What integrated facility management means
Without IFM, a business manages separate contracts for maintenance, cleaning, landscaping, projects and security, each with its own process and invoice. With IFM, one partner manages all of them, with one request process, one set of reports and one invoice format.
Hard services and soft services
Facilities work is often split into two groups:
- Hard services: the building and its systems, such as HVAC, plumbing, electrical, roofing, life safety and the building fabric.
- Soft services: services for the people who use the building, such as cleaning, pest control, landscaping, waste and security.
Facility First manages both, and adds security through McCray, which most maintenance companies cannot provide directly.
When IFM makes sense
- A portfolio has many locations across several cities or countries
- Different vendors in each market make quality hard to control
- Invoices arrive in different formats and are hard to compare
- Security and maintenance teams need to work together, for example after a break-in
How Facility First delivers IFM
- Program design. Locations, trades, schedules, approval limits and reporting are agreed up front.
- One intake. Every request, for any service, comes in the same way.
- Vetted providers. Each trade in each market is assigned to vetted, licensed and insured providers.
- Security by McCray. Licensed officers are available in the same markets.
- One record. Photos, notes and invoices are kept by location.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between IFM and outsourcing a single service?
Outsourcing a single service, such as cleaning, hands one function to one vendor. IFM hands the full set of services to one partner who manages them together.
Does IFM mean using one company's own staff for everything?
Not necessarily. Many IFM providers manage a network of specialists. What matters is one standard, one process and one point of accountability.
Can IFM start with a few services and grow?
Yes. Many programs start with maintenance and add cleaning, projects or security over time.