By now, the topic of artificial intelligence (AI) might seem a little played out. Discussions of the technology’s evolution and possible impact have been hashed and rehashed. So far, discussions of AI’s impact on institutional and commercial facilities have been general, at best. Promises have been made, and opportunities have been suggested.
But make no mistake: The pressure for results is on. Facility executives in organizations of all types see tremendous potential in AI to improve the operations, sustainability, safety and reliability of their facilities. They want answers, and they need someone to find those answers for them.
How will maintenance and engineering managers respond? They’ll do what they’ve done repeatedly when a challenge has arisen that affects their facilities. They’ll solve it.
Climate change? Rethink HVAC systems to begin curtailing their facilities’ emissions of greenhouse gas emissions — central culprits in rising temperatures that are affecting global weather events and patterns.
COVID-19? Revisit facility ventilation and air filtration systems to prevent the spread of airborne illness, such as the coronavirus.
Active attackers? Reconfigure and strengthen their facilities’ door hardware and access control systems to detect and prevent threats and protect building occupants.
In this context, AI is just another challenge for managers — one that promises to have a tremendous impact on facilities and beyond but another challenge just the same.
Maybe the toughest — and most important — question for managers tackling the challenge is how to apply AI to deliver tangible, real-world benefits to their departments, facilities and organizations.
Dan Hounsell is senior editor for the facilities market. He has more than 30 years of experience writing about facilities maintenance, engineering and management.
