Facilities can be generally defined as buildings, properties and major infrastructure, also referred to within the Facility Management industry as the "built environment".

The primary function of Facility Management (FM) is to manage and maintain the efficient operation of this "built environment".

The industry is also responsible for:

• ensuring that services are delivered in a way that contributes to the productivity and profitability of those people who utilize a facility;
• reducing the impact of the use of facilities on the environment;
• minimising operational life cycle costs of facilities;
• repairs and maintenance, security and cleaning as well as more highly technical services required for the efficient operation of a facility.

Facility Managers

Facility managers can be responsible for managing all aspects of a facility or facilities.

They may operate at a:

• strategic level, making very high level decisions and contributing to strategic planning;
• operational management level, dealing with more technical issues such as repairs, maintenance, security and cleaning.

FM is becoming an essential element in the effective running of public and private sector organisations. Involved in a myriad of disciplines, facility managers play a vital role in the realisation of business objectives and in the coordination of the daily operations of facilities and the organisation that use them.

The FM Industry

The FM industry evolved during the 1980s as a consequence of more widespread outsourcing by business of activities such as the management and maintenance of their workplaces.

FM is one of Australia's fastest growing and diversifying industries. With an annual turnover of more than AUD$20 billion to GDP and 200,000 full time employees (or equivalents), it is now one of Australia's major business sectors.

For an in depth look at the FM industry please refer to the Access Economics Industry Research Reports from 2004 and 2007.