What Are Hard and Soft Facilities Management Services?
In facilities management, the services that are carried out can be classed as either hard or soft facilities management. Soft facilities management refers to non-technical work such as cleaning, decoration, and temperature checks for compliance. Hard facilities management refers to technical work such as electrical, HVAC, plumbing, and joinery. Below are specific examples of hard and soft facilities management services.
Hard Facilities Management
Understanding Hard Facilities Management
Hard facilities management (Hard FM) services ensure the physical assets of the facility are maintained and compliant with legislation. This includes essential elements of the facility such as heating and air conditioning systems (HVAC), fire prevention systems, electrical systems, structural repairs, and compliance checks. The primary goal of hard FM is to keep the facility operational and compliant with any legal requirements.
List of Hard Services in Facilities Management- HVAC system maintenance
- Electrical and plumbing services
- Fire safety systems management
- Building structure and façade maintenance
- Elevator and escalator inspections
Soft Facilities Management
What Is Soft Facilities Management?
Soft facilities management (Soft FM) involves non-technical services that help improve the facility’s appearance and overall environment. These services include cleaning, security, landscaping, and waste management. While hard FM services are essential to the operation of the facility, soft FM services enhance the experience for workers, visitors, and clients.
List of Soft Services in Facilities Management- Cleaning and janitorial services
- Security and surveillance
- Landscaping and grounds maintenance
- Catering and vending services
- Waste management and recycling
The Benefits of Effective Hard and Soft FM Services
Benefits of Effective Soft FM Services
Soft facilities management improves the environment and cleanliness of the facility. While these services are not directly monitored for compliance, neglecting them can lead to significant issues. For example, poor waste management can create health and safety risks, while inadequate cleaning can result in an unhealthy work environment.
Benefits of Effective Hard FM Services
Hard FM services are essential for keeping facilities operational and legally compliant. For example, gas safety certificates and HVAC maintenance are legally required for a facility to function. Effective hard FM services also improve the overall health and safety of the facility by ensuring that systems such as heating, electrical, and plumbing are functioning correctly.
How to Integrate Hard and Soft FM Services for Maximum Efficiency
Both hard and soft services are essential for the smooth running of any facility. Integrating these services involves setting up recurring tasks, assigning jobs, recording completed tasks, and periodically reviewing these records to ensure compliance. Using a digital facilities maintenance system like SiteHelper.io simplifies the process, ensuring that all recurring hard and soft FM tasks are completed, recorded, and monitored effectively.
Tools and Software for Managing Hard and Soft FM
Tools and software for managing hard and soft facilities management tasks are known as CAFM (Computer-Aided Facilities Management) or CMMS (Computerized Maintenance Management System). Below are some software solutions, each with unique features for managing FM tasks.
1. SiteHelper.io
SiteHelper.io offers features for managing both hard and soft FM tasks, including a traffic light system to monitor task status. Tasks are color-coded: green for completed, amber for due soon, and red for overdue. This system provides real-time oversight, making it easier to track ongoing tasks.
Focus
Tailored specifically for multi-room facilities.
Key Features
- Digitized Compliance Controls
- User-Friendly Onboarding
- Intuitive Interface
2. FMX
Website Analysis
Focus: General facilities management with robust tools.
Strengths
Versatile tools suitable for various industries, strong analytics capabilities.
Weaknesses
May lack specific features tailored to the unique needs of care homes.
Key Features
- Work Order Management
- Asset Management
- Reporting & Analytics
3. Accruent
Website Analysis
Focus: Real estate and facilities management solutions.
Strengths
Strong in real estate management, suitable for larger organizations.
Weaknesses
Complexity may make it less accessible for smaller organizations.
Key Features
- Real Estate Management
- Space Management
- Compliance Tracking
4. Planon
Website Analysis
Focus: Integrated workplace management solutions.
Strengths
Comprehensive solutions catering to a wide range of facilities.
Weaknesses
The breadth of features might overwhelm users who need only basic functionalities.
Key Features
- Integrated Workplace Management
- Mobile Access
- Sustainability Reporting
Conclusion: The Future of FM Services
As more companies digitize their facilities management processes, tools like SiteHelper.io are becoming essential. Digital systems streamline operations, improve compliance tracking, and enhance efficiency, positioning them as the future of FM services.