Every organization engages in different types of services to keep its facility functioning smoothly. Some services are part of the building while some are for security and well-being. Now consider the operations that are required to keep the facility efficient and productive while also being safe. Though there might be a difference in services like hard and soft FM services, the end goal is the safety and well-being of the occupants and workers.
These services are divided into two categories: hard services and soft services. Hard facility management services are usually focused on preventive maintenance and other physical aspects of the building. Soft facility management services may vary depending on the situation, requirement and importance. Both of these services are crucial for the proper functioning of the building and to keep the safety intact. In this blog, we will learn about soft and hard FM services and what is the difference between the two.
What are soft services in facilities management?
Soft services in FM are essential to maintain the property and keep it pleasant and safe for the people. Anything from office cleaning and decoration to event catering is considered a soft service. Office managers are typically the ones that handle soft FM because they have a deeper understanding of the needs of the company and collaborate with their facility's soft service team to provide a safe, comfortable, and happy work environment.
The type of activities that fall under this umbrella are:
- Cleaning services
- Interior design
- Grass cutting
- Taking care of mail
- Risk control
- Waste handling
- Space administration
- Termite management
- Hazardous substances
Benefits of soft services in facilities management
Soft FM services are of utmost importance for the upkeep of the facility and to maintain a sense of security. While it may not look like that these services are important, they help in creating a welcoming and pleasant environment for the employees.
Here are some of the major benefits of soft FM services:
- Maintains a secure and welcoming environment for the employees or occupants
- Enhances health and well-being
- Boosts employee productivity
- Creates a positive brand image
- Reduces stress and anxiety among employees in the workspace
- Improves operational efficiency
- Ensures regulatory compliance
What are hard services in facilities management?
Think of anything involving a physical component of the structure as hard services in FM. These are enduring structures that are un-removable. These services aid in maintaining the facility's structural integrity and are typically subjected to legal regulations. Put otherwise, hard FM services are a need; they are a non-negotiable.
Hard FM services include:
- Gas, plumbing, and heating
- HVAC systems
- Lighting, electrical, and mechanical
- Fire safety systems
- Building maintenance work
Benefits of hard services in facilities management
The capacity of hard FM services to keep a secure and manageable environment is one of its fundamental benefits. A safe workplace lowers the chance of accidents and ensures regulatory compliance through routine inspections and repair of vital systems.
Benefits of hard services include:
- Enhanced safety and security
- Improved operational efficiency
- Cost-effective facility management
- High-performing and resilient built environment
- Improved employee well-being
- Increased asset value
- Reduced environmental impact
5 Ways to Manage Your Soft and Hard FM Services
Effectively managing both hard and soft facility management (FM) services is crucial for maintaining a functional and efficient built environment. Most organizations use facility management software to manage their hard and soft FM services. It is used to record, plan, schedule, action, monitor, and report on any facility’s management tasks.
Here are five ways to manage these services:
Integrated facility management (IFM): Embrace an integrated strategy that unifies hard and soft services under a single management plan. IFM entails coordinating every facet of facility management, from managing people, processes, and relationships to maintaining physical assets (hard services). This all-encompassing strategy guarantees smooth operations and peak performance.
Strategic outsourcing: Think about hiring specialized providers to handle particular services. While outsourcing cleaning or security services is an example of soft FM services, working with maintenance and engineering specialists is an example of hard FM services. Organizations can gain from specialized knowledge, cost savings, and a concentration on core business operations through strategic outsourcing.
Maintaining an asset/facilities register: Delivering both hard and soft FM services requires an asset register. Understanding each asset's location, condition, and history is a necessary step in the process. The budgeting and visibility processes are driven by this. Total costs of ownership (TCO) and return on investment (ROI) are thereby made clear. giving companies the ability to determine whether an asset needs to be replaced, repaired, or disposed of.
Job logging for end-users and work orders for technicians: The speed of particular facilities management is increased by job logging for the end user, which translates into work orders for technicians. The majority of tools can store information on warranties centrally, services, and photographs of the equipment.
Employee training and engagement: To improve the hard and soft FM service abilities of facility management employees, invest in training programs. Employees that receive cross-functional training are capable of handling a variety of responsibilities, such as customer service and equipment maintenance. Encourage a sense of ownership and dedication to providing top-notch services among staff members by involving them in the facility management plan as a whole.
