5 Common Facility Issues and How to Solve Them

Struggling with facility management? You're not alone. Here's a quick rundown of the top 5 problems and their fixes:

1. Repairs and Upkeep: Set up preventive maintenance to catch issues early.
2. Space Management: Use hot-desking for flexible workspaces.
3. Energy Costs: Install smart tech to cut bills and go green.
4. Health and Safety: Stay on top of rules with compliance software.
5. Tech Integration: Work with experts for smooth rollouts.

Don't just react - plan ahead. Use data to guide your choices and always look for ways to improve. With the right approach, you can turn these headaches into opportunities for better, more efficient facility management.

Why Good Facility Management Matters

Good facility management (FM) is crucial for smooth business operations. It's not just about repairs - it's about making everything work together seamlessly.

What Facility Management Covers

FM spans several business areas:

• Building maintenance
• Space planning
• Energy management
• Health and safety
• Tech systems

When done right, FM can boost a company's profits. Take Marks & Spencer's FM strategy overhaul in March 2022. They focused on preventive maintenance and energy efficiency. The result? In six months, they slashed energy costs by 15% and reduced equipment breakdowns by 30%.

But poor FM can be disastrous. In 2021, a major UK office block's air con failed during a heatwave. Productivity plummeted by 20%, and employee satisfaction took a hit.

Good FM isn't just about avoiding disasters. It's about creating an environment where people can excel. As Bruce, a Facilities Management Expert, puts it:

"Facility managers have a major impact on the business performance."

Here's why good FM is crucial:

1. It keeps operations smooth

FM ensures all business components work together efficiently, preventing issues that disrupt work. Regular equipment checks can catch problems early, avoiding major disruptions.

2. It cuts costs

Smart FM reduces expenses. Proper maintenance of buildings and equipment prevents costly emergency repairs and optimises energy use.

3. It ensures safety

FM teams maintain workplace compliance with health and safety regulations, protecting employees and the business.

4. It boosts productivity

A well-managed workplace enhances productivity. Clean, comfortable spaces with functional equipment mean fewer distractions and happier staff.

5. It provides valuable insights

FM offers data that aids business planning. For instance, space utilisation tracking can inform decisions about office expansion or downsizing.

Good FM isn't optional - it's essential for business success. It impacts every aspect of operations, from finances to company culture.

5 Common Facility Problems and How to Fix Them

Facility managers juggle a lot. Here are five issues they often face and how to tackle them:

1. Repairs and Upkeep

Maintenance hiccups can throw a wrench in operations and hit your wallet hard if ignored. HVAC, electrical, and plumbing issues are the usual suspects.

Solution: Get ahead with preventive maintenance. Here's how:

• Swap out HVAC filters regularly
• Book pro electrical check-ups
• Fix plumbing problems ASAP

A UK office tried this in 2022. Result? 30% fewer breakdowns in just six months.

2. Using Space Wisely

Bad space use can lead to cramped quarters or ghost towns, messing with productivity and costs.

Solution: Keep tabs on your space and stay flexible:

• Use software to track how space is used
• Try hot-desking or activity-based working
• Shake up layouts as needs change

3. Managing Energy Use

Energy hogs can drain your budget and hurt the planet.

Solution: Go green and upgrade your gear:

• Install smart lights with motion sensors
• Upgrade to efficient HVAC systems
• Use software to watch and trim energy use

Marks & Spencer did this in 2022. They cut energy costs by 15% in half a year.

4. Following Health and Safety Rules

Sticking to health and safety rules keeps people safe and legal headaches at bay.

Solution: Check often and train regularly:

• Use digital checklists for safety checks
• Run regular safety training for all staff
• Keep up with changing rules

5. Adding New Technology

New tech can be a pain to set up and staff might push back.

