National Facilities Direct

  In the world of facilities management, “self-performing” is a term that is commonly misused. Let’s take a minute to talk about what self-performing is and the major differences between it and aggregated services. What does “self-performing” mean? Self-performing facility management companies complete the work themselves with their own staff and technicians. Under a self-performing model, the scheduling, work, and follow-up are all completed by the same organization. This is true for all FM projects from Hard FM like HVAC, electrical, and plumbing to Soft FM like janitorial services as well as construction and energy projects. Aggregators, on the other hand, are companies who hire service providers or subcontractors for different trades and services across multiple regions in order to perform FM services. Unlike self-performing companies, aggregators contract networks of providers on a case-by-case basis and the aggregator simply marks up the cos...

  The nature of facilities and property management is dynamic and ever-changing. Between meeting safety regulations and ensuring systems are functioning at an optimum level, managing a facility is no easy feat. Not to mention that every building, room, and worksite has its own character, quarks, and unique needs. Whether you’re new to facilities management or a seasoned pro, you probably know that most maintenance functions can be broken down into two categories: Hard and Soft facilities management. Let’s review the differences between the two and why balancing both is essential to your organization’s operations. What is Hard Facilities Management (FM)? Hard FM services are the “core services” in regards to the physical assets connected to a facility. Typically, these are the functions and services that are “non-negotiable” as they can have a significant impact on a property’s structural integrity, its largest investments, and the safety and wel...

  Facilities management plays a significant role in the long-term success of an organization. Facility managers (FM) create a functional, safe, efficient, and secure environment that puts an organization in a position to reach its objectives. While they take care of the day-to-day operations, facility managers are also responsible for maintenance and upkeep of critical systems–which is essential to the efficiency of the facility. Partnering with a facility management provider is a great way to not only increase the efficiency of your systems, but also prolong their life span. In this article, we look at how an FM company can help ensure the longevity of your systems. Implement Innovative Strategies to Ensure the Longevity of Your Systems To some FMs, the idea of tracking and maintaining the necessary details for long-term plans and strategies may seem overwhelming–especially if they have limited resources. However, with the right tools in place, t...

   The pandemic has altered the way almost every business operates. From restaurants and retail to office buildings and factories, nearly every industry has undergone a drastic change in day-to-day operations with new safety mandates and public health protocols. These changes have forced organizations to prioritize facilities management solutions that meet consumer expectations and provide a seamless and engaging experience both on-site and off. As a result, today’s facilities managers must be proactive and knowledgeable of the latest trends in the industry if they want to take their operations to the next level. Here are the top 10 trends that are streamlining the facilities management workflow. Top 10 Facilities Management Trends in 2022 1. Improved Communications Communications between FMs and industry partners will continue to be a priority in the field. Cutting-edge software, like the project management systems we use at National Facilit...