Facilities management is an essential aspect of any business or organisation. It involves the management of a wide range of activities, including maintenance, repairs, cleaning, security, and more. However, facilities management can be divided into two main categories: soft facilities management and hard facilities management. In this article, we will explore the differences between these two types of facilities management.

What is Soft Facilities Management?

Soft facilities management refers to the management of non-physical assets and services. This includes services such as cleaning, catering, security, pest control, waste management, and other similar services. Soft facilities management focuses on maintaining a clean, safe, and healthy environment for employees and customers. Soft facilities management is often managed by external service providers, such as Nanogreen Sustainable Facilities Management and it is critical to the smooth running of any business.

Soft facilities management is an essential aspect of the overall facilities management strategy. It ensures that the workplace environment is comfortable, hygienic, and safe for everyone who uses it. Soft facilities management can also help to improve employee morale and productivity, as well as enhancing the overall customer experience.

What is Hard Facilities Management?

Hard facilities management, on the other hand, refers to the management of physical assets, infrastructure, and equipment. This includes maintenance, repairs, and upgrades to the building, HVAC systems, electrical and plumbing systems, elevators, and other essential systems. Hard facilities management is critical to ensuring that the physical infrastructure of a building is functioning correctly and efficiently.

Hard facilities management is often managed by internal teams or external service providers. It involves a significant amount of planning and coordination, as well as the use of specialised tools and equipment. Hard facilities management is essential to the smooth running of any business, as it ensures that the building and its infrastructure are functioning correctly.

The Differences between Soft and Hard Facilities Management

While both soft and hard facilities management are critical to the overall facilities management strategy, there are several key differences between the two.

Physical vs. Non-Physical Assets: The primary difference between soft and hard facilities management is the focus on physical vs. non-physical assets. Soft facilities management focuses on non-physical assets such as services, while hard facilities management focuses on physical assets such as buildings, equipment, and infrastructure.

Service Providers: Soft facilities management is often managed by external service providers, while hard facilities management is often managed by internal teams or external service providers with specialised expertise.

Skills and Tools: Soft facilities management requires a different set of skills and tools than hard facilities management. Soft facilities management requires people skills, communication, and attention to detail, while hard facilities management requires technical expertise and specialised tools and equipment.

Importance: While both soft and hard facilities management are essential, the importance of each may vary depending on the nature of the business. For example, a hospital may prioritise soft facilities management services such as cleaning and waste management, while a manufacturing plant may prioritize hard facilities management services such as equipment maintenance and repairs.

Conclusion

Facilities management is a critical aspect of any business or organisation. Soft facilities management and hard facilities management are two distinct but equally important aspects of facilities management. Soft facilities management focuses on non-physical assets and services, while hard facilities management focuses on physical assets, infrastructure, and equipment. Both types of facilities management require specialised skills, tools, and expertise, and both are essential to the smooth running of any business or organisation.

Nanogreen Sustainable Facilities Management are equipped to deliver the safe and hospitable environment your organisation deserves with our unique management of commercial & specialist cleaning, Pest Control and Washroom Management, managed, delivered and maintained under one contract.

Ready to take your facilities to the next level? Contact our team today access the insight and experience Nanogreen can bring to your facilities management. Click here to learn more and get a site visit!