Solution: Plan carefully and train thoroughly:

• Check what tech you need and what you have
• Roll out new tech bit by bit
• Train staff well when switching to new systems

Tips for Better Facility Management

Want to up your facility management game? Focus on smart planning and data-driven decisions. Here's how:

Always Look for Ways to Improve

Facility management isn't a one-and-done deal. It's about constant improvement. Why? Because:

1. It helps you spot issues before they blow up
2. You make smarter choices based on real data
3. You can use new tech to your advantage
4. Your team stays sharp with ongoing training
5. Better communication leads to faster problem-solving

Let's break it down:

Stay ahead of problems

ToolSense helps over 700 companies boost productivity, saving about £127,000 yearly. How? By spotting issues early.

Use data to guide decisions

Don't guess. Use facts. Here's a simple approach:

Embrace new tech

IoT devices can monitor energy use and equipment health without you being everywhere at once.

Keep learning

Facility management evolves. Stay updated with new skills and knowledge. It helps everyone work better and safer.

Talk to everyone

Set up clear communication channels. Keep your team, other departments, and outside help in the loop. It solves problems faster.

Remember: Always be on the lookout for ways to improve. It's the key to top-notch facility management.

Wrap-up

Let's recap the five common facility issues and their fixes:

1. Repairs and Upkeep

Don't wait for things to break. Set up a preventive maintenance plan and use a CMMS to track costs and schedule work.

2. Using Space Wisely

For hybrid work, try hot desking. It's a smart way to use your space when work patterns change.

3. Managing Energy Use

Buildings eat energy. To save money and help the planet:

• Use more natural light
• Switch to LEDs
• Upgrade to smart building tech

Proctor & Gamble nailed it. They cut vehicle mileage by 30% in 2015, slashing CO2 emissions.

4. Following Health and Safety Rules

Keep up with regulations or face fines. Compliance management software can help you stay on top of changing rules.

5. Adding New Technology

New tech can be a headache. Work with experts for smooth integration. As Tom Buiocchi, CEO, put it:

"Invest in technology to make things (1) easier, (2) more intelligent, (3) more automated and (4) more transparent. Otherwise you are a dinosaur."

The secret? Plan ahead. Don't react - act. Use data to guide your choices and always look for ways to improve.

Help for Facility Managers

UK facility managers can now use software tools to tackle common issues. Here's how:

Work Order Management

Ditch the paper. With tools like FMX, you manage work orders digitally. It's faster and cuts down on mix-ups.

Asset Tracking

Keep all your equipment info in one spot. Spot issues early, before they blow up.

Energy Management

Track and slash energy use easily. Some tools even work with smart building tech to fine-tune your spending.

Health and Safety Compliance

Stay on top of rules without the hassle. Many systems now have built-in compliance checks.

Space Optimisation

Dealing with hybrid work? Hot desking features can help you max out your space.

Here's a quick look at some UK options:

The right tool saves more than time. FMX users say they save up to £340,000 yearly in productivity costs.

"FMX beat out a dozen other solutions. Their ease-of-use, performance, and service were top-notch, helping us hit new levels of excellence." - Polynesian Culture Center rep

When choosing software, think about:

1. Number of sites you manage
2. Team size
3. Main problems you want to solve
4. Budget

Always ask for a demo or free trial. Nothing beats hands-on testing to find your perfect fit.

FAQs

What are the challenges faced by facility management?

Facility managers juggle a lot of balls. Here's what keeps them up at night:

1. Money matters: Keeping costs down without cutting corners.
2. Crisis mode: Being ready for anything, anytime.
3. Happy tenants: Making sure everyone loves their space.
4. Rule book: Staying on top of ever-changing regulations.
5. Tech talk: Keeping up with the latest gadgets and systems.

These issues can make or break a facility. So, what's a manager to do?

• Fix small problems before they become big headaches.
• Go green to save some green on energy bills.
• Use smart software to stay on top of rules and regs.

Take 360clean, for example. Their cleaning crew doesn't just mop floors - they're on a mission to make tenants smile. And happy tenants? That's music to a facility manager's ears.

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