In the labyrinthine world of Facility Management, the role of software cannot be overstated. It serves as the brain and the nervous system of your operations. It allows you to manage your assets, track your workforce, schedule maintenance, and analyse performance in a streamlined and efficient manner. Hence, it is critical to choose a software provider that aligns with your operational needs and strategic goals. To embark on this mission, one needs to understand the stages of the hiring process, and the relevant factors at each stage, which will be detailed in this post.

Let's start at the foundation- understanding the concept of Facility Management Software (FMS). FMS is a type of integrated information management system, which supports the strategic and operational functions of facility management. These functions can range from asset management and maintenance scheduling to space allocation and energy management. The FMS assists in the coordination and oversight of the complex physical, organisational and technological dimensions of a facility. Therefore, it is vital to select a software provider who can deliver a solution that encapsulates these dimensions.

The first step in hiring a FMS provider is identifying your operational necessities. If your facility is an intricate mesh of large-scale industrial operations, your software needs to be robust and comprehensive, equipped with advanced analytics and machine learning capabilities. Conversely, for small to medium enterprises, a simple, user-friendly solution with essential features might suffice. Therefore, the complexity of your operations dictates the sophistication of your software.

Once your needs are identified, the next step involves market research. This involves scrutinizing various software providers against parameters such as technological capacity, user interface, customer support, and pricing. This stage necessitates a thorough understanding of the software market and the ability to discern between the offerings of different providers. It is here that the principles of economics come into play. For instance, understanding the law of diminishing returns could help you decide whether investing in a provider with a plethora of advanced features provides incremental value proportional to the cost involved.

Following the research, the selection process involves shortlisting providers based on your analysis. This stage requires the application of decision-making theories. For instance, understanding the multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) concept helps you weigh different factors and make an informed decision. MCDA is a sub-discipline of operations research that explicitly considers multiple criteria in decision-making environments. Applying this theory helps balance the trade-offs between different selection criteria, ensuring a holistic evaluation process.

Post-selection, the implementation process commences. This stage involves testing the software, training the staff, and integrating the software into your operations. This process demands an understanding of change management theories as they help in easing the transition and ensuring a smooth roll-out. For example, Kotter’s 8-Step Change Model emphasises the importance of communication and gaining buy-in from the team, which are critical during the implementation phase.

Lastly, the post-implementation phase involves assessing the performance of the software and the support provided by the software provider. This stage demands a keen understanding of performance metrics and the ability to correlate them with operational efficiency. This is where statistical tools like regression analysis come in handy, allowing you to quantify the impact of the software on your operations.

In conclusion, hiring the right FMS provider requires a blend of operational understanding, market knowledge, decision-making prowess, change management skills, and analytical ability. This journey, while intricate and demanding, can significantly enhance efficiency, productivity, and strategic decision-making in facility management. After all, in the realm of facility management, the software is indeed the king.