Ultimate Guide to Facility Management in T&T

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Every organization— regardless of its industry or size — performs a core function that drives revenue.

For instance:

A shopping mall offers an exceptional shopping experience
A hospital delivers healthcare services
An office complex provides space for business operations
A school imparts education
A residential building ensures comfortable living
A cinema presents entertainment

These core functions are undeniably crucial. But so are the support functions that each organization needs to survive. While they may not directly contribute to revenue, their absence can significantly impact the organization’s success.

Think about:

… and the list continues.

The bottom line is that these support services are a necessary part of every organization. These support services ensure a safe, comfortable, and conducive environment for everyone who steps into the facility. In the wake of COVID-19, maintaining these public spaces has gained unprecedented importance.

Typically, organizations adopt one of two methods to manage these support functions:

Hiring in-house support staff to handle these responsibilities.
Outsourcing various aspects to different service providers and managing these contractors.

However, there’s a third, often overlooked, option: Engaging a facility management company.

In this article, we will delve into the dynamic world of facility management in Trinidad and Tobago. We’ll discuss what facility management entails and guide you in choosing the right facility management company for your organization.

What Is Facility Management?

Facility management is a business practice that involves the comprehensive planning and coordination of all facilities and environments, keeping in mind the interests of building owners, managers, and users.

At its core, facility management aims to:

Craft innovative working conditions for organizations to foster respect and satisfaction.
Assure effective returns on investment and continuous asset appreciation for property owners.
Create a safe, comfortable workplace for society.
Contribute significantly to environmental protection.

In essence, facility management helps customers streamline their daily operational procedures, with the overarching goal of reducing costs and improving operational efficiency substantially. However, facility management extends beyond mere property repair and maintenance. It has evolved into an impactful management system that bolsters the strategic development of an organization.

With a focus on integrating people, processes, and technology, facility management plays a crucial role in optimizing the functionality and productivity of any workspace.

Why You Should Use A Facility Management Company?

Managing your organization’s facilities with your in-house resources might seem like an appealing idea, primarily due to the perceived control it offers. However, this may not always be the most beneficial strategy for your organization. The size of your organization and the complexity of your facilities can significantly influence whether you should consider outsourcing support functions to a facility management company.

A clear sign that you might need the expertise of a facility management company is when you find yourself dedicating substantial in-house resources to oversee these support functions. Here are some compelling reasons why partnering with a facility management company could be a more advantageous choice than hiring in-house staff:

Focus on Core Functions: Every organization has its core competencies, and excelling in these areas is crucial for growth and sustainability. By outsourcing support services to a facility management company, your team can concentrate on these key areas, secure in the knowledge that your facilities are being well-managed.
Cost Efficiency: The expenses associated with hiring, training, and retaining in-house facility management staff can quickly add up. In contrast, outsourcing these duties can often be a more cost-effective solution.
Time Savings: Overseeing an organization is a time-intensive task. As your organization grows, so too does the time and resources required to manage it effectively. By employing a facility management company, you free up valuable time to focus on your core business objectives.
Specialized Expertise: Facility management extends beyond simple cleanliness and maintenance. It requires specific knowledge and technological proficiency. Collaborating with a facility management company ensures you have access to industry best practices without the stress of staying current in this specialized field.
Regulatory Compliance: Public buildings must adhere to numerous government guidelines, including fire safety regulations, electrical safety standards, and COVID-19 safety protocols. Keeping up with these ever-evolving regulations while simultaneously managing your business can be challenging. A facility management company alleviates this burden by staying abreast of all safety regulations, ensuring your facility remains compliant.

Key Considerations When Selecting a Facility Management Company

So, you’re in need of a facility management company. But how do you ensure that you select the right one? Here are several crucial factors to consider:

Cost: The cost of hiring a facility management company is an obvious and significant factor to consider. It’s essential to compare the cost of outsourcing with the cost of managing your facilities internally. However, remember that while cost is important, it should not be the sole basis of your decision. Other factors must also be taken into account.
Your Specific Needs: Before you decide to engage a facility management company, it’s crucial to clearly articulate your specific needs. Consider the type of facility to be managed, the aspects you need assistance with, and your expectations from the facility management company. Also, conduct a cost analysis to understand the financial implications.
Knowledge & Experience: Assess the prospective company’s proficiency in facility management, your industry, compliance, and best practices. Their expertise can significantly influence the quality of service you receive. Do they have experience managing a facility similar to yours?
Track Record: Investigate the company’s past performance. Who have they worked with before? What do their clients say about their service delivery? Conducting thorough due diligence can help you gauge their reliability and reputation.
Service Flexibility: Each facility has unique needs. Therefore, it’s vital to choose a facility management company that offers flexible, custom services tailored to your specific requirements.
Commitment to Quality and Continuous Development: While facility management may not be the core of your business, ensuring everything runs smoothly is crucial for your success. Consider the company’s commitment to quality. Do they strive for excellence or just do the bare minimum? Do they invest in staff training and keep their processes and procedures up-to-date?
Transition Process: Finally, consider the company’s transition process. When outsourcing your facility management, seamless integration with your organization is crucial. Does the company have a solid transition plan in place? Will it meet your facility’s objectives once implemented?

By considering these factors, you can make an informed decision and choose a facility management company that aligns with your business goals and enhances your organization’s efficiency, safety, and sustainability.

What’s next?

In the competitive business landscape, your primary focus should be on delivering unparalleled service and experiences to your customers. Often, creating the ideal environment and ensuring safety for your facility means collaborating with a facility management company that understands your needs and can help you achieve your objectives.

If you’re contemplating how to improve your facility management in Trinidad and Tobago, or if you’re considering outsourcing these responsibilities, SERVUS is here to assist. With our expertise in facility management, we can provide tailored solutions that align with your unique needs and goals.

Don’t hesitate to reach out to us. Whether you have a question about facility management in Trinidad and Tobago, need advice, or want to discuss how we can assist with managing your facility, we are ready to help.

Give us a call or schedule a FREE consultation today. We look forward to working with you to transform your facility management and enhance your organization’s efficiency, safety, and sustainability in Trinidad and Tobago.