Facilities Management is a multi-faceted pursuit, dealing with services, maintenance, and monitoring of facilities for efficiency. From operations and technical maintenance to soft services and business support services, property owners often engage the services of Integrated facility managers who provide all-around services. On top of it, emerging technologies like AI and IoT are disrupting the FM industry by virtue of which facility managers today focus on transforming their operations, optimizing resource utilization, enhancing occupant comfort, and creating a sustainable future for their buildings. 

How is IoT Shaping the FM Industry?

The term Internet of Things (IoT) refers to a combination of physical devices equipped with sensors, software, and other technologies that enable them to gather and share data. When it comes to facilities, various devices are involved, such as:

Sensors:  These monitor temperature, humidity, air quality, energy consumption, etc.

HVAC Systems: They learn from the building usage patterns and optimize heating and cooling for maximum comfort and efficiency

Security Cameras and Access Control Devices: These enhance your security and automate access controls

Predictive Maintenance Tools: These analyze data from equipment to anticipate potential failures and schedule preventive maintenance before breakdowns

Thus deploying one or a combination of IoT devices, facilities can gain access to critical data insights allowing timely interventions, reduced prolonged downtimes, increased efficiency, and data-based decision-making providing more room for innovation and growth.

Influence of AI on Facility Management!

While the potential of IoT and automation is undeniable, it certainly has some challenges, especially when dealing with older or pre-existing facilities that lack foresight in design or lack comprehensive digital data. Also, in unexpected incidents such as significant shifts in usage patterns or any unprecedented situations, automation may not be able to provide an adequate response due to its inability to learn and adapt. This is where a smarter solution like AI becomes important.

Artificial Intelligence is the next logical step in creating smarter facilities.

AI can gather and analyze data from various sources and formats to identify patterns and make informed decisions. It can help increase efficiency, reduce costs, and prolong the lifespan of facilities.

For example: AI-powered software can use existing data to recognize patterns and predict when and where maintenance might be needed. This allows facility managers to be proactive and address issues before they cause significant disruptions. AI can also help improve energy efficiency by optimizing the HVAC system to save energy and enhance comfort. With all these capabilities, AI is contributing to revolutionizing facility management and leading it into the era of ‘smart’ buildings. 

How does Logicon help their clients Integrate AI-Based Optimization in Facility Management smartly?:

• AI-based optimization of service schedules depending on seasonal and peak footfall:

  • Consideration of events like Diwali, Holi, and New Year can impact footfall in malls, theaters, and offices. Facility management employees can be strategically divided based on seasonal trends, ensuring optimal service delivery.

• Data dashboard to track and monitor consumables used in maintenance:

  • Implementing a data dashboard allows facility managers to monitor and manage consumables efficiently, ensuring timely replenishment and preventing shortages.

• Automated maintenance alerts to specific departments (Predictive maintenance):

  • The integration of automated maintenance alerts ensures that specific departments receive timely notifications, enabling proactive responses to potential issues.

• Inventory management:

  • Implementing an inventory management system helps streamline the tracking and control of supplies, reducing waste and ensuring that resources are efficiently utilized.

Thus, Logicon is at the forefront of creating a synergy between IoT and AI adoption, providing customers with comprehensive and cutting-edge services to reduce costs, increase productivity, improve occupant comfort, and contribute to sustainability. While boasting the positives, Logicon also understands that adopting newer technologies is easier said than done. However, at Logicon, they believe in helping customers adopt the right solutions through consulting and planning, to address potential challenges. They partner with clients to help them harness the potential of new-age technologies for creating smarter, efficient, and sustainable facilities for the future. To know more about their services and unique approach, visit Logicon Facility Management.