How Nigerian FM Companies, Professionals Can Prepare for ISO 41001’s Requirements


In 2018, ISO 41001 was published by the International Standardisation for Organisation to cater for the Facility Management–Management Systems needs. According to the body, “the requirements specified in ISO 41001:2018 are non-sector specific and intended to be applicable to all organisations, or parts thereof, whether public or private sector, and regardless of the type, size and nature of the organisation or geographical location.”
ISO 41001 wants FM companies to demonstrate effective and efficient delivery of solutions that aligns with the clients’ objectives. Companies are also expected to have the competencies and capabilities that will meet the needs of the clients and other parties. Since FM solutions cannot be offered without employees or materials having contact with the environment, companies are anticipated to have processes, people and technologies capable of mitigating possible impacts on the environment. Since 2018, Infoprations has carried out analyses that establish thoughts that could be leveraged by Nigerian FM companies for the preparations towards being ISO 41001 compliant.
Demonstrate Effective and Efficient Delivery of FM Solutions
It is obvious that Nigerian companies cannot continue to maintain that the industry is still in infant stage for delivering solutions that do not meet global standards. ‘Celebrating Global Standards’ as the theme of this year’s World FM Day supports this position. For companies to be certified, they need to prove to the organisations preparing businesses for the certificate that ability to coordinate processes, people, product and technology towards improved solutions delivery exists now and it will not be compromised in the future. Strategic alignment of the 3Ps and T is a must. Companies must also show that employees are capable of delivering solutions seamlessly and helping businesses focusing on their core business activities. For instance, Risk Mitigation System with the capacity to remove risks within the processes, solutions, people and technology components must be available. For each component, it is a must for the operations or technical manager to identify the potential risks or threats to solutions delivery to clients.



Consistently Meet the Needs of Interested Parties and Applicable Requirements
Examination of the certification shows that organisations that demand FM solutions will have a number of benefits. FM companies are expected to meet clients’ needs always. Businesses should be able to have their needs met by any FM company. This is premised on the fact that the failure to meet the needs as soon as possible will have high consequences on the facilities and users. Considering the growing interest in FM solutions, companies or individuals’ interface with FM companies within process, people, product and technology components must be seamless.  This indicates that FM companies must demonstrate to the ISO that they have sustainable value co-creation framework that will enable them to coordinate processes, people, product and technology towards improved solutions delivery now and in the future.
Be Responsive and Responsible
ISO 41001 expects FM companies to be sustainable in a globally-competitive environment. The sustainability is imperative considering the need for businesses to key into 2030 Sustainable Development Goals. In Nigeria, previous analysis shows that in 2019 the users of existing FM solutions would be more aggressive in requesting for quality and sustainable solutions as they increase in knowledge and essence of facility management towards cost reduction and operational efficiency. Beyond the request for sustainable solutions, FM companies must have Sustainability Reporting System. This will enhance the chance of being certified.

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