What is a CAFM system?

CAFM stands for Computer-Aided Facility Management. It is a software platform (such as EntireCAFM) used by facilities managers to log jobs, dispatch work orders, monitor contractor attendance, store compliance certificates, and approve invoices.

What is SFG20 in facilities management?

SFG20 is the definitive UK industry standard for building maintenance specifications developed by BESA (Building Engineering Services Association). It provides standardized maintenance schedules, frequencies, and statutory task lists for commercial building assets.

Modern UK commercial facilities management estate and corporate business park

SECTOR INTELLIGENCE // FACILITIES MANAGEMENT 101

What Is Facilities Management?Understanding the UK FM sector from the trade contractor and engineering perspective.

Facilities Management (FM) is the multidisciplinary practice of ensuring commercial buildings, estates, and engineering assets operate safely, efficiently, and compliantly. Learn how the FM sector functions, the difference between Hard and Soft FM, and where specialist contractors fit into the commercial supply chain.

Explore Hard vs Soft FM Join EntireFM Network

Hard FM

Building Engineering

M&E, HVAC, plant, fabric

Soft FM

Building Services

Cleaning, security, grounds

CAFM Driven

Digital Dispatch

SLA-backed work orders

Quick Summary // 7 min read

UK Compliance Standard

What is Facilities Management and how is it structured?

Facilities Management encompasses the management and maintenance of commercial physical assets and workplaces. It is broadly divided into Hard FM (physical engineering, HVAC, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, and fabric) and Soft FM (cleaning, security, grounds, and waste). Approved contractors deliver the technical specialist services under FM management.

Essential Takeaways:

Hard FM: M&E engineering, asset compliance, HVAC, plantrooms, and statutory testing
Soft FM: Commercial cleaning, security, pest control, grounds maintenance, and hygiene
Driven by CAFM (Computer-Aided Facility Management) and strict SLAs
Approved trade contractors provide the specialized boots-on-the-ground capability

01 // THE SECTOR LANDSCAPE

Facilities Management Explained for Trade Contractors

To the general public, Facilities Management (FM) might sound like an abstract corporate phrase. To a trade or engineering contractor, FM is the primary commercial engine that buys trade labour, awards planned maintenance contracts, and dispatches reactive call-outs across the UK.

Facilities management companies sit between property owners (landlords, investors, corporate occupiers) and the physical building infrastructure. Their role is to ensure commercial estates operate safely, efficiently, and legally without interrupting the occupier’s business.

SECTOR STRUCTURE

Hard FM vs Soft FM: Key Distinctions

Where different trade disciplines operate within facilities management.

Criterion / Characteristic	Hard FM (Engineering & Fabric)	Soft FM (Environmental & Services)
Core Definition	Physical, structural, and engineering systems built into the property	Services that support building users and maintain clean, secure spaces
Typical Trades	Electrical, HVAC, Mechanical, Plumbing, Gas, Roofing, Fabric, Drainage	Commercial Cleaning, Security, Grounds Maintenance, Pest Control, Waste
Compliance Driver	Statutory legal obligations (Electricity at Work, Gas Safety, F-Gas, L8)	Contractual SLAs, hygiene standards, COSHH, and visual presentation
Maintenance Focus	Planned Preventative Maintenance (SFG20), asset lifecycle, reactive repairs	Daily or periodic scheduled operational routines and response services

02 // DIGITAL OPERATIONS

CAFM Systems & Contractor Management

Modern facilities management relies entirely on CAFM (Computer-Aided Facility Management) software platforms.

When working with FM companies like EntireFM, contractors interact with the CAFM platform throughout the job lifecycle:

1. Electronic DispatchReceiving work orders directly to mobile devices with pre-authorised Purchase Orders, building access codes, and site drawings.

2. Asset VerificationScanning physical asset barcodes or QR codes on plant to view maintenance histories, refrigerant charges, and past defect notes.

3. Digital Sign-OffCapturing client signatures, uploading before/after photos, and generating statutory compliance sheets in real time.

FACILITIES MANAGEMENT FAQS

Frequently Asked Questions About the FM Sector

Clear guidance on how FM organisations operate, subcontracting models, and CAFM standards.

Even large national FM providers cannot economically employ every specialized trade in every UK post code. They rely on vetted, approved regional contractor networks to execute specialized tasks: chiller overhauls, EICRs, fire damper testing, water chlorination, drainage jetting, and emergency reactive call-outs.

CONNECT WITH COMMERCIAL FM

Join the EntireFM Contractor Network

Work with an established UK facilities management provider. Connect your trade business with commercial maintenance contracts (£95+VAT annual membership).

£95 Annual MembershipPayable upon application submission.

Merit-Based AllocationConsidered based on trade & location.

Document VaultAutomated compliance & insurance expiry.

Apply to Join Network What Is PPM Guide

Operational Notice: Membership provides access to the EntireFM Contractor Network and operating platform. Membership does not guarantee work or contract awards; work allocation remains strictly governed by client requirements, compliance verification, geographic proximity, and contractor performance.

FURTHER EXPLORATION