To achieve success in any corporate setting, having a strategy is essential. This holds true for facility management as well. Strategic facility management combines facility management and long-term planning to give your organization a competitive edge. It is about setting clear, long-term goals and figuring out the best way to achieve them.
What is Strategic Facility Management?
Strategic Facility Management is a mix of managing day-to-day operations and planning for the future. It focuses on long-term goals and how to achieve them. This approach involves asking the right questions: What are our goals? How do we achieve them? What resources are needed? It’s not just about quick wins; it’s about setting a clear direction for the future.
Creating a Strategic Facility Plan (SFP)
A Strategic Facility Plan (SFP) helps facility managers communicate their goals and how they plan to achieve them. The SFP outlines priorities, policies, and steps needed to meet long-term objectives. It is usually built on the company’s overall strategy, ensuring that all actions align with broader business goals.
For a medium-sized company, creating an SFP can take up to six months, especially if you’re automating parts of the process. The effectiveness of the plan depends on how much effort is put into developing it.
Steps to Consider Before Implementing a Strategic Plan
When developing a strategic plan for facility management, you can follow the C.E.R.T. approach:
- Comprehend: Understand the goals and how your facility can support them. Consider if you have the resources—time, money, manpower—to make changes.
- Examine: Assess different strategies and analyze which one works best for your facility. Use tools like SWOT analysis to identify strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats.
- Reach for a Plan: Develop a detailed roadmap to achieve your goals. This plan should be presented to senior management for approval and include all necessary steps, timelines, and responsibilities.
- Take Action: Once you have the green light, execute the plan. Monitor the impact of changes on your facility and adjust as needed to stay on track with your goals.
Components of a Strategic Facility Plan (SOAK IT)
To create an effective SFP, consider the following:
- Statement of Purpose: Define the mission of the facilities department, including policies and goals.
- Objectives and Goals: Set clear, measurable goals based on the mission statement.
- Analyze the Situation: Gather data on external and internal factors that may impact the facility.
- Key Variables: Identify factors that could affect the success of the facility’s operations.
- Internalize the Strategic Scenario: Develop scenarios to plan for possible future events.
- Tell the Strategy: Present a final strategy to decision-makers, ensuring it aligns with the company’s culture and available resources.
Getting Started with Your SFP
When creating an SFP, ask yourself: “What changes can I make today that will benefit my facility in the next year, two years, or even a decade?” For guidance, consider consulting with a facility management expert to help navigate the process.
