How can you align with FM standards?

1 Identify relevant standards

The first step is to identify the standards that are relevant to your FM scope, context, and objectives. There are different types of standards, such as international, national, regional, industry-specific, or organizational. Some of the most widely recognized international standards for FM are ISO 41000 series, which cover FM terminology, principles, concepts, processes, and frameworks. You can also consult other sources, such as professional associations, accreditation bodies, or peer organizations, to find out what standards they use or recommend.

2 Assess your current situation

The second step is to assess your current situation and compare it with the requirements and expectations of the standards. You can use various tools and methods, such as self-assessment, audits, benchmarks, gap analysis, or maturity models, to evaluate your strengths and weaknesses, identify gaps and opportunities, and prioritize areas for improvement. You should also involve your stakeholders, such as staff, customers, suppliers, or regulators, in the assessment process to get their feedback and input.

3 Develop an action plan

The third step is to develop an action plan that outlines how you will align with the standards and achieve your desired outcomes. Your action plan should include clear and realistic goals, objectives, strategies, actions, responsibilities, timelines, resources, and indicators. You should also consider the potential risks, challenges, and barriers that might affect your plan and how you will mitigate or overcome them. Your action plan should be aligned with your FM strategy, policies, and procedures, and be communicated and endorsed by your senior management and stakeholders.

4 Implement your action plan

The fourth step is to implement your action plan and execute the actions that will help you align with the standards. You should follow the plan as closely as possible, but also be flexible and adaptable to changing circumstances and needs. You should also monitor and track your progress and performance, using the indicators and metrics that you defined in your plan. You should also document and report your results and achievements, using the evidence and data that you collected.

5 Evaluate your results

The fifth step is to evaluate your results and measure the impact and value of aligning with the standards. You should use both qualitative and quantitative methods, such as surveys, interviews, observations, analysis, or reviews, to assess how well you met your goals and objectives, how satisfied your stakeholders are, and how much you improved your quality, efficiency, and sustainability. You should also compare your results with the benchmarks and best practices of the standards and your peers.

6 Continuously improve

The sixth and final step is to continuously improve your alignment with the standards and your FM performance. You should use the feedback and insights that you gained from the evaluation to identify new gaps and opportunities, and to update and revise your action plan accordingly. You should also seek and adopt new and innovative practices, technologies, or solutions that can help you enhance your alignment with the standards and your FM value proposition. You should also maintain and renew your certification or accreditation, if applicable, and celebrate and recognize your achievements and successes.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?