The strategic shift in facilities management: From soft services to engineered maintenance
In recent years, facilities management has undergone a significant transformation. Once dominated by soft services like cleaning, security, garden services, and basic repairs, the facilities and retail industry are now strategically shifting towards engineered maintenance. This change is driven by the evolving needs of large corporations managing complex portfolios, such as hotels, office buildings, and shopping malls, where operational excellence is required.
Imagine a bustling hotel or shopping mall in peak season. Suddenly, the HVAC system fails, leaving guests or customers in discomfort. Without the right engineered maintenance strategy in place, downtime could stretch into hours or even days, costing the business not only repairs but also reputation. Scenarios like this underscore the need for a more proactive, systematic approach to facilities management.
Why the shift to engineered maintenance?
The primary reason behind this strategic shift is the increasing complexity of the facilities themselves. Modern high-rise buildings and expansive commercial complexes require meticulous maintenance of critical systems such as HVAC, elevators, plumbing, electrical systems, and fire safety equipment. Unlike traditional soft services, these assets demand a specialised, highly regulated approach to ensure safety and operational continuity.
Moreover, compliance with stringent safety standards, food regulations, and energy efficiency protocols is non-negotiable, especially for facilities like hotels and shopping malls that cater to the public. Engineered maintenance helps meet these compliance requirements and enhances the overall safety and comfort of the occupants, contributing to a positive brand image.
Benefits of engineered maintenance for business owners
- Prolonged asset lifespan: Engineered maintenance focuses on preventive measures that extend the life of critical assets, reducing the frequency and cost of replacements.
- Improved operational efficiency: Well-maintained systems operate more efficiently, reducing energy consumption and lower operational costs – crucial in high-demand facilities.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction: Quick response times to maintenance requests elevate the user experience. For instance, hotel guests or shoppers in a mall expect broken amenities to be fixed swiftly, and a well-maintained environment directly impacts their perception of the brand.
- Compliance and risk mitigation: Adhering to safety and regulatory standards is a core aspect of engineered maintenance. Regular inspections and maintenance help avoid costly penalties and mitigate risks associated with non-compliance.
Facilities management – managing a complex web of trades and contractors
Engineered maintenance necessitates the coordination of multiple trades – electricians, HVAC specialists, plumbers, and more. Effective management of these diverse contractors is critical to ensuring that maintenance tasks are performed to the highest standards. Facility managers must schedule and oversee these professionals and ensure that all work adheres to compliance requirements and meets the expected quality. Many organisations are turning to best-in-class Computerised Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS) manage this complexity effectively.
The value-adding role of the CMMS in facilities management
These platforms provide a centralised hub for managing work orders, tracking maintenance tasks, and monitoring contractor performance.
Realtime reporting capabilities enable facility managers to make data-driven decisions, optimise maintenance schedules, and manage costs more effectively. A robust CMMS also enhances transparency, from tracking the status of repairs to evaluating the performance of service providers.
A CMMS brings control and clarity, enabling facility managers to deliver a consistent, high-quality maintenance experience.
Pragma’s solution: A shift in perception – your CMMS as a business enabler
With its deep engineering expertise and industry experience, Pragma offers a comprehensive corporate facilities management solution. At the heart of it is the On Key CMMS, a robust platform that supports every aspect of modern facilities management.
- Improving customer engagement and experiences: On Key EAMS enables faster response times and proactive maintenance, enhancing overall satisfaction for occupants and visitors. Digital workflows for people and business processes: Streamline maintenance operations with digital workflows that ensure the right tasks are completed efficiently and on time.
- Tracking budgets and expenses: This provides complete visibility into maintenance costs, helping to manage budgets effectively and identify cost-saving opportunities.
- Benchmarking analysis: Compare performance across similar sites and asset types to identify best practices and areas for improvement.
- Standardising supplier service levels: Ensure consistent quality by setting clear expectations for suppliers and measuring their performance against industry standards.
- Embracing intelligent building technologies: Leverage the latest innovative technologies to enhance maintenance strategies, from predictive analytics to realtime monitoring.
- Measuring energy and water consumption: Track and manage resource usage to optimise efficiency and support sustainability goals.
The transition from traditional facilities management to engineered maintenance is more than just a trend – it’s driven by the need for increased efficiency, compliance, and superior customer experiences.
As the facilities management landscape evolves, those who recognise the strategic value of engineered maintenance and advanced CMMS solutions will be well-positioned to outperform competitors, adapt to future challenges, and solidify their brand reputation in an increasingly demanding market.
Pragma’s solutions provide organisations with the tools to meet today’s demands and future-proof their facilities management strategies. Contact us to find out how engineered maintenance can transform your business.