The potential of artificial intelligence (AI) to revolutionize businesses, industries and society cannot be understated. While AI has long been used for deep data analysis and pattern detection, generative AI, which can create new content, has only recently been deployed in various domains such as writing, drawing, coding and composing. This advanced technology has captivated the attention of corporate leaders who are acutely aware of the opportunities and risks AI presents for the future.

Commercial real estate is not exempt, as AI has already made a significant impact, with new technologies emerging as a revolutionary force with widespread implications. According to JLL research, approximately 80 percent of jobs are exposed to disruption by AI. This staggering statistic has triggered a wave of concerns about the potential upheaval in the real estate market. However, technology can allow people to achieve greater levels of productivity, and it can free people to have more time and space for creativity and critical thinking – generating even greater areas of opportunity.

The realm of facility management is no exception, as AI continues to advance and reshape the industry. For FMs, embracing AI holds the power to transform and amplify their role, if seen as a tool to wield rather than a threat to be mitigated. Many FMs have already survived the recent seismic shift of the workplace and now find themselves serving as a critical link between organizations, employees, service providers and other key stakeholders. By leveraging AI-powered tools and integrating them into facility management, FMs can bridge the physical and digital divide, while also achieving new levels of efficiency, productivity and strategic decision making.

Through advanced analytics, predictive capabilities, automation and optimization tools, FMs can make data-driven decisions, proactively address maintenance needs, streamline operations, optimize resource allocation and enhance the overall performance and value of the built environment.

Data-driven insights, predictive maintenance

Artificial intelligence - implications for real estate AI-powered tools offer FMs the ability to collect, analyze and interpret vast amounts of data from building systems, sensors and maintenance records, as well as other interconnected sources. All this information provides valuable insights into energy consumption patterns, occupancy rates, equipment performance and maintenance needs. By leveraging these insights, FMs can optimize resource allocation, identify potential issues proactively and make informed decisions to improve operational efficiency. AI algorithms can also analyze historical data and identify patterns and trends that indicate potential equipment failures or maintenance requirements better than traditional planned maintenance scheduling.

When it comes to predictive maintenance, AI-powered tools can collect and monitor data from various sources within a facility, such as equipment logs, sensors and maintenance records and include data from variable factors like vibration, energy consumption, temperature and more. AI algorithms can also help identify deviations from normal operating conditions by analyzing historical data patterns, thereby enabling FMs to detect potential equipment failures or malfunctions well before they occur.

Streamlined operations, task automation & space optimization

The pandemic exposed people’s heavy dependence on technological infrastructure, both within and beyond the workplace, highlighting the vulnerability of businesses when technology fails to meet expectations. AI-powered solutions can offer tremendous benefits to FMs, revolutionizing the way they plan, automate routine tasks, communicate with building occupants and optimize space. By leveraging AI technologies, FMs can streamline operations, save time and improve resource areas of focus and allocation. Many organizations have already incorporated AI tech into their daily business operations and are employing tools like AI-powered virtual assistants for customers.

AI chatbots, for example, are valuable tools for automating some of these routine tasks since they can efficiently handle tenant requests, schedule maintenance activities and provide real-time updates on work orders. By delegating these tasks to AI, FMs can reclaim valuable time, allowing them to focus on strategic initiatives and critical decision making that drive organizational success.

Furthermore, FMs can analyze space utilization data comprehensively with AI. By studying occupancy patterns, foot traffic and workspace preferences, AI-powered tools can help identify underutilized spaces and even suggest strategies to better optimize resource allocation and improve agile decision making. This information can help alert FMs to everything from when and where additional cleaning resources are needed, for example, or even create an entirely new janitorial schedule for areas not in routine use. This information can be used to benchmark asset performance and uncover valuable insights across property portfolios.

The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the predictability and lead time of facility planning, but AI has emerged as a critical aid for users and planners in dynamic planning amid uncertainties. When FMs can access user-generated work orders captured by AI chatbots and stored in the cloud, they can have more control over when they are on site or remote and make more informed decisions about which work orders take priority.

