Missing scheduled maintenance:

In the sphere of facilities management, it is imperative that all maintenance is scheduled and properly managed in order to track facility usage. The Facilities Management industry thrives on its ability to ensure minimal to zero downtime whilst ensuring business runs smoothly without complaints.  Schedule maintenance will help prevent equipment breakdown hence optimizing cost and productivity. Maintenance can be scheduled on a computer software that sends a prompt to the inspection officer as well as the supervisor reminding them of the various inspections, another way to follow up on this is by keeping an inspection calendar and checklist.  In your operations, ensure not to miss a maintenance schedule as it could have dire consequences.

Sloppy HSE compliance:

Accidents and injuries do not happen every day, but when they occur you want to reduce the disruptions they have on the business and manpower. Workplace health and safety is about sensibly managing risks to protect workers, assets and reputation and as an FM professional, it is necessary to regularly conduct and coordinate regular effective HSE internal inspections and audits to reduce lost-time injuries. Ensuring staff and visitors comply with all safety protocols, report cases of unsafe conditions and act accordingly. Lastly, always be prepared for emergencies, they rarely occur, but be equipped well enough to manage them effectively.

Inadequate FM Trainings:

Like many other professions, FM is evolving and learning they say never stops. To remain at the peak of your career in Facilities management, frequent training is required for the Managers and Workers alike. When workers are not rigorously trained according to industry standards, they are most certain to deliver below expectations which can be very chaotic for both end users and the FM professional. Steer clear of this, by providing intensive present-day FM training for workers and professionals. Alpha Mead Training Center (AMTC) offers a variety of facilities management trainings from fundamental to advanced and professional internationally recognized FM certifications that will keep you up to date with modern FM techniques needed to succeed in the industry.  Poorly trained FM workers deliver low quality services and needless to say; these services are often dissatisfying. Deliver exceptional service to your customers by upskilling for success.

Ignoring soft skills:

In the workplace several skills are needed to get by and  as an FM professional, it is essential that you employ not only technical skills but also soft skills in delivering right. You do not want to yell at clients or coworkers because they do not take your great ideas on board, or delay making an important decision because it lacks urgency. Soft skills like proper communication, problem-solving skills, decision making ability should never be put aside by an FM professional.

In the final analysis, seek opportunities to develop yourself and your team to deliver on organisational mandate.  At Alpha Mead Facilities, our years of experience of delivering exceptional services to organisations of different sizes across the globe is a cutting-edge that our clients enjoy. Speak to us today for your facilities management needs, call 0700-25742-6323.

In professional spaces, this is also the trend as well. Accountants, Facility Managers, Designers, Software developers and different members of the skilled workforce have joined the throng of people who acquire new skills and brush up on existing ones online.

The e-learning industry itself will be worth $240 billion by the end of 2022, according to estimates by Statista. As more online course creators and educational institutions keep making learning resources available virtually, the volume of learners online has continued to skyrocket.

58% of professionals globally love the ease of access that E-learning gives.

According to the National Centre for Education Statistics (NCES), 58% of people working with one company or the other reportedly prefer to learn using e-learning platforms globally. This huge proportion shows the significant rate at which people have adopted e-learning platforms as the new wave of skilling up. The major reason why e-learning is preferred by this set is that it allows them to learn at their own pace and digest course materials from the comfort of their homes or wherever they choose. The Alpha Mead E-learning platform offers a user-friendly interface that not only makes learning easy, but fun and accessible as well.

People complete e-learning courses 60% faster than in-person courses

Because people can access e-learning courses at any time of the day, they can study at their peak periods and complete courses faster. Research by Papers Owl shows that most people digest and complete their upskilling courses 60% faster when they take it on online platforms like Udemy, Coursera, and Alpha Mead E-learning than in person.

In addition to these advantages that learning online gives, Alpha Mead E-learning take it two steps further, in a bid to give people who choose us an edge over those who do not.

One of these “additional steps” is allowing students to meet the facilitator virtually after completing a course online. Not only does this make the learning experience more exciting for the student, but it also provides an avenue to gain more insights, pose questions directly to the tutor, and foster healthy mentor-mentee relationships.

