Facilities management professionals face mounting pressure to enhance efficiency, maintain compliance, and reduce costs amid staff shortages and skill gaps. Traditional approaches are often no longer sufficient to meet these demands, which is why AI is emerging as a vital tool for modern facilities management operations.
Research highlights the tangible benefits of AI integration. Facilities optimised with AI outperform traditional operations by 20% to 30% across key metrics, helping organisations cut costs, improve service quality, and maintain a competitive edge.
Mike Talbot, Chief Technology Officer at SFG20, explains that AI is critical for moving away from reactive maintenance and enabling teams to focus on strategic decisions.
“AI in facilities management is not just a passing trend; it is a powerful tool that can help address the growing challenges of compliance, cost control, and operational efficiency. By integrating AI thoughtfully into their operations, facilities managers can unlock new levels of productivity and optimise maintenance practices for better results.”
Mike Talbot, Chief Technology Officer, SFG20
SFG20’s ‘State of FM Report 2025’ shows that digital transformation is a top priority, with 53% of facilities management professionals rating it as ‘highly important’ for improving efficiency, reducing costs, and enhancing compliance. While some stakeholders worry that AI could replace human expertise, industry leaders emphasise that AI is designed to augment, not replace, skilled personnel.
AI transforms data analysis and predictive maintenance by collecting and simplifying information from IoT sensors, BMS, and maintenance logs. Real-time insights allow teams to make evidence-based decisions, reduce errors, and predict maintenance needs, ultimately preventing over- or under-maintenance.
To implement AI successfully, facilities managers should set clear objectives aligned with business goals, organise historical and real-time data, and foster a culture of continuous improvement. Large Language Models can also simplify complex datasets, turning insights into actionable recommendations that enhance decision-making.
“To get started, organisations must lay the groundwork by defining clear goals, organising their data, and embracing a culture of continuous improvement. With these steps in place, AI can become an indispensable asset, helping teams stay competitive and ahead of the curve in an increasingly demanding industry.”
Mike Talbot, Chief Technology Officer, SFG20
