A proactive approach to facility performance

By Eugenio Burnier, Senior Vice President, ABM

Expectations for today’s workplaces are shifting across the board, and as a result, facility owners are experiencing new challenges. Rising energy costs and elevated sustainability goals. Shortages of frontline talent and the need for smarter cost management. And all of it is made more acute by the need for measurable asset optimization.

Yet, the conventional facility services model has not shifted in response. Many providers are still using punch lists, dozens of disconnected vendors, aging and inefficient systems, zero or minimal data analysis, and overloaded internal teams. And to make matters worse, there’s no clear ROI for any of it.

“While traditional operating models have not kept pace, demands on facilities and providers have changed—significantly.”

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Solutioning diverse challenges with limited resources

While traditional operating models have not kept pace, demands on facilities and providers have changed—significantly. In addition to maintenance, repairs, and utilities; they are often responsible for sustainability initiatives, security, space utilization, workplace experience, and regulatory compliance. Managing such a wide spectrum of tasks can be daunting.

Technology Integration

In the era of IoT devices and smart buildings, modern facilities are incorporating and managing more advanced technological systems. This integration can often be disruptive—and requires a certain level of technical expertise.

Sustainability Goals and Environmental Concerns

Facility owners have an increasingly greater responsibility in sustainability, making choices that raise energy efficiency and lower or eliminate pollutants. These choices often come with a higher upfront cost.

Budget Constraints

Often, facility owners must accomplish more with less. Limited or reduced operating budgets can inhibit proactive practices, forcing owners to take a reactive approach—which may be costlier in the long run.

Vendor Management

As responsibilities grow and budgets shrink, facility owners often maintain multiple vendors to keep everything running. Managing numerous providers for different services can be time-consuming and lead to communication breakdowns, service interruptions, and performance inconsistencies.

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A more modern, integrated solution for facilities

Merely consolidating facility services can address some of the challenges that managers and owners face. Bringing a broad array of day-to-day maintenance and operation services under a single umbrella makes sense. But there is a more effective, more proactive, and more efficient approach.

Putting Performance and Outcomes First

Quality services done in a timely manner are a necessity, but the approach has a critical flaw: it focuses on services, not solutions. When facility performance is at the center of an operational practice, performance improves. Individual services are more integrated and better coordinated. Teams have clearer objectives—and a greater stake in facility success. There is less redundancy and fewer chances for miscommunication. Operating budgets work harder—and go further.

“When facility performance is at the center of an operational practice, performance improves.”

Simplifying Increasing Complexity: ABM Performance Solutions

With a proven track record and over a century of specialties across a range of industries, ABM has cultivated a solution to fill a void in a rapidly changing facility landscape. Our teams of engineers, project managers, energy leaders, researchers, and analysts are continually focused on methods that improve the useful life of our facilities and their assets. Additionally, our industry SMEs ensure consistent program deployment and operations.

ABM Performance Solutions is a proactive and all encompassing approach to facility management, optimizing all aspects of performance to meet expectations—including technology, technical training maps, detailed operation processes, energy conservation, and sustainability. ABM Performance Solutions flexes to our clients’ needs, whether a singular entity or a portfolio of dispersed locations.

Long-term Solutions for the Life of Your Facility

ABM measures progress not just in weeks and months but also in years and decades. It’s about optimizing facility teams and infrastructure for better performance. In addition to elevating daily operations and maintenance routines, the ABM Performance Solutions team provides energy audits, retrofitting, system upgrades, and other customized solutions aimed at reducing costs where it counts. Our practice enables organizations to be positioned and prepared for future growth and adaptability.

Greater Efficiency and Cost Savings

Managing multiple vendors can be cumbersome. The ABM approach reduces management overhead, streamlines processes, and lowers operating expenses. Our stringent vendor vetting process ensures quality across portfolios for maximum protection of our clients. The ABM Performance Solutions model is more competent and more effective than sourcing and overseeing separate services—as it puts more qualified vendors in place to drive operational excellence. The result is more consistent and predictable budgeting and cost savings.

“ABM has cultivated a solution to fill a void in a rapidly changing facility landscape.“

Improved Communication and Quality

With fewer vendors, tasks and services can be performed with greater consistency. ABM Performance Solutions helps owners establish and maintain a high service standard across all facility operations. Communication is more direct, ensuring quicker response times and more effective problem resolution.

“This one point of contact gives
facility owners a clearer structure
and a new level of control.”

A More Holistic, Forward-thinking Operation

Beyond mere functionality, the focus is always on optimal performance. ABM Performance Solutions ensures all aspects of facility management are considered and addressed. Services and tasks are part of an integrated approach to operations. Industry trends, technological enablers, and innovations are factors in decision-making, ensuring facilities operate in the most modern, efficient way possible.

“Beyond mere functionality, the focus is always on optimal performance.“

Clear Accountability

The ABM Performance Solutions methodology is led by an Account Director who is responsible for coordinating all work and achieving performance benchmarks for our clients. Having one point of contact gives facility owners a clearer reporting structure and a new level of control. This allows greater accountability and drives higher performance.

Adopting comprehensive solutions for dynamic environments

The challenges faced in today’s increasingly complex, ever-changing environment make a compelling case for integrated solutions that are customizable for your specific needs. The evolving role of facility managers necessitates a rethinking of traditional fragmented approaches and disjointed multiple-vendor arrangements.

Not all facilities are the same—and ABM understands that needs vary from market to market and client to client. With decades of specialization in unique environments, ABM brings dedicated industry expertise in life sciences, automotive, distribution, semiconductor, data centers, food and beverage, universities, airports, corporate office buildings, and more.

For organizations, embracing an integrated facility services approach like ABM Performance Solutions for full-scale facility operations and services addresses immediate challenges while positioning for future growth and adaptability. This shift delivers operational efficiencies in the short term while cultivating tangible business advantages in the long run.

ABM Performance Solutions gives your operation one contract, one point of control, and one source of accountability. Find out what's possible by calling 866.624.1520 or visiting ABM.com.