How to Achieve the Best Outcome in any Facilities Management Project
Facilities management projects can be exciting, but they can also be highly stressful to manage, especially if you're in charge of the implementation and operations phases. From start to finish, installing new facilities can be lengthy and fraught with issues that could have been prevented by someone who knows what they're doing. That's why working with facilities management professionals is always best when embarking on your next project in this field. Here are a few ways to achieve the best outcome in any facilities management project.
- Get Organized
Before anything else, you need to get organized. This might seem like a small step, but it's critical. One of the main jobs of facility managers is to stay on top of all aspects of their projects and ensure things are running smoothly. That includes knowing what each team member is responsible for, when those tasks are due, and how progress has been made so far on each one. To keep everything straight, it can be helpful for facility managers to create a schedule or flowchart that will act as a guide for all phases of the project.
- Invest a little time upfront
Facility managers provide critical support functions covering everything from property management and business continuity to front-end planning and maintenance. These professionals may be an internal department, or building owners may outsource them. Most organizations employ both strategies depending on their size, needs, budgets, and risk appetite. The best part is that you don't have to focus on your company's operations; instead, you can focus your time and energy on what matters most: business operations, marketing initiatives, or leading growth for your organization.
- Create a Calendar System
Set up a calendar system, like iCal or Google Calendar, and commit to updating it as you go. If there are definite dates, put them on your calendar now. This will help you make plans around time-sensitive events. For projects with fewer definitive timelines, add tentative dates and send reminders a few weeks before each one so that nothing slips through the cracks. Add notes about the task, such as what needs to be done and when (if possible), who will be involved with it, how long it should take, and whether a budget is allocated for this project.
- Be Flexible When Possible
Being flexible when possible during the execution of a facilities management project will lead to a successful outcome. This means that it is not necessary or recommended to adhere rigorously to a plan that may be too rigid. While unforeseen circumstances, emergencies, and disasters can happen anytime without warning, there are ways for pre-arranged flexibility if necessary. Some examples include considering what-if scenarios and backup plans, budgeting extra contingency funds, and having team members on call during specific periods or events.