Understanding Risks in FM
Facilities Management operates in a dynamic environment where change is constant. Risks in FM are multi-faceted:
- Operational Risks: Poor planning, service interruptions, and substandard performance.
- Financial Risks: Ineffective cost management and resource allocation.
- Compliance Risks: Failing to meet legal or regulatory standards.
Stan Mitchell highlighted the danger of treating FM as a commodity in procurement processes. Rigid, input-based contracts often result in short-term savings but fail to deliver long-term value.
Seizing Opportunities
The challenges in FM present significant opportunities for organisations willing to innovate. Key opportunities include:
- Strategic Integration: Aligning FM activities with design and operational planning from the outset can maximise efficiency and minimise costs.
- Technology Adoption: Leveraging data analytics, IoT, and smart technologies for predictive maintenance and real-time performance monitoring.
- Sustainability Initiatives: Incorporating green practices into FM, such as energy management, waste reduction, and carbon footprint optimisation.
Mitchell cited change management as critical to success, quoting Machiavelli: “There is nothing more perilous to conduct than to take the lead in the introduction of a new order of things.” Organisations must embrace change and adapt proactively to unlock FM’s true potential.
