housekeeping and Cleaning are already regulated and certified by the 1961 British Institute of Cleaning Science (BICSc); which unfortunately many FMger have no idea about.. I had only heard about a lady from South Africa works for Imdad, who carries the BICSc certification..!
https://www.bics.org.uk/

I take this opportunity to advocate for the wider spectrum of Facilities Management among its affiliates; not only to present the industry in a proper manner, but also to confirm the hard labor of its Body of Knowledge and consolidated spectrums among others..