Why Multi-Site Businesses Are Turning to Outsourced Facility Services

According to McKinsey, outsourced facilities management services now represent over half of the total FM market in North America, Europe, and the Middle East. Several market forces, such as slower economic growth, wage increases, and technology disruptions, have made outsourcing a more practical and necessary solution.

For businesses managing dozens or even hundreds of locations, in-house facility management can be an overwhelming and expensive endeavor. Outsourcing facility services provides an efficient, scalable solution that ensures consistent quality and reliability across all locations.

The Value of Facility Services for Multi-Location Businesses

1. Operational Consistency Across All Locations

Outsourced partners assure businesses that each location receives the attention it needs. From proactive maintenance to upgrades and inspections, locations will receive the same standard processes that deliver positive outcomes. This will establish uniformity throughout your locations and consistency with your brand that individual in-house teams cannot achieve.

2. Reduced Overhead and Predictable Costs

Attaining separate in-house teams can be costly for multiple locations. This means each site will require its own set of employees, training, and equipment to upkeep its location. Outsourcing eliminates those overhead costs with fixed pricing and predictable service agreements, resulting in better budget control.

3. Access to Specialized Talent and Technology

Outsourced facility services hire skilled professionals with experience with the latest technology. From HVAC and lighting to electrical upgrades, your business will have immediate access to licensed technicians for any service required and deliver tailored solutions for your facility’s needs.

4. Scalability for Growth and Seasonal Shifts

Property needs can change due to seasonal location or rapid expansions. Outsourced partners can provide a customized approach for each location depending on its specific needs. This adaptability is particularly beneficial during peak periods or when opening new locations, where fast and reliable facility support is critical.

Key Services Outsourced by Multi-Location Businesses

Commonly outsourced services include:

• HVAC maintenance: Ensures optimal climate control and indoor air quality at each facility.
• Lighting and LED upgrade services: Includes LED retrofits, maintenance, and system upgrades to improve performance and reduce operating costs.
• Electrical services: Covers everything from routine maintenance to emergency repairs.
• Plumbing: Manages installations, leaks, and compliance with water regulations.
• Signage services: Manages installation, maintenance, and repairs of interior and exterior signage to ensure consistent brand visibility and compliance.
• Life safety lighting services: Provides inspection, testing, maintenance, and emergency repairs for exit signs and emergency lighting systems to ensure code compliance and occupant safety.
• Janitorial and sanitation: Maintains cleanliness and hygiene across all sites.
• Landscaping: Provides consistent exterior upkeep for brand image and safety.
• Security and surveillance: Offers 24/7 protection with trained personnel and monitoring tools.
• Facility management software: Automates service requests, tracks KPIs, and improves scheduling.

Strategic Benefits of Outsourcing Facility Services for Multi-Site Operations

1. Focus on Core Business Functions

When outsourced partners take over facility services, this frees up valuable resources that can be stretched to other areas. When communicating through one point of contact, leadership won’t need to juggle conversations with multiple vendors.

2. Compliance and Risk Reduction

Multi-location businesses must adhere to various compliance and safety regulations. Staying on top of those can be difficult when locations are in different towns or even separate states. Outsourced partners are equipped to manage local and state regulations to ensure inspections, certifications, and code requirements are up to date.

3. Speed and Reliability

When an emergency arises, it can result in operational downtime and a loss of profits. Outsourced partners understand the need to maintain productivity within the business and are capable of dispatching technicians in a timely fashion, faster than internal teams.

4. Technology-Driven Efficiencies

Outsourced teams stay up to date on the latest building technology in order to prepare your facility for the future. This can include predictive maintenance, energy management systems, and automated reporting to minimize energy costs, equipment failure, and seek areas of improvement.

Implementation Considerations for Multi-Location Businesses

To ensure a smooth transition and lasting success:

• Conduct a comprehensive audit of current facility needs and costs.
• Select a provider experienced in multi-site management with a robust support network.
• Define service-level agreements with clear performance metrics.
• Integrate facility management software for real-time visibility.
• Train internal stakeholders on new workflows and expectations.

Facility Services with Action Services Group

Outsourcing facility services offers business owners and facility managers peace of mind knowing every location is up to their safety and operational standards. Through outsourced partners, facilities have access to the latest technology, customized solutions, and consistent results to help drive the business forward.

Action Services Group offers facility services from lighting to electrical and signage. Our nationwide team of technicians is available for scheduled maintenance and on-demand needs. With over 30 years of experience as a national service provider, we offer a single point of contact for facility services and project management solutions. To learn more, call 610-558-9773, email [email protected], or schedule a consultation that fits your schedule.