Engineering facilities management (eFM)
In addition to the engineering design and consultancy we offer an engineering facilities management (eFM).
eFM is the discipline of planning, operating, maintaining and optimizing the built environment plants, labs, factories, office complexes, data centers through engineering principles. It bridges traditional facilities management (FM) with engineering best practices to ensure assets remain safe, compliant, reliable, and cost‑effective over their life cycles.
Our engineering facilities management (eFM) is to embrace many essential areas of the existing & new built environment.
We work closely with professionals in construction and service providers as well as designers. Our emphasis is placed on the attainment of value for money, customer satisfaction and the delivery of a better project; that is economic to run, easy for the occupiers to maintain, control and manage, better able to respond to the needs of the occupants . Our influence and contributions to the design process is to ensure the effective management of the supply chain.
By promoting team work and collaboration through the design process, our eFM also encourages dialogue by indicating the benefits of partnership amongst the project team members. And while the project team takes decisions that will meet the business need of the facility over its useful life, they also make provisions for the future maintenance of the facility. Our concern at the design stage will be the delivery of an efficient facility that is cost effective, and will respond to their subsequent roles in the facility on a day to day basis.
eFM at the design stage will add value to the facility by ensuring less ‘rework’, emphasising value for money, efficient control of the supply chain and team work.
Vision
For built environment To understand facilities management there is the need to examine the interface with built environment, design and construction. Understanding where facilities management impacts on the design and construction process; how facilities management creates value added to the facility by users and occupants of the constructed facilities, how the use of facilities management during the design construction process can lead to gains, saving in cost and time and less failure in constructed facilities, the impact or the role of facilities management in the success of the built environment.
eFM capitalized on the evidence that sustainable design and construction contributes to the creation of facilities that are energy efficient, cost less over their life cycle and improves worker productivity.
eFM reported that the active participation of facilities managers during the planning, design, and construction phases ensure that sustainable strategies are not undermined after the facilities are delivered, and that future plans and policies for the facility is kept.
eFM can cover a wide range of services from real estate management, contact management, financial management, change management, human resource management, to health and safety and in addition to building maintenance and domestic services (such as cleaning and security) and utility supply.
Value for money
"Value for money" is a crucial concept in engineering facility management, as it ensures that facilities are managed in a way that maximizes benefits while minimizing costs. Here are some ways this concept is useful:
1. Cost optimization: Facility managers can evaluate different options for maintenance, repairs, and upgrades, choosing the ones that offer the best value for the investment.
2. Prioritization: By considering value for money, facility managers can prioritize projects and allocate resources effectively, focusing on initiatives that deliver the most significant benefits.
3. Procurement: When procuring goods or services, facility managers can assess value for money by considering factors like quality, reliability, and whole-life costs, rather than just the initial price.
4. Performance measurement: Value for money can be used as a key performance indicator (KPI) to evaluate the effectiveness of facility management decisions and identify areas for improvement.
5. Stakeholder satisfaction: By delivering value for money, facility managers can demonstrate their commitment to stakeholders, including building occupants, owners, investors, and architects.
By applying the value for money concept, engineering facility managers can make informed decisions that balance costs, quality, and performance, ultimately contributing to the success of the organization.
Mission
Core Functions of eFM
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Maintenance Management
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Preventive: Routine servicing schedules (lubrication, calibration, inspections) to avoid breakdowns.
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Predictive: Condition‑based maintenance using vibration analysis, thermal imaging, sensors.
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Corrective: Rapid response and repairs when failures occur.
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Operations & Utilities
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Managing HVAC, electrical distribution, water treatment, compressed air, steam systems.
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Optimizing operational run‑hours, load management, peak‑shaving strategies.
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Space & Asset Planning
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Allocating floor space for production lines, offices, storage.
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Tracking asset inventories, depreciation, depreciation schedules, relocation planning.
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Health, Safety & Environmental (HSE)
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Ensuring compliance with building codes, fire safety, environmental permits, occupational health standards.
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Conducting risk assessments, emergency response planning, training programs.
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Energy & Sustainability
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Monitoring energy consumption (electricity, gas, water), setting reduction targets.
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Implementing LED retrofits, building‑automation controls, on‑site renewables.
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Project & Change Management
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Leading capital projects (installing new equipment, building expansions).
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Coordinating contractors, budgets, timelines, and commissioning.
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Key Tools & Technologies
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Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS)
For work‑order tracking, preventive‑maintenance scheduling, spare‑parts inventory. -
Building Information Modeling (BIM)
3D digital twins of facilities that integrate geometry, assets, maintenance history. -
IoT & Smart Sensors
Real‑time data on vibration, temperature, flow rates to feed predictive‑maintenance algorithms. -
Enterprise Asset Management (EAM)
Broader asset‑lifecycle modules including capital planning, financials, compliance records. -
Energy Management Systems (EMS)
Dashboards for monitoring consumption, carbon emissions, cost allocations.
Best Practices
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Data‑Driven Decision Making
Leverage condition‑monitoring data to shift from reactive to predictive strategies. -
Standardized Work Processes
Use clear SOPs, checklists, and digital work instructions to reduce variability. -
Cross‑Functional Teams
Align operations, engineering, finance and HSE to prioritize projects that balance risk, cost and compliance. -
Continuous Improvement
Adopt lean principles (5S, Kaizen) and root‑cause analysis (RCA) to drive incremental gains. -
Vendor & Spare Parts Optimization
Rationalize suppliers, negotiate service‑level agreements, apply just‑in‑time (JIT) stocking where feasible.
Emerging Trends
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Digital Twins & AR/VR
Virtual walkthroughs and holographic overlays to guide maintenance and space planning. -
AI‑Driven Maintenance
Machine‑learning models forecasting failures and prescribing interventions. -
Sustainability Reporting & ESG
Linking facility performance to corporate environmental, social and governance metrics. -
Remote Monitoring & Control
Cloud‑based SCADA and mobile apps for off‑site oversight of critical systems.
Career Paths & Certifications
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Typical Roles: Facilities Engineer, Reliability Engineer, Building Services Manager, Maintenance Manager, Energy Manager.
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Certifications:
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IWFM’s Certificate/Diploma in Facilities Management
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ISO 55000 Lead Auditor for Asset Management
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Certified Maintenance & Reliability Professional (CMRP)
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LEED AP or BREEAM Assessor for sustainability credentials
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