ISO 41001 Facility Management System (FMS) was released in 2018 and is the world’s first international FMS standard published by ISO. It integrates multiple sectors in order to influence the efficiency and productivity of societies, communities and organisations’ economies, as well as how individuals interact with the built environment. ISO 410001 influences the health, well-being and quality of life of many societies and populations of the world through the services it manages and provides.

ISO 410001 is an organizational function that integrates people, place and process into the built environment to improve the quality of life of people and the productivity of the core business.

ISO 41001:2018 was developed for organizations that incorporate or operate facility management systems that have the option to introduce compliance with the new standard into their business.

The standard was developed to further recognize the rapid growth and increased complexity of the facilities management market. It is not sector specific and is intended to apply to all organisations or parts of organisations, public or private sector, regardless of the type, size and nature of the organisations or geographical location.

ISO 41001:2018 should be implemented so that an organization:

• Can demonstrate effective and efficient delivery of facilities management services
• can consistently meet the needs of stakeholders and customers
• can plan to be sustainable in a globally competitive environment

According to ISO 41001:2018, the scope of hard facilities management covers:

Hard Facility Management covers the entire site and infrastructure. This refers to the physical built environment with a focus on (work-) and (building-) infrastructure (such as planning, design, workspace, construction, leasing, occupancy, maintenance and furniture).

Hard facilities management is related to the physical part of the building and cannot be removed. These are ‘the basics’ and ensure the safety and well-being of staff.

The majority of hard services are required by law and include provisions such as:

• Heating
• Lighting
• Plumbing
• Fire safety systems
• Air conditioning
• Preventive maintenance of buildings or building improvements
• Electromechanical maintenance

Why ISO 41001:2018 is important

• The current Facility Management market is dominated by unorganized players and this structured framework will prepare and respond to the upcoming market opportunities and challenges. It will demonstrate effective and efficient FM delivery that supports the demand organization’s objectives. ISO 410001: 2018 FM Aims to consistently meet stakeholder needs and applicable requirements.
• The standard aims to be sustainable in a globally competitive environment.
• Improved productivity, safety and health and well-being of the workforce.
• Improved communication of requirements and methodologies between and among public and private organisations.
• Improved efficiency and effectiveness, thereby improving cost benefits for organisations.
• Improved service consistency.
• Provision of a common platform for all types of organisations.