The conference this year tackled one of the most talked about issues in the technology arena – artificial intelligence. What does it mean for the future of FM? How is it being used now? What are the pros and cons, the opportunities and challenges? Are we ready for this change? The programme in 2025 built on the very successful focus on technology in facilities management established in the previous two years.
There is no doubt that AI is ‘the next big thing’ for FM. The potential benefits seem clear: greater efficiency and effectiveness, rapid reaction to emerging issues, increased data processing power, accumulated knowledge and experience. But we also know that there are dangers – in the form of unexpected system bias, absence of specific FM knowledge leading to incorrect decisions, and over-reliance on data without a real human perspective.
Artificial intelligence is already finding its way into FM. We see it – or very soon will – in the monitoring and management of assets, assessing performance and diagnosing problems; customer service-type systems including reception, access control and helpdesks; service applications around the delivery of experience and wellbeing; the preparation of tender documents and specifications, as well as the subsequent review of tender submissions.
If there ever was a time to be prepared for change, this is it. Our expert speakers offered a broad range of valuable, knowledgeable, practical information and insights – all captured in the post-conference white paper.