There is no doubt that practical tours improve the outcomes of teaching sessions, whether those sessions are online or in-person. Some e-learning platforms go the extra mile of providing opportunities for physical tours to their students.

E-learning platforms like Alpha Mead E-learning give students the free will to take courses at their pace from anywhere in the world. To make the learning experience richer and more fulfilling for the person on the other side of the screen, the academy also facilitates virtual meetups between students and course instructors, on successful completion of courses.

Alpha Mead E-learning tours are fun and educative – The Alpha Mead E-learning platform makes learning tours available to e-learners. All a student or prospect has to do is, to request to be a part of the next learning tour for a specific course and he/she will be notified when the next tour is open. Easy-peasy.

E-learning opens up a whole lot more possibilities for people. Platforms like Coursera, Udacity, Alpha Mead E-learning, EdX, Udemy and others make it possible to learn from smart people in the farthest parts of the world, as long as you have an internet connection.

As more people embrace this form of learning, online platforms and instructors will keep finding new ways to deliver better value to students.

Green buildings and sustainable building practices: 

A lot of companies are focusing more on engaging with facility management partners who provide sustainable equipment and solutions, which in turn will help to reduce their carbon footprint as well as help facility managers ensure that the workforce is well-conversant with positive environmental practices. This is because these partners may assist in recommending the usage of sustainable practices like banning the use of non-biodegradable materials to make buildings more eco-friendly. HVAC units, insulation strategies, motion-sensor lights with automatic turn-off are all technologies that are on the right step forward. Partnerships and collaborations with related industries will help the FM market to keep evolving. 

AI, robotics 

A lot of software providers are now committed to innovation, making room for AI and robotics in FM. It is evident that facility management businesses need to integrate with more software platforms and tech devices and equipment. The internet of things [ IoT], Artificial intelligence [AI] and smart building technologies have created new ways of working and managing end-to-end platform FM processes and workspaces. 

User experience is key 

When it comes to the FM space, a lot of organizations are already beginning to digitize their operations by operating on digital platforms. This is mainly to ensure ease of user experience. Companies are now looking at solution providers that provide an entire range of offerings like asset tracking, energy consumption monitoring, security, inventory management, HVAC, and mobile capabilities: under a single roof. This increased interaction with software for simple operations is indicative of the trend of using a system that users are comfortable with and which is universal across software sectors. 

All these above trends have been driven forward by changes brought forth by the pandemic. As these trends continue to advance, one can surely witness the emergence of newer technologies that will reshape employee experiences driven by FM trends in a different way altogether. The role of the facility manager is becoming more prominent and even beginning to shift from an operational to a strategic level, facility managers now combine an eye for innovation, expertise, strategic thinking, and continuous improvement. Change is inevitable – but these facility management trends are here to stay. 

Today, organisations see their Real Estate assets more than just buildings. Real Estate assets are fast becoming a brand identity element, corporate culture enabler and productivity enhancers. At another level, it has proven to have intense impact on the productivity of people and consequently the prosperity of a nation.   

Given these positions, the Real Estate landscape is changing and the demand for Facilities management services is on the rise. According to MarketWatch, Facilities Management is one of the fastest growing industries, with expected growth to reach $64.5 billion by 2023.

If this is anything to go by, it means that Facilities Management is an industry to position for and knowledge will play a critical role in that positioning. So, if you want to grow your career or remain relevant in the emerging role of Facilities Management, here are few things we suggest you do

1.Never Stop Learning

If your thirst for knowledge is limited, then stop right here; this career is not for you. With technology taking over Real Estate, if you are going to excel or remain relevant you have to up-skill, re-tool and be excited by learning.

Facilities managers are increasingly required to have a broad knowledge and a range of skills. As facilities managers are employed in a vast variety of different sectors, it is vital that you have an active interest and knowledge of field of work or industry and the facilities management industry. Most of all, you must be able to combine this tool to give your client, employer or promoters advantages.

