A Strategic Facilities Plan (SFP) serves as a comprehensive roadmap for facilities managers, outlining current activities, future directions, and the pathways to achieve those goals. It acts as a corporate endorsement of the facilities department's priorities and policies. By aligning the SFP with the company's strategic plan, facilities managers can set clear parameters for their actions and ensure consistency with corporate objectives. This alignment also aids management in effective budgeting and planning for future facility needs.
For a mid-sized company with a space inventory of one to two million square feet, creating an initial SFP may take around six months, potentially longer if automated processes are used. The value of an SFP correlates directly with the effort invested in its development. An automated SFP offers the advantage of continuous updates, enhancing its utility over time.
- Mission Statement The foundation of an SFP is a mission statement for the facilities department, outlining its policies, goals, and objectives. This statement should be aligned with the corporate mission and objectives. For instance, if the company plans to divest certain assets, the mission statement should address the efficient sale, divestiture, and redeployment of existing facilities.
- Goals and Objectives Derived from the mission statement, goals and objectives define the functional parameters and operating standards for the facilities department. Goals are quantitative targets, such as completing a construction project, while objectives are qualitative, like establishing a standards program. Documenting these goals and objectives helps prevent misunderstandings and ensures clarity.
- Situational Analysis Conducting a situational analysis involves gathering information about external and internal events that could significantly impact the facilities department. This might include new legislation affecting regulatory compliance or shifts in corporate strategy that necessitate adjustments in facilities operations.
- Key Variables Identifying key variables that could influence the success of the facilities function is crucial. For example, if anticipated funding increases do not materialize, planned upgrades may be delayed. Prioritizing these variables based on their impact on the facilities and the company ensures effective budgeting and operations management.
- Strategic Scenarios Developing strategic scenarios allows facilities managers to plan for various potential events in the upcoming year. By "rehearsing" these scenarios, managers can be better prepared to act if they occur. Each scenario should be materially different, realistic, and supported by underlying assumptions.
- Recommended Strategy Based on the developed scenarios, the facilities manager can propose a final strategy to decision-makers. This strategy should meet the following criteria:
A clear and easily understood facilities strategy enhances the perception of facilities management as a vital corporate function, improving its overall image and effectiveness.
