The starting point for managing facilities is, as previously noted, the organization’s business plan and its real estate (or space/accommodation) strategy. These is kept up-to-date and used to determine the nature and level of services support. The Facilities Management Strategy reflects the organization’s business objectives, needs and policies, as well as practicalities, such as its current real estate in general and space in particular. This formal strategy includes descriptions of the approach to measuring how the business objectives and needs has to be met.

The selection of the approach through which service provision will take place is based on the ability of that approach to satisfy those attributes that an organization considers most important to its success. However, as the circumstances, which the organization is subjected to, are subject to change, the most appropriate option will be the one that can also accommodate change. Naturally, there will be advantages and disadvantages in providing services either in house or by outsourcing. BFM recommends routes that provide best value for both parties in the long term. This is achieved by taking full account of the implications especially the true cost of all options.