Facilities Asset Management: Complete Guide
A complete guide to managing assets across facilities—from furniture and equipment to building services and infrastructure.
Facilities Asset Management (FAM) is the systematic approach to managing all physical assets within a building or estate portfolio. This includes furniture, equipment, building services, and infrastructure. Effective FAM enables facilities managers to maintain visibility across diverse asset types, ensure compliance, optimise maintenance, and make data-driven decisions about repair versus replacement.
In This Guide
What is Facilities Asset Management?
Facilities Asset Management encompasses the tracking, maintenance, and lifecycle management of all physical assets within a facilities portfolio. This spans from desks and chairs to HVAC systems and fire safety equipment. FAM provides the visibility needed to understand what you have, where it is, its condition, and when it needs attention.
- Comprehensive asset register across all buildings
- Condition monitoring and maintenance scheduling
- Lifecycle planning and replacement forecasting
- Compliance tracking for regulated assets
- Space utilisation and asset deployment
Key Asset Categories in Facilities Management
Facilities managers oversee diverse asset types, each with different tracking and maintenance requirements. Understanding these categories helps structure your asset management approach.
- Furniture and fixtures: Desks, chairs, storage, partitions
- IT equipment: Computers, monitors, printers, networking
- Building services: HVAC, electrical, plumbing, lifts
- Safety equipment: Fire extinguishers, alarms, emergency lighting
- Office equipment: Projectors, whiteboards, AV systems
- External assets: Signage, parking, landscaping
Benefits of Effective Facilities Asset Management
Organisations with mature FAM practices experience significant benefits including reduced operational costs, improved compliance, better space utilisation, and enhanced decision-making capability.
- Reduce equipment downtime through proactive maintenance
- Extend asset life with proper care and monitoring
- Ensure compliance with safety and regulatory requirements
- Optimise space utilisation with accurate asset data
- Support sustainability goals with lifecycle tracking
Implementing Facilities Asset Management
Successful FAM implementation requires a structured approach. Start with a comprehensive audit of existing assets, implement appropriate tracking technology, establish maintenance schedules, and create processes for ongoing data management.
- Conduct baseline audit of all facility assets
- Tag assets with QR codes or RFID for tracking
- Establish maintenance schedules by asset type
- Define processes for acquisitions and disposals
- Train FM team on asset management system
How Camio Supports Facilities Asset Management
Camio provides facilities managers with a comprehensive platform for tracking all asset types across multiple sites. AI-powered inventory building speeds up initial audits, while QR code tracking enables easy updates. Maintenance scheduling ensures nothing is missed, and real-time dashboards provide the visibility needed for effective estate management.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about asset facilities management
What assets should facilities managers track?
Facilities managers should track all fixed and moveable assets including furniture, IT equipment, building services (HVAC, electrical), safety equipment, office equipment, and external assets. Priority should be given to high-value items, regulated assets requiring compliance, and frequently moved items.
How do I start with facilities asset management?
Start by auditing your highest-priority assets—typically high-value items and those with compliance requirements. Implement a tracking system with mobile access, tag assets with QR codes, and establish processes for ongoing maintenance. Expand coverage as you prove value.
What is the ROI of facilities asset management?
ROI comes from multiple sources: reduced asset losses (typically 3-5% of value annually), extended asset life through proper maintenance, eliminated duplicate purchases, improved compliance (avoiding fines), and better space utilisation. Most organisations see positive ROI within 12 months.
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