FMJ Facilities Management magazine providing industry-specific intelligence to FM and property professionals
BUDGET PRESSURES AND INVESTMENT IN TECHNOLOGY
Budget constraints remain a central concern. While 40 per cent of FM teams have experienced budget increases over the past three years, nearly 24 per cent have faced cuts. These mixed trends place additional pressure on FM teams to extract maximum value from every investment.
The survey revealed that improved efficiency and productivity are the primary drivers behind plans to invest in new technology, with 63 per cent of respondents citing these benefits. However, 46 per cent noted that the cost of changing technology is a significant barrier. This underscores the need for solutions that not only deliver measurable improvements in efficiency but also offer a clear return on investment.
TECHNOLOGY ADOPTION: CURRENT CHALLENGES AND FUTURE OPPORTUNITIES
Technology adoption is a recurring theme in the survey. Approximately 27 per cent of FM professionals expressed dissatisfaction with the technology their teams currently use. This dissatisfaction is particularly high in mid-sized FM teams (10–50 people), with 30 per cent reporting issues compared to only 15 per cent in smaller teams.
It’s unsurprising, then, that a strong majority (68 per cent) of FM teams intend to invest in new technology within the next 12 to 18 months. Improved efficiency and productivity are the dominant reasons, while budget constraints remain the biggest hurdle. Importantly, many FM professionals recognise that incorporating advanced technologies such as AI and automation can bring transformative benefits to the field.
MRI’s integrated platforms including MRI Evolution and MRI Energy, are designed to address these concerns by reducing manual work and providing real-time data, for example by facilitating automated reporting and predictive maintenance without requiring extensive manual intervention. Such capabilities are essential for FM teams looking to modernise operations and overcome current technological limitations.
THE PROMISE OF AI AND AUTOMATION
The survey highlights that FM teams rate the importance of AI at 7.4 out of 10. Forty per cent expect AI to boost the efficiency of their roles, while a quarter believe it will enhance decision-making processes. Strikingly, almost half (45 per cent) of FM professionals indicated they would consider switching from their current technology solutions if those systems do not incorporate AI features in future releases.
This data demonstrates a strong belief in the potential of AI and automation to transform facilities management, providing FM teams with actionable insights. By automating routine tasks and delivering real-time data, these solutions empower FM professionals to make faster, more informed decisions—ensuring they remain agile in an ever-changing environment.
SUSTAINABILITY AND ENERGY MANAGEMENT: A STRATEGIC IMPERATIVE
Sustainability remains at the forefront of industry challenges. The survey found that 39 per cent of FM professionals consider net zero targets the biggest challenge facing the industry. Energy management is seen as a critical factor, with 47 per cent agreeing that energy-efficient practices are essential for the sector. Additionally, 50 per cent believe that technology is the greatest opportunity to meet these sustainability challenges.
For FM teams, integrating energy management solutions into their operations is crucial. By monitoring and optimising energy consumption through smart technologies, facilities teams can not only reduce operational costs but also contribute to broader environmental goals. Systems that provide comprehensive data on energy usage empower teams to identify inefficiencies and implement targeted improvements.
