New insights from CBRE highlights that AI is transforming the way facilities managers analyse data, streamline workflows, and enhance operational efficiency. By linking datasets across asset performance, risk and energy consumption, AI delivers a holistic, real-time view of estate operations. This enables managers to optimise services, reduce costs, cut carbon emissions, and collaborate more effectively with clients.
Beyond data insights, CBRE says that AI reduces the administrative burden by automating routine tasks such as occupancy reviews and BMS adjustments. For example, analysing supplier costs against asset data creates rapid pricing matrices that speed up tendering and contract checks – a process traditionally complex and time-consuming. This frees managers to focus on higher-value work, boosting both productivity and job satisfaction.
AI’s role in automation and predictive maintenance is particularly significant, says CBRE. From planned preventative maintenance scheduling to risk detection, predictive algorithms are replacing manual processes. Real-world application -, such as lift performance monitoring – already demonstrate reduced downtime, improved reliability, and enhanced user experience.
Digital twins, further enhanced by AI, replicate physical assets for real-time monitoring and predictive modelling. CBRE highlights that this allows facilities managers to fine-tune services, optimise performance, and achieve long-term cost and carbon savings.
AI is no longer theoretical in facilities management – it is already reshaping operational excellence, creating efficiencies that elevate both service quality and strategic decision-making.
As AI becomes more powerful and accessible, its ability to streamline workflows, optimise assets and enable predictive maintenance will only grow. Facilities managers that embrace innovation while ensuring robust data governance will be best positioned to deliver higher-quality, more efficient operations, says CBRE.
