CT Sadanandan

Sadanandan believes that FM’s function has transformed from a back-end ‘administration – do what you are told’ mindset to being a ‘business enabler in the forefront’. “Essentially, there are three critical elements of the business that can be influenced and affected by this function, namely – talent, risk and costs. The challenges are multifaceted, starting from getting due recognition in the business. But this is something internal, it is for us who manage the function to create value that can translate to recognition. There is no ‘one size fits all’ solution; each business environment is unique, hence, we need to deliver what is best for the business you are in,” points Sadanandan.

Workspace management is a key business enabler and it encompasses a vast scope of managing the buildings and services that contribute to an efficient workplace. However, given the complexity and challenges around various aspects, managing facilities and workplaces needs to be a structured and consistent approach, being constantly on the watch for the opportunities for simplification, standardisation and innovation. “Over the years, at Tata, we have devised and implemented various innovative measures to ensure sustained efficient functioning of building and services,” he adds.

Another major challenge, Sadanandan says, is the lack of standards and benchmarks that facilitate a uniform measurement of services, creating an end value. “Collaboration among leaders in this function across industries, through a professional forum will also propel the actions in this direction. The overall growth in the business has led to proliferation of service providers. There is an opportunity and need to have better organisation and professional management,” he concludes.