According to a study published by the expert Paul Carder, representing the multinational consulting firm Rics, currently the head of a company's facilities (or head of maintenance) spends more than 50% of his time solving day-to-day issues and less than 20% on strategy and planning activities.
The research, which sought the importance of building managers as a strategic tool of the company, involved 40 countries around the world.
"It has become clear that companies benefit from competitive advantages when facilities are properly managed. Many companies have realized that this character can be a valuable strategic asset, because if done wrong, the whole business can suffer," said Johnny Dunford, global chief commercial officer at Rics.
The study also explored the advantages that can be gained from giving the issue of facilities management a voice on company management committees. During the research it was also revealed that about a quarter of the participating corporations do not consider facility management as a strategic priority within their business, so they do not get enough out of this area.
