i-FM: The online resource for facilities management professionals

Jargon Buster

Listed below are many of the terms used in FM and related disciplines, along with helpful definitions. The flow of jargon never stops, of course. If you have any suggestions for additions, let us know.

Business continuity

Condition-based maintenance

Contracting out

Disaster recovery

Facilities management

Facilities services

Feasibility study

Financial close

Flexible working

Gross internal area

Input specification

Integrated services

Key performance indicator

Net internal area

Open-book accounting

Output specification

Planned preventative maintenance

Preferred bidder

Primary circulation

Prime contracting

Private Finance Initiative

Public private partnership

Reactive maintenance

Risk management

Secondary circulation

Service level agreement

Total facilities management

FM Forum June