National Facilities Direct

  Facility managers (FMs) play an essential role when it comes to managing and optimizing real estate assets in a way that supports the organization’s mission, goals, and strategies. They’re heavily involved in the planning of real estate decisions because they provide stakeholders with the information they need to make high-level decisions. Whether it’s using lease data and maintenance expenses to show the total cost of ownership or evaluating enterprise asset maintenance (EAM) data to predict future capital expenditures, stakeholders rely on FMs to identify costs and needs associated with facilities and how they impact the organization as a whole. Real estate properties are valuable capital assets that must be managed and optimized in order to achieve long-term success. Therefore, high-performing facilities management is crucial. Below, we explain the benefits of partnering with a self-performing FM provider and how they can help take your real estate facilities m...

The nature of facilities management is dynamic and ever-changing. Facility managers must be able to easily adapt to meet both organizational needs. However, pivoting at a moment's notice can be a challenge when there are tight deadlines. While operational efficiency is always a top priority, ensuring an environment that accommodates occupants is the foremost objective of facilities management. In this blog, we explain self-performing facilities management and how FMs can leverage flexibility with tight deadlines by partnering with a self-performing FM provider . What is Self-Performing Facilities Management? Self-performing FM companies complete the work themselves with their own staff and technicians. They take a holistic approach to facilities management by consolidating all facility-related systems and processes under one centralized team. Whether it’s the scheduling, work, or follow-up, all the services needed to manage a facility are handled by a single organization fo...

  Effective communication is critical in facilities management as it impacts not only facilities managers but also employees, customers, and ultimately revenue. To turn projects into streamlined triumphs, it's important to have effective and efficient communication between managers and strategic partners. Documentation is a key element in ensuring effective communication. Listening, taking notes, and documenting information as much as possible will help prepare for leading the project, the team and the selected partners when they seek guidance. Utilizing innovative technology can also help streamline communication. There are various facilities management technologies and communication tools available that can be integrated into the systems already in use. Examples of such tools include ServiceChannel, Tango, Corrigo, Asana, Verisae, and Fexa. Enlisting a strategic partner, such as an integrated self-performing facilities management company, can help develop smoothe...

  Building relationships is an important aspect of professional growth, whether it is with colleagues, partners, or clients. Developing quality relationships can make our work easier and enhance organizational culture. With the shift towards hybrid work arrangements, nurturing these relationships is more crucial than ever. This article will explore the significance of relationships in facilities management and how technology, combined with clear and effective communication, can aid organizations in managing unexpected events. The Power of Relationships in Facilities Management Facilities managers play a key role in coordinating the unique needs of a facility, stakeholders, and often multiple vendors and partners. Every interaction provides an opportunity to network and create dependable connections. For organizations to function optimally and efficiently, facilities managers need to establish relationships based on trust. Effective communication is critical for build...

  Facilities Management is crucial to an organization's success. The role of the Facility Manager (FM) is to oversee the various needs of the facility and its stakeholders, including coordination with multiple vendors and partners. They ensure the physical locations of the organization are functional, comfortable, safe, sustainable, and efficient, from HVAC systems to parking lots. Due to the vast scope of facilities management, organizations often turn to a facilities management provider for support. In this article, we will discuss the advantages of working with an FM provider and the key traits to look for when choosing the best provider for your organization. Benefits of Working with a Facilities Management Partner Partnering with a facilities management company brings the expertise of skilled professionals in a variety of trades and services to your organization. Some of the most significant benefits include: Improved Efficiency: With an FM partner, day-to-day o...

  As a facilities manager (FM), you face daily challenges that require innovative solutions. A facilities management provider can help by streamlining operations and communications with cost-effective solutions, making your job easier. Here are three ways they can improve your organization: Streamline Operations: FM providers have the resources to tailor their services to meet your organization's specific needs, reducing response time and increasing efficiency. Standardizing processes such as repair orders, issue prioritization, and invoicing can help alleviate some of the operational burdens on the FM. Access Skilled Technicians: With a vast selection of vetted technicians, FM providers provide on-demand access to skilled technicians for both Soft FM (cleaning, landscaping, waste management) and Hard FM (HVAC, plumbing, electrical) services. This ensures you have the right solution for the job every time. Lower Costs: Working with an FM provider with industry experi...

  The winter season brings unique challenges for those managing facilities. The harsh weather conditions can cause disruptions in operations and compromise safety for those who use the facilities. However, with proper planning and preventative maintenance, these risks can be reduced, emergency repairs avoided, and visitors can be assured of a safe and comfortable environment. In this article, we present a checklist of helpful reminders to help facilities prepare for winter, including maintaining HVAC systems, inspecting plumbing, preparing for power outages, and examining the exterior of buildings. Maintaining HVAC Systems To ensure your heating systems are functioning optimally when they are needed most, it's important to have preventative HVAC maintenance in place. Some of the steps that can help improve efficiency and prepare HVAC systems for winter include checking and replacing air filters, cleaning ductwork, checking for leaks, calibrating thermostats, inspectin...

  Facilities management plays a vital role in the overall success of an organization. Facility managers are responsible for creating a safe, efficient, and secure environment that supports the organization's goals. They handle day-to-day operations, as well as the maintenance and upkeep of critical systems, which is essential to the facility's efficiency. Partnering with a facility management company is a great way to increase system efficiency and prolong their lifespan. Implementing innovative strategies is key to ensuring the longevity of your systems. A forward-thinking FM company can help with the implementation of strategies like Planned Preventative Maintenance (PPM). PPM is a technology-based approach to anticipating maintenance needs and proactively planning for regularly scheduled maintenance, as well as adapting to unexpected changes or circumstances. This approach helps increase system longevity, saves time and money, and allows the FM to better underst...

Facilities management is an essential aspect of workplace management that involves various tasks such as building operations, security, compliance, and safety. At times, even the most experienced facilities managers can struggle to keep up. This is where a facility management provider can come in handy. They offer customized solutions to address different challenges faced by facilities management. One of the major benefits of partnering with a facility management provider is the reduction of costs. Ad hoc repairs can be costly, but with a facility management partner, you can extend the lifespan of your equipment or building infrastructure, leading to fewer repair costs and increased operational efficiency. Frequent disruptions, such as maintenance repairs or critical system failures, can also be reduced with a facility management provider, increasing productivity and enabling you to focus on organizational objectives. Effective tracking and management of assets can be a challenge in ...

    As a facility manager, you’re responsible for providing the tools and services essential for the upkeep of buildings, infrastructure, or grounds. While ensuring functionality, safety, and sustainability are top priorities, implementing initiatives that can help your organization save on costs is also important. From preventative maintenance to partnering with a self-performing FM provider, here are five cost-saving strategies for facility management.   1. Implement a Preventative Maintenance Plan Preventative maintenance is the practice of anticipating maintenance needs before they happen. Rather than reacting to facility maintenance needs as they arise, preventative maintenance takes a proactive approach to your assets through routine inspections. This can include regular maintenance tasks such as cleaning, lubrication, replacement of parts, and equipment repairs. The purpose of this strategy is to ensure the longevity of your systems. Preventative mai...