The management, optimization, and maintenance of the built environment are experiencing a digital revolution as a result of the adoption of emerging digital technologies such as IoT sensors, data analytics, cloud computing, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), Virtual Reality (VR), and Augmented Reality (AR). The global facility management services market was valued at
approximately $1.3 trillion in 2024 and is projected to reach $2.28 trillion by 2032, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.2%.
This digital transformation is enabled by embedding these technologies in as built BIM models and by enabling digital twin services. A digital Twin in a virtual replica of a building that looks and
behaves like it. It helps facility managers manage the facility and asset management of the building. The explosion of the facility management market is enabled by its efficiency and the following
technologies:
IoT Sensors
IoT in Facility Management
Occupancy sensors, air quality sensors, temperature sensors, humidity sensors, equipment monitoring sensors, motion sensors, vibration sensors, water leak detectors, RFID trackers, and
security cameras are examples of Internet of Things (IoT) sensors that are frequently used in facility management services. These sensors are all made to keep an eye on a variety of building parameters, such as occupancy levels, environmental conditions, equipment health, and security, enabling proactive maintenance, better occupant comfort, and optimized energy use.
Cloud Computing
Cloud computing technology helps facility managers to access real time data about the building from anywhere. They can efficiently and effectively make decisions about the facility, especially at times of risk, from anywhere by accessing the critical data and reports from any device or web browser. Facility managers can communicate seamlessly with their team members, coordinate them, and then assign, track, and monitor the progress of work from start to finish. Real time and remote monitoring can be carried out by the maintenance teams through inspections, of infrastructures and industries with high risk equipment such as power plants and oil & gas facilities. Facility managers can receive alerts during risks.
Big Data Management
Efficient facility management requires dynamic data handling and analytics of the big data collected from all the equipment and machines of the building. Large industrial facilities, hospitals, and office buildings have a lot of equipment and people. They can utilize their unified data management system to create schedules and employ proactive strategies for the predictive maintenance of
assets. Building Management Systems (BMS) can use the available information and data to enhance the efficiency of the building.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML)
AI and ML help in predicting equipment and service failures in buildings. This helps in extending equipment life spans and reducing repairing costs. By analyzing the usage based on occupancy and temperature patterns, AI helps in optimizing the energy consumption by the building, thus helping in saving energy costs and reducing carbon footprint. The space usage can be analyzed by AI-based analytics, this can help the facility managers and designers to make decisions about space allocations.
Virtual and Augmented Reality (VR/AR)
Augmented reality (AR) enhances the physical environment by overlapping it with virtual imaging. AR is specifically used in facility management for operations and maintenance. For example, AR can be used to train hospital technicians on how to manage a hospital and its medical equipment. AR enhances asset monitoring by helping people to monitor difficult to access and hazardous
environments like machine rooms, utility tunnels, and ventilation ducts covered deep within walls without being physically present. AR sensors can help to view these services and the problems with them without breaking the walls.
Virtual reality is the digitally created simulation of the built environment by Building Information Modeling (BIM) software like Autodesk Revit. Headsets with screen and sound systems are used by
the users to immerse themselves in the virtual environment of the facility. They also can interact with the environment and use the virtual objects and services with the help of controllers. Facility
managers use VR to train the employees virtually.
Facility Management Software Systems (FMSS)
FMMS is a software developed for the management and operations of a facility. It is a digital platform to look after various activities of a building’s lifecycle including asset tracking and space
utilization. The data is displayed in easier ways to comprehend with rich graphics for easier analysis and helps to make decisions regarding the assets and their management. It helps to avoid
downtime, prevent any breakdowns in buildings machinery, and services before it happens, and helps in preventive maintenance.
Digital Twin
A digital twin is an as built BIM model of a building that also behaves like it, with the integration of AI, ML, and IoT. The real time analysis nature of digital twins helps to monitor the facility throughout the day and can encounter any anomalies with machinery or MEP services before it happens, which can then be fixed, and the facility can be saved from any risks and thus money can be saved.
Discover the Power of Digital Twins! Learn how Digital Twin technology can revolutionize facility management by enhancing efficiency, reducing costs, and enabling predictive maintenance. Explore the Benefits Now!
Conclusion
The future of facility management services lies in smartly making use of technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), Internet of Things (IoT), AR & VR, Digital Twins, and Facility Management Software Systems (FMSS) for intelligent buildings and assets. Facility managers should assess structural integrity, safety, space utilization, layout efficiency, energy efficiency, MEP systems, maintenance, and lifecycle cost analysis with the help of these digital tools and software. Using 3D measurement services, digital twin services, 3D scan to CAD services, and construction document scanning can provide detailed insights into the building’s infrastructure, helping optimize maintenance and upgrades.
