Facility management (FM) is “a profession that encompasses multiple disciplines to ensure functionality, comfort, safety and efficiency of the built environment by integrating people, place, process and technology” – IFMA

People

The “people” aspect is critical to the success of facility management for the following reasons:

• Because communication and interpersonal skills are what help facility managers work better with facility occupants.
• The services facility managersprovide support the work that occupants perform. When done correctly, occupants can do their best work which helps support their organization’s business strategy and contributes to its success.

Place

The “place” refers to an organization’s facilities which are the second most expensive assets, right after people.

Process

The “process” function includes policies and procedures, which help guide facility management efforts in ensuring the safety and health of building occupants.

Technology

The “technology” refers to the application of various hardware and software systems mainly used to organize, store and disseminate information that is critical in the daily operations of a facility. This function includes utilizing technologies to manage both buildings and facility management organizations (e.g. energy management software and Building automation systems).

A successful facility management practice ensures that the organization’s workplace environment functions properly. This is achieved by the integration of the people, place, process and technology function.

Reference

IFMA