A facility manager’s role is to ensure that a building meets the needs of the people who occupy it. This may sound simple, but it involves many different skills to ensure the facility is soundly and efficiently run. To be successful in this role, an individual must juggle people, processes and technology to guarantee optimal building functionality.
Being a facility manager requires making decisions that allow the building to run effectively, efficiently and safely. Let’s look at some of the most common mistakes Facility Managers make:
1. Being Too Budget Conscious
Sticking to a budget is very important, but cutting corners can actually end up costing more in the long run. When looking into contracting or equipment, it pays to do research into order to ensure the credibility and quality of the service or product you’re receiving. When it comes to machinery, see if you can find energy efficient options which last longer and cost less in the long run. When it comes to hiring contractors, look into their qualifications and reviews – you want a job to be done correctly and to a high standard the first time.
2. Rushing Decisions
Take your time when making decisions as they can have long-lasting consequences. Taking time to arm yourself with the knowledge of your facility’s needs before meeting potential contractors or salespeople allows you to ask the right questions. Once you’ve found the right contractor or equipment, research costs and read terms before signing any contracts.
3. Not Completing Enough Preventive Maintenance
The purpose of preventive maintenance is to save your company money by reducing the number of reactive repairs needed. Enlisting a facility maintenance expert, like MaintenX, can help you create a preventative maintenance schedule. This includes what type of upkeep needs to be done, and how often. Preventative maintenance is one of the best ways to reduce the chance of costly major repairs down the road.
4. Not Tracking Preventive Maintenance
Facility managers should have a clear system in place that records what maintenance was done and when, including parts installed and replaced. It is integral to encourage team members to complete the necessary records, and spot check work regularly. Keeping records organized and easily accessible will make finding the information you need easier. There are also software programs that can help make this process simpler.
