Facility Operations
Facility operations involves maintaining buildings and systems for reliable, safe and efficient performance. FM professionals ensure operational continuity, regulatory compliance and service delivery that meets stakeholder needs.
Subdomains of Facility Operations
Buildings, Building Systems, Infrastructure and Grounds
Facility managers must understand how to manage building systems from purchase to replacement. This includes how to install, run and shut down systems safely. They also need to read building plans, manage commissioning processes, and maintain both interior and exterior elements — including parking, landscaping and utilities.
Maintenance Processes
This subdomain covers how to keep buildings and systems running smoothly. Facility managers need to know how to plan and carry out predictive, preventive and corrective maintenance, ensure equipment works reliably, and decide which maintenance strategy best supports business goals. Skills include solving problems, managing inventory and knowing where to find maintenance support.
Operations Processes
This includes the day-to-day work that keeps a facility safe, productive and efficient. Facility managers must provide high-quality services for building users and ensure operations meet safety standards. They also need strong customer service skills to respond to needs, solve issues and ensure satisfaction.
Asset Management
Facility managers track and plan for the long-term use of building assets. This includes assessing asset conditions, forecasting costs and planning renovations or new spaces. The goal is to extend asset life and reduce costs over time while meeting business needs.
Furniture, Fixtures & Equipment (FF&E)
Managers must know how to plan and care for items like furniture, equipment and fixtures. This includes installing, maintaining and cleaning these items, and ensuring their long-term reliability and performance.
Occupant Health, Safety & Security
Facility managers play a key role in keeping buildings and people safe. This involves planning for hazards, managing safety incidents, protecting physical spaces, and responding to health complaints. Managers also ensure compliance with safety regulations and train staff in proper safety procedures.
Work Management Systems
This subdomain focuses on managing work orders and documentation. Facility managers must understand how to use work order systems to track tasks and how to manage important documents, whether paper or digital.