Today, facilities are expected to do more than just function—supporting everything from ESG goals to talent retention strategies—integrated facility services (IFS) is emerging as the strategic approach of choice.

Rather than managing a web of siloed service providers, more organizations are consolidating operations under a single partner that self-performs or directly manages multiple services. IFS offers a way to streamline execution, increase visibility, and strengthen performance across the full facility lifecycle—not just cut costs.

In this article, we’ll explore how IFS works, why it’s on the rise, and how businesses are using it to unlock agility, resilience, and long-term value.

For a further explore, discover “How a self-performing workforce drives value.”

What is IFS, or Integrated Facility Services?

Integrated facility services combine multiple core services—such as janitorial, HVAC, electrical, landscaping, and security—under one provider. Unlike the traditional model of coordinating multiple vendors, IFS unifies delivery and oversight, creating a single point of accountability across the built environment.

This connected approach reduces administrative complexity and promotes better coordination between functions. But its real advantage lies in building a cohesive, long-term strategy for facility care—turning day-to-day operations into a platform for business performance.

Benefits of IFS

1. Lower Overhead & Administrative Lift

Managing a patchwork of subcontractors often creates layers of markup and inefficiencies. IFS simplifies this by consolidating services under one contract, reducing administrative burdens and freeing up budget for higher-value investments.

Take West Mifflin Area School District in Pennsylvania. Faced with budget pressures and growing infrastructure needs, the district deployed an integrated approach to reduce energy waste across six schools. The result: $9.9 million in long-term savings—achieved without new debt or tax increases. Read the full case study here.

While cost control is one benefit, the broader impact is reclaiming time, focus, and dollars that can be redirected to strategic goals

2. Smarter Labor Utilization

Labor is often one of the largest line items in facility operations. IFS makes better use of those resources by enabling cross-functional roles and flexible staffing models.

A day porter might also assist with mailroom services. A general maintenance tech might help triage HVAC alerts or lighting issues before escalation. By cross-training and reallocating teams, organizations gain operational flexibility—while reducing reliance on subcontractors, trip charges, and wait times.

This kind of agility helps organizations respond more effectively to daily needs and unexpected events alike.

3. A Holistic View of Operations

With an integrated model comes integrated data. IFS provides connected reporting across services, offering insights such as:

• SLA (service-level agreement) compliance and performance
• Work order trends and resolution time
• Lifecycle asset tracking
• Real-time cost and resource data

This clarity empowers facility leaders to identify inefficiencies, reallocate resources, and make decisions that are grounded in performance—not guesswork.

4. Consistency at Scale

When services are delivered through multiple vendors, variability is almost inevitable. Standards drift. Communication breaks down. SLAs are inconsistently enforced.

IFS brings consistency through:

• Uniform processes across locations
• Centralized training and compliance
• Single-provider accountability

This leads to smoother operations, improved safety outcomes, and a more seamless experience for occupants and employees.

5. Simplified Vendor Management

IFS reduces the complexity of managing numerous vendors, contracts, and points of contact.

That simplicity means fewer administrative headaches, but it also means:

• Better alignment with business priorities
• Easier tracking of KPIs across the portfolio
• More strategic collaboration with a true facility partner

The result is less time managing contracts—and more time optimizing performance.

Why are more companies adopting IFS?

From major airports and universities to global pharma companies and financial institutions, IFS adoption is growing across sectors. For example, LaGuardia airport elevated guest experience across a new 1.3 million square-foot facility with a single-team approach, while Utica University streamlined operations and staffing with a full suite of campus services.

IFS isn’t just a response to cost pressures. It’s a reflection of how facility management is evolving—shifting from reactive tasking to proactive planning.

Organizations are choosing IFS because it supports:

• Faster, more consistent execution across locations
• Better alignment between facility goals and business strategy
• Increased visibility and control over the full O&M lifecycle

As expectations around facility performance grow—from sustainability metrics to occupant experience—having a single, integrated partner offers a clear advantage.

ɫ����Performance Solutions: The next evolution of IFS

A prime example of this approach is ɫ����Performance Solutions, ABM’s IFS model. ɫ����Performance Solutions takes the IFS concept further by offering one point of contact, one contract, one invoice—eliminating administrative burdens and creating a seamless experience for clients. This model is built on self-performing teams, with ɫ����directly employing up to 90% of the workforce delivering services. This not only ensures consistent training and quality but also allows for rapid response and greater operational control.

ABM’s approach is highly scalable, capable of managing everything from a single building to complex, multi-site portfolios across the U.S. The model is powered by technology, such as ɫ����Connect™, which provides predictive maintenance, real-time dashboards, and actionable reporting. This enables clients to proactively manage their assets, optimize maintenance schedules, and make data-driven decisions that save time and money.

Key benefits of ɫ����Performance Solutions within IFS:

• Cost Efficiencies: By self-performing services and removing layers of subcontractors, ɫ����delivers measurable cost savings and reduces overhead.
• Customization: Solutions are tailored to each facility’s unique needs, rather than relying on standardized packages, ensuring optimal performance and alignment with client goals.
• Technology Enablement: Advanced analytics, IoT, and predictive tools provide real-time insights, supporting proactive maintenance and continuous improvement.
• Single Source Accountability: Clients benefit from a dedicated ɫ����account director, responsible for coordinating all services and delivering outcomes, ensuring clear communication and accountability.
• Scalability and Flexibility: Whether managing one site or a national portfolio, ABM’s model adapts to client requirements, supporting growth and operational resilience.
• Sustainability and ESG Focus: ɫ����Performance Solutions is designed to help clients meet sustainability targets, reduce energy consumption, and track ESG metrics through integrated reporting.

In practice: transforming facility operations

Organizations that adopt ɫ����Performance Solutions experience a shift from reactive, task-based management to a strategic, outcomes-driven partnership. This means less time spent managing contracts and vendors, and more time focused on optimizing performance, sustainability, and occupant satisfaction.

As the IFS market continues to grow—driven by cost pressures, technology adoption, and the need for greater agility—models like ɫ����Performance Solutions set the standard for what’s possible: a single, unified team delivering measurable results, backed by data and tailored to your facility’s unique needs.

Ready to rethink your facility strategy? Think ��������Performance Solutions

ABM Performance Solutions, ABM's IFS solution, can help transform your operations from reactive to strategic—freeing up resources, increasing accountability, and laying the groundwork for long-term success.

If you’re considering IFS, our team can help you evaluate where consolidation can reduce friction and unlock new performance gains.

Speak with our experts to explore how ��������Performance Solutions can strengthen your integrated facility strategy.