What is Facilities Management? – Hard FM vs Soft FM

14th November 2022

“An organisational function which integrates people, place and process within the built environment with the purpose of improving the quality of life of people and the productivity of the core business.” 

          The British Institute of Facilities Management (BIFM) ISO 41011:2017

Facilities management (FM) is the process of taking care of your buildings and workers. Although there are numerous disciplines and services that belong under the FM umbrella, they are all necessary to maintain the smooth and effective operation of a business even though they do not constitute a core business function.

There are two divisions within facilities management: hard FM and soft FM.

• Soft services can be categorised as services and facilities that make the workplace a better place to be in. Either by making it a more secure, pleasant working environment or more efficient. For example: Landscaping, window cleaning, security, car parking etc. 

• Hard services, as opposed to soft services, are those that are directly connected to the structure of the building and cannot be withdrawn from the premises. Most of these services are mandated by law and ensure that the personnel’ welfare, health, and security are upheld. For example: Lighting, plumbing, heating, fire safety systems etc. 

Together, these two components are crucial to making sure your building runs as smoothly as possible. Of course, there will frequently be overlaps. A good example is security, where the hard element is ensuring that locks and entry mechanisms are functioning properly and the soft part is having trained security workers patrol the area and check on both employees and visitors.

For more information about facilities management and services, contact us today or have a look at our services.

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