You’ve Changed FM Provider – But Has Anyone Told Your Door Contractor?

Changing facilities management providers is a normal part of building operations. Contracts are regularly reviewed, suppliers change, and new teams take over responsibility for maintaining sites.

However, during these transitions, smaller operational details can sometimes be overlooked. One of the most common examples is automatic door servicing.

Automatic entrance systems often sit at the intersection of several responsibilities – facilities management, building maintenance, accessibility compliance and safety. If communication breaks down during an FM transition, these systems can easily fall outside the new maintenance structure.

For organisations responsible for public buildings, workplaces or commercial premises, ensuring automatic door contractors remain properly informed is an important part of maintaining safe and compliant entrances.

Why Automatic Door Systems Require Ongoing Management

Automatic doors are not simply mechanical features of a building. They are safety-critical systems designed to allow safe and accessible entry for everyone using the building.

To operate correctly, these systems rely on multiple components working together, including:

• Sensors and safety devices
• Door operators and motors
• Activation systems such as push pads or touchless controls
• Safety monitoring systems
• Control panels and software settings

Because of this complexity, automatic doors require regular inspection, adjustment and servicing to ensure they continue operating safely.

The British Standard BS EN 16005, which governs the safety of power-operated pedestrian doors, highlights the importance of ongoing maintenance and safety checks.

What Happens When FM Changes Disrupt Maintenance

When a facilities management provider changes, responsibility for many service contracts shifts to a new team.

If automatic door contractors are not included in the transition process, several issues can occur.

Missed servicing visits

Routine maintenance schedules may be interrupted if contractors are not informed about the change in management or site contacts.

Delayed fault reporting

New FM teams may not know which specialist contractor is responsible for the entrance systems, which can delay repairs.

Lost service history

Maintenance records and servicing history may not always transfer smoothly between providers.

Without these records, it becomes harder to monitor door performance or identify recurring issues.

Compliance gaps

Automatic doors in many public buildings form part of accessibility provisions under the Equality Act and safety systems under BS EN 16005.

If maintenance is missed, organisations may unintentionally fall short of these responsibilities.

Why Automatic Doors Are Often Overlooked

Unlike lifts, fire systems or HVAC equipment, automatic doors are sometimes viewed as relatively simple building features.

Because they are used constantly and often operate quietly in the background, they may not always appear on critical maintenance lists.

However, these systems directly affect:

• Building accessibility
• User safety
• Entrance security
• Building flow and usability

When they stop working or begin operating incorrectly, the impact is immediately visible to building users.

The Importance of Clear Contractor Communication

When an FM transition takes place, ensuring all specialist contractors are properly informed helps avoid disruption.

This includes confirming:

• Who is responsible for managing the service contract
• Updated site contacts and reporting procedures
• Existing service schedules
• Access arrangements for engineers
• Any known issues or recent repairs

Maintaining clear communication between facilities teams and specialist contractors helps ensure building systems continue operating smoothly during transitions.

Reviewing Automatic Door Maintenance During FM Changes

Whenever facilities management contracts change, it can be helpful to review the servicing arrangements for entrance systems.

Key questions to consider include:

• Is there a current service contract for the automatic doors?
• Are inspections being carried out in line with safety guidance?
• Does the new FM provider know who maintains the doors?
• Are maintenance records available and up to date?
• Is there a clear process for reporting faults?

Taking a few moments to confirm these details can prevent avoidable disruptions later.

Supporting Reliable Entrance Systems

Automatic entrances play a vital role in building accessibility, safety and everyday usability.

Ensuring these systems remain properly maintained is not just about equipment performance it also supports safe access for building users and helps organisations meet their operational responsibilities.

When facilities management arrangements change, making sure automatic door contractors remain informed helps ensure these systems continue working exactly as intended.

Automatic Door Servicing from Elite Entrance Systems

At Elite Entrance Systems, we support organisations with professional servicing, maintenance and repairs for automatic entrance systems.

Our team works with commercial buildings, public sector facilities and workplaces to ensure automatic doors remain safe, reliable and compliant with relevant safety standards.

You can learn more about our automatic door servicing and maintenance support here: https://eliteentrancesystems.co.uk/