This data-driven approach empowers FMs to create more efficient processes by enhancing, not replacing, their important role, and driving improved productivity and reduced costs.

Energy efficiency, sustainability & accountability

Sustainability is an integral part of an organization’s culture and has become an essential aspect of decision making throughout the real estate life cycle. Companies are actively committed to reducing carbon emissions and achieving sustainability goals. To measure environmental impact and drive sustainable practices, specific and reliable performance metrics are crucial.

AI plays a pivotal role in optimizing energy consumption in commercial buildings. By analyzing energy usage patterns, identifying inefficiencies and providing energy-saving recommendations, AI algorithms support FMs in implementing effective energy management strategies, such as automatically adjusting HVAC systems, optimizing lighting schedules and integrating renewable energy sources, resulting in substantial cost savings and a positive environmental footprint, to name a few.

Sustainability efforts also extend beyond energy efficiency. Many organizations are developing a comprehensive approach to address various sustainability aspects including responsible waste management, water conservation and implementing green building practices.

To navigate the opportunities and challenges of sustainability in the context of AI adoption, it is key to establish a robust AI strategy that is grounded in data and accountability. It is essential to view AI as a tool that enhances human capabilities rather than replacing them. AI can significantly contribute to behind-the-scenes building management tasks. For example, technologies can detect abnormal situations such as suspicious objects, elevator outages or fire incidents, ensuring the safety and security of occupants.

And according to a survey conducted by analyst firm Omdia, 87 percent of facility, security and IT managers believe that AI will become a necessary element of smart-building management. FM teams are starting to explore the possibilities of AI in building management and fault detection diagnostics, minimizing the impacts of system downtimes and improving overall system performance.

FMs can establish a model for others to emulate through education and training

NextGen FMs can expect significant, yet positive changes in their career due to the integration of AI-powered solutions. A few potential impacts and opportunities that AI can bring to facility management include enhanced operational efficiency, improved maintenance and asset management, energy optimization and sustainability, enhanced occupant experience, data-driven decision making and more.

To set an example for others and successfully incorporate AI-powered tools, FMs should stay updated on AI advancements by keeping track of these emerging technologies and trends. Attending industry events or participating in relevant webinars or professional networks will help keep them informed about the latest developments impacting the industry.

Continued education and training along with an active learning mindset are vital components for FMs to remain current on industry-leading expertise and in harnessing the power of AI. Training and education are not only critical to ensure AI-powered solutions are performing their best, but also to ensure FM experts are at their personal best. When organizations provide these critical training opportunities, they create new career paths for valuable talent, nurture personal development and career growth – all of which are essential to recruit and retain the top talent in the industry.

Ensuring long-term success requires continued collaboration

It is crucial to recognize areas of difficulty and possibilities, alongside working together with IT teams and data scientists to comprehend the technical aspects of implementing AI. Collaboration among multiple departments is key to pinpointing the appropriate AI-powered solutions for FMs, ensuring the establishment of a more advanced infrastructure for data collection, storage and analysis.

Conducting pilot tests for these AI solutions to evaluate their effectiveness in real-world scenarios is also key. Afterward, adjusting and refining the systems is necessary to ensure their alignment with evolving organizational objectives. Providing training to ensure the smooth adoption and acceptance of AI-powered technologies, followed by monitoring and optimizing the AI systems, is equally important. Continuously assessing system performance, use cases and gathering feedback aids in identifying areas for continued improvement.

This improvement will strengthen a diverse workforce of FM experts who will help organizations of all industry sectors deliver differentiated experiences through their facilities.

AI is revolutionizing every industry, including the FM’s role by enhancing efficiency, optimizing resource allocation and improving agility in decision-making processes. With the ability to collect and process vast amounts of data, AI algorithms can provide valuable insights and predictive analytics allowing FMs greater leverage to create sustainable alternatives to improve the world of work.