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    By Any Other Name?

    Aug. 4, 2003
    A task force of the International Facility Management Association (IFMA), Houston, recently completed work on revising the definition of facility management. The new definition is: “Facility management is a profession that encompasses multiple disciplines to ensure functionality of the built environment by integrating people, place, process, and technology.” IFMA is submitting the revised definition to the Library of Congress for its consideration.Another IFMA task force has redefined IFMA’s purpose as an organization: “IFMA is a member-centered association that exists to guide and develop facility management professionals. In support of its members, IFMA promotes the facility management profession by providing leadership, recognition and standards of excellence.”The task forces were part of IFMA’s Strategic Management Planning Process, a continuous board/staff/member function that produces the Association’s Strategic Plan. According to David J. Brady, IFMA president and CEO, “The Association recognizes that there have been significant changes in facility management roles and responsibilities since IFMA’s founding 23 years ago. Redefining IFMA’s purpose also puts greater emphasis on the role the membership plays in the future of the profession. IFMA members compose a large segment of the FM marketplace.” Prior to revising the definition of facility management, IFMA used the definition created by the Facility Management Institute (FMI) in 1983, at the request of the Library of Congress to assist in cataloging information that was beginning to accumulate under the key words “facility management.” FMI was a part of Herman Miller Inc. and helped provide funding and support that led to the establishment of IFMA. The previous definition was: “Facility management is the practice of coordinating the physical workplace with the people and the work of the organization. It integrates the principles of business administration, architecture, and the behavioral and engineering sciences.” With approximately 17,300 members in 126 chapters and 55 countries, IFMA offers networking opportunities through its regional chapters and councils structure, provides certification and educational programs, conducts research, spots trends, and assists facility managers in developing skills and strategies to manage the human, structural, and real estate assets of an organization. For more information, visit the IFMA website (www.ifma.org). Editor’s Note: Laying the GroundworkFor an editorial and design staff with the longevity evidenced at Buildings magazine – 50-plus years of combined experience – there develops particularly significant professional relationships with industry individuals whose helpful insight is truly valued. One in this elite group has also furthered the profession of facilities management through his support of and involvement in the International Facility Management Association (IFMA), Houston, and its foundation, as well as through his continuing instruction and mentoring at a major university. Not surprisingly, many of the successful hallmarks of the facilities operations at Navy Federal Credit Union, featured as this month’s cover story (pages 24-28), began at his urging and were nurtured by him. Maury Keiser, former Navy Federal Facilities manager: Buildings and Navy Federal Credit Union salute you.

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