What are the most common FM decision-making mistakes and how can you avoid them?

I will just saw amen to what is noted above. It takes time to get good data, not everyone wants to do it- but investing in good data gathering process from customer satisfaction surveys to utilizing CAFM or BMS data to identify trends and problems, to developing KPIs to measure outcomes- will allow to reap the benefits of being confident in making SMART well supported decisions.

I would further delineate this perspective to read "Lack of trustworthy data." Many organizations have data - they just can't attest it is good data.

Stakeholder Neglect: Mistake: Ignoring stakeholder opinions. Avoidance: Regularly communicate, understand needs. Short-Term Focus: Mistake: Prioritizing immediate cost savings. Avoidance: Evaluate long-term impacts, sustainability. Data Oversight: Mistake: Relying on intuition over data. Avoidance: Gather, analyse relevant data. Risk Oversight: Mistake: Failing to assess potential risks. Avoidance: Conduct a thorough risk analysis. Communication Breakdown: Mistake: Poor communication of decisions. Avoidance: Establish clear communication channels. Tech Neglect: Mistake: Ignoring new technologies. Avoidance: Stay updated, integrate relevant technologies.

Precisely!! Database was considered as waste of effort, time and cost. While on the contrary a good database complemented by an good analyst can save effort, time and cost This has no doubt changed in the recent past and that's why see more studies being generated.

One of the most common decision-making mistakes in facility management (FM) is the lack of sufficient data. This occurs when FM professionals make decisions without access to accurate, comprehensive, or timely data regarding the facilities they manage. Without adequate data, decision-makers may rely on assumptions, intuition, or incomplete information, leading to suboptimal outcomes and potential negative impacts on facility performance and efficiency. To avoid this mistake, FM professionals should prioritize data collection and analysis as integral components of their decision-making processes. This involves implementing systems and technologies for capturing relevant data, such as building management systems and IoT sensors.

Communication acts as a factor which spans across the life cycle of all transactions. It can be a deal maker or breaker depending on the bearer. With remote working this is now more intricate. A face-to-face, in the past was much easier. The expression, modulation, touch all were handy tools to support communication. Start putting to use the alternates..video, ?? and a meeting space, free of interruption.

Effective communication is crucial in facility management, and failing to maintain clear and consistent communication can indeed lead to a range of challenges and inefficiencies. Our approach involves implementing advanced AI-enabled tools that facilitate more effective communication. For instance, AI solutions can help in generating clear, concise, and audience-specific communications. Whether it's technical details for the staff or executive summaries for senior management, tools can assist in tailoring the content appropriately. AI-driven solutions also enable predictive analytics, which can anticipate potential issues before they arise, allowing for proactive communication and management.

One of the most common decision-making mistakes in facility management is poor communication. This can lead to misunderstandings, delays, and inefficiencies in various aspects of facility operations. To avoid this, it's essential to establish clear channels of communication within the team and with stakeholders, ensuring that information is effectively shared, feedback is encouraged, and everyone is kept informed of relevant developments. Additionally, fostering a culture of open communication and transparency can help prevent misunderstandings and promote collaboration, ultimately contributing to better decision-making and overall performance in facility management.

Tactical va strategic outlook. When times are busy, it’s too easy to focus on today only. Fighting fires takes our eyes off of the bigger picture. And we get trapped in a viscous cycle.

This entire topic can be summed up in two words… Deferred Maintenance This is a cancer within facility operations that has many root causes but always the same outcome. More cost

Planned Preventive maintenance to be in place fir all the critical assets. PPM should be carry out as per the predefined schedule and manufacture recommendations. FM team always keep the O&M with them and refer all the maintenance Requirment, time intervals. Negligence may lead to high risk and unnecessary capital expenditure

Tactical & Strategic! Tactical is the ability to prioritize tasks and best deploy staff. Strategic is having the tools and supplies necessary to mitigate without delay. My first DFM role was in a building that had been run for years with no strategy and I reduced the departments operating expenses 3 years in a row by anticipating consumables and repair parts needs.

One of the most common decision-making mistakes in facility management is adopting a reactive approach. This means addressing issues as they arise rather than proactively planning and strategizing. To avoid this, facility managers should prioritize proactive decision-making by implementing preventive maintenance programs, conducting regular assessments to identify potential issues, and developing contingency plans. By being proactive, facility managers can anticipate challenges, mitigate risks, and ensure the efficient operation of facilities, ultimately saving time, resources, and minimizing disruptions.

One of the most common decision-making mistakes in facility management is insufficient training. This occurs when facility managers or staff lack the necessary knowledge or skills to make informed decisions regarding operations, maintenance, or resource management. To avoid this, it's crucial to invest in comprehensive training programs for all personnel involved in facility management. These programs should cover various aspects such as safety protocols, equipment maintenance, energy efficiency practices, and emergency response procedures. By providing adequate training, facility managers can empower their teams to make effective decisions, enhance performance, and ensure the smooth operation of facilities.

Ageeed. It’s Important to forge relationships with decision makers within the C- Suite to ensure this alignment is clear. Try to understand the corporate vision in terms of what the facility means to it - how much is it a badge of the corporate culture vs just a place to work? What is the corporate risk appetite for poor or inefficient facilities? We assume there is no appetite but sometimes there is and resources will be difficult to acquire if this is the case. Also what financial position is the organization in? For example, if a company is struggling financially, then FM funding will suffer. Becoming very comfortable with the financial and budgeting processes and drivers will yield benefits.

Lack of policies, standards, and procedures. Many organizations lack basic blocking & tackling elements to ensure consistent, measurable results. One's that claim to have these elements in place may not be able to verify they are being followed.

From my experience Ignoring Data: Making decisions without considering relevant data or insights can lead to poor outcomes. Ensure you gather and analyze all relevant information before making a decision.Short-term Focus: Prioritizing immediate gains over long-term sustainability can result in costly mistakes. Consider the long-term implications of your decisions to avoid this trap.Lack of Stakeholder Involvement: Failing to involve key stakeholders in the decision-making process can lead to resistance and implementation challenges. Engage relevant parties to ensure buy-in and support for your decisions.Overlooking Risks: Ignoring potential risks or failing to conduct thorough risk assessments can lead to unforeseen problems.