The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) recently released a new management systems standard for the industry: "ISO 41001, Facility Management - Management Systems - Requirements with guidance for use." Facility management, or FM, affects the health, well-being, and quality of life of much of the world's societies and population through the services it manages and delivers.
The latest publication joins several global FM standards produced by ISO [Read related coverage]. The document was developed by ISO Technical Committee (TC) 267, Facility management. ANSI member the International Facility Management Association (IFMA) has served as the ANSI-accredited administrator for the U.S. Technical Advisory Group (U.S. TAG) to ISO TC 267 since 2012, playing a vital role in supporting the development of international FM standards. ANSI is the U.S. member body to ISO.
According to the document, FM organizations and providers need to communicate among themselves and with interested parties using common principles, concepts, and terms, including assessment and measurement of performance in a globally competitive environment. Therefore, the ISO 41001 standard is intended to raise the standard of care and increase levels of quality, thereby stimulating organizational maturity and competition for the delivery of FM.
The standard also specifies the requirements for a facility management (FM) system when an organization:
a) needs to demonstrate effective and efficient delivery of FM that supports the objectives of the demand organization;
b) aims to consistently meet the needs of interested parties and applicable requirements; and
c) aims to be sustainable in a globally-competitive environment.
Access ISO 41001 in the ANSI webstore.