2. Always Acquire

New skills, new ideas, new trends, new knowledge. As you are exposing yourself to industry news and exploring new ways to learn, you will be applying the skills you acquire on an ongoing basis. 

As a facilities manager you need to know something about everything and everything about something – changing out lamps one minute and planning a comprehensive energy efficiency initiative the next. But how well-rounded is that knowledge?

Keep upgrading your certifications and updating your knowledge. If there is a new way to operation & maintenance, you should be one of the first to try it and then report if it worked or not in your circumstance, industry or area. 

Take advantage of new technology as it develops, and always be on the hunt for new software and applications that will help improve occupiers experience and satisfaction.

3. Understand Industry Jargons

Everyone loves their acronyms, and facilities managers are no exception. However, remember that your customers are not as savvy. So always remember to keep it simple with your customers or stakeholders.

But If you are going to make it as a facilities manager, you must know the lingo; and that means for example, the knowing the different between CAPEX from an OPEX, etc. When you immerse yourself in the culture, it will not take long for this to come naturally, but when you’re getting started, it’s worth having a cheat sheet for reference.

Here are some Facilities Management Jargons you should be familiar with:

PPM – Planned Preventive Maintenance

CMMS – Computerized Maintenance Management System

HVAC – Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning

CAPEX – Capital Expenditure

OPEX – Operating Expenditure

CRE – Corporate Real Estate

SLA – Service Level Agreement

SOP – Standard Operating Procedure

4. Gear Up for Future Facilities Management Needs

With the Internet of Things continuing to grow exponentially, you will need to constantly improve knowledge of computers and automation systems, just knowing how to operate a computer is not good enough at this point. Today managing a facility requires less getting your hands greasy and more knowing which button to press, what software to use and what office tool helps.

Basic business skills and a thorough understanding of your organization or client’s business plan are also vital. You can gain the latter through discussions with higher-ups, while the former is available through trainings and skill development programs.

5. Be Visible

Go out there and become a facility manager. Take all the information you have gathered, and skills you have acquired and start putting them to practice. Action is the key to progressing in this industry.

A very important aspect of being successful is to make sure all key players know you as the facility management expert. Attend conference, volunteer to train, use your social media to promote yourself and your skill, offer to help and take up new roles at work that can help you practice your skill.

What to Excel in your Facilities Management career? See which of our courses can help HERE

Join a team of experienced and seasoned facilitators from the leading Facilities Management Training Centre, Alpha Mead Training Centre (AMTC), in Lagos and Abuja this April for an intensive and case-study driven training sessions designed to increase your capacity and help you take advantage of opportunities in the Real Estate Facilities Management (REFM) Industry.

The recent implementation of tech-driven systems in the REFM industry has increased the demand for Facilities Management professionals with the skills and competence to manage tech-driven real estate assets at the lowest possible cost; without compromising quality. Register for any of the trainings below to gain knowledge on the latest tech trends in the FM industry and various ways to optimize operational cost while improving your organizations profitability.

The trainings set to hold in April are the Fundamentals of Facilities Management Practice (FFM) and Professional Facilities Management Training (PFM).

Fundamentals of Facilities Management Practice (FFM)

FFM is a two-day intensive training designed to help businesses improve their Facility Management processes by equipping their employees with skills to optimize operational assets, and improve the day-to-day running of their facilities.

Abuja: 2^nd -3^rd April, 2019

Lagos: 16^th -17^th April, 2019

Course Fee: N50, 000 (Inclusive of lunch, assessment test and certificate)

*20% off on trainings booked before 31^st of March.

Register Here

Professional Facilities Management Training (PFM)

PFM is a four-day intensive, case-study-driven training session which provides practical knowledge on how best to align FM principles with corporate strategy to improve organizations performance, increase occupants’ productivity and reduce operational costs, while being proactive.

Abuja: 9^th -12^th April, 2019

Lagos: 21^st -24^th May, 2019

Course Fee: N120, 000 (Inclusive of lunch, study material, assessment tests and certificate)

*20% off on trainings booked before 31^st of March.

