Riyadh: The Government Expenditure and Projects Efficiency Authority (EXPRO) announced in a press release today that it has been awarded the Gold Award by the Global Facility Management Association (GLOBAL FM), in recognition of its operational excellence, maturity of practices, and its demonstrated capacity for research, innovation, and sustained leadership in transforming facility management.
According to Saudi Press Agency, EXPRO Acting Executive Vice-President of Assets and Facilities Management Hani Mirza stated that the award represents the culmination of efforts undertaken by EXPRO and its government partners to foster a culture of excellence and adopt best practices in facilities and assets management. These endeavors ensure that current facility and infrastructure needs are met efficiently and effectively while guaranteeing future readiness by addressing challenges related to efficiency, costs, and resource waste. This is achieved by promoting operational excellence and technological innovation, ultimately leading to sustainable development.
Mirza explained that EXPRO has worked to enhance the utilization rate of idle assets through meticulous performance and task analysis, identifying facilities and assets with low utilization rates spanning over 20 million square meters. In collaboration with relevant entities, these assets were re-purposed, resulting in a financial impact valued at SAR3.8 billion in operational and capital expenditure savings.
EXPRO, in collaboration with government entities, developed the National Manual for Asset and Facilities Management, serving as a reference in the facility management sector by standardizing criteria across all facets of asset and facilities management. The manual consists of 17 volumes, each comprising a collection of standards, operational procedures, and best practices informed by both international and local references.
EXPRO has also emphasized localizing employment within the facility management sector, contributing to the national initiative of localizing operations and maintenance contracts across public entities, leading to the employment of over 200,000 Saudi men and women. It has invested in capacity building through a dedicated training and development program, training more than 4,500 individuals since 2021.
Moreover, EXPRO fosters a culture of continuous improvement and professional development through the "Buna" Knowledge Center, launched under the initiatives of the Committee for the Localization of Operation and Maintenance Contracts in Public Entities. Buna offers a growing repository of knowledge, including over 200 scientific articles, 30 educational videos, and 40 awareness and educational infographics, equipping practitioners with the tools needed to contribute to national development objectives.
EXPRO's "Shared Maintenance Initiative", developed in collaboration with government entities, addresses the challenge of multiple independent maintenance contracts within the same geographic area by transitioning from a corrective model to a planned, performance-based system. This initiative has resulted in an 18% improvement in unit cost efficiency, contributing to more effective public spending.
EXPRO, in collaboration with various government entities, launched the 3D Printing Initiative, marking a significant advancement in the production of spare parts through cutting-edge manufacturing technologies. Achieving a 96% reduction in manufacturing costs, an 88% improvement in supply speed, and a 200% increase in the lifespan of components, the initiative addressed challenges such as long lead times and obsolescence in manufacturing.
In the healthcare sector, EXPRO and its partners enhanced the utilization of medical equipment by redistributing ventilators, leading to a 30% increase in availability, generating a financial impact of SAR43 million, and improving patient care. Additionally, EXPRO's initiative in medical laundry services resulted in a 30% reduction in costs and a 52% decrease in reliance on low-skilled labor.
GLOBAL FM, established in 2006, serves as a leading international authority in facility management, bringing together national and regional associations from around the world to foster collaboration, advance knowledge, and promote best practices within the sector.
EXPRO works closely with government entities to enhance expenditure efficiency, optimize public procurement processes, and improve the quality of projects, assets, and facilities, contributing to strengthening infrastructure, programs, initiatives, and operational planning. EXPRO is pivotal in policy development and the investment in national talent and institutional capabilities.