Operations and maintenance management

Editorial comment Another important competency that provides value-adding to built facilities is the coordination of operations and maintenance management. Included within this category are energy efficiency, maintenance work and non-core support services such as cleaning, catering, security, fleet management, childcare, library facilities and landscaping. Many non-core services are increasingly subjected to outsourcing decisions to enable core business to remain in focus. Facility managers are often judged on their performance in this area, regardless of whether or not it is undertaken by in-house staff or external contractors, as it is both fundamental and highly visible.