Register Here

The Facilitators are carefully selected experts who have managed and delivered profit on some of the biggest Facilities Management projects in Africa. Participants will be exposed to FM strategies that have been applied by these experts.

So what are you waiting for? Whether you are project manager, Admin manager, Health Safety & Environment Advisor, Procurement officer or you are just involved in the supply chain that delivers Facilities Management services in today’s market, this is your chance to grow your Career!

Register for the trainings now.

To know more about Alpha Mead Training Centre, Click HERE

For more information, send an email to: info@alphameadtraininig.com  or call us on: 0700 25742 6323.

*AMTC is a Global Training Affiliate of the International Facilities Management Association (IFMA, International) and an Accredited Centre of the Institute for Workplace & Facilities Management (IWFM), UK and Center for Management Development (CMD).

Course Code:  AFM 004

For Whom: Facility Managers, Estate Managers, Admin Managers, Corporate Services Managers and Executives Overseeing Facilities Management.

Need: Managing risk is a key issue for all Facility Managers. One key risk area is the health and safety of occupants and members of the public. This program covers all essential of health & safeties, helping you understand the framework, requirements and implications of good standards in health and safety within an organization.

Objective: At the end of the course participants should be able to,

• Understand the implications of good standards in Health and Safety within an organization
• Imbibe an effective Health and Safety culture
• Understand Risk Assessment and HSE Strategies
• Understand and implement good HSE standard and practices in their respective organization

Course Content:

• An Effective Health and Safety Culture
• Health and Safety Policies and Management
• Risk Assessments
• HSE Strategies
• Fire Safety
• Physical Processes of work and the Environment
• HSE Audit
• Management & Control of Contractors
• Emergency Management

Course Code:  AFM 003

For Whom:     Safety Officers and Managers, Fire Coordinators, Emergency Response Coordinators, Facility Managers, Maintenance Officers/Managers, Security Officers/Managers, Building administration officers in Banking and Telecoms

Need: Providing a safe facility is as important as providing a productive one. The facilities manager is the main custodian of the environment that people live, work and play so maintaining the safety of lives and property is an on-going challenge that requires purposeful planning and preparedness.

Organizations must be prepared to manage such emergencies ranging from contamination of product, food poisoning, fire, Flood, Civil unrest resulting in loss of access to premises and/or loss of communicationsor power.

Objective: At the end of the course participant should be able to:

• Understand risk mitigation and management.
• Understand crisis management principles.
• Understand various security and safety procedures.
• Plan for emergency situations
• Proffer preventive management strategies.
• Proffer options of appropriate responses.
• Infuse an appropriate HSE plan into the emergency plan

Course Content:

• Over view of business continuity management.
• Vulnerability analysis and threat scenario.
• Training, testing, and exercises of business continuity plan.
• Business impact analysis and Crisis management
• Risk mitigation measures and management.
• Security of physical asset, information, document, and key security related legislation/ standards.
• Health, Safety and Environmental management in buildings
• Fire safety.

Course Code: AMF 002

For Whom: Facility Managers, Estate Managers, Admin Managers, Corporate Services Managers, Branch Rollout Managers, Cell Site Construction Company, Real Estate Developers, Project Managers and Executives Overseeing Facilities Management.

Need: This course is designed to equip delegates with the knowledge and techniques to manage contract and service levels effectively, and to achieve the demanding performance requirements expected of them.

Objective: The objective of this course is to,

• Provide course participant with an understanding of the fundamental concept and challenges associated with contracting and procurement.
• Examine requirement definition and tendering and sourcing methodologies with a focus on the characteristics of efficient and effective contract and procurement systems.
• Assist organizations in their efforts to develop and institutionalize transparent, efficient and effective contract and procurement systems.

Course Content:

• General principles and strategies
• Types of contract
• Contract management role and responsibilities
• Performance Management
• Functional role and interfaces
• Selection and award of contracts
• Commercial aspects of contracting
• How to main quality and add value throughout the contract life cycle
• How to main contract change, cost variation and cash flow and prepare for re-tender/renewal
• Contract management and control