"Digital Facility Management Is No Longer a Nice-to-Have"

The pressure on the facility management industry is mounting: rising demands, increasing complexity in building technology, and a severe shortage of skilled workers are posing growing challenges for operators. In our interview, Christoph Meyer, Business Development Manager at aedifion with many years of experience in building automation and technical facility management, explains how AI-powered cloud solutions can offer targeted support – and why now is the right time for operators and property owners to take the leap into digital operations management.

The facility management industry is under significant pressure. What are the biggest challenges at the moment?

The industry is currently facing a dual burden: on the one hand, demand for high-quality facility services continues to rise – according to the latest Lünendonk Study 2024, the market grew by nearly ten percent last year alone, reaching a volume of €64.8 billion. At the same time, we’re hearing from our clients and partners that the shortage of skilled workers is putting increasing pressure on many facility operators. Adding to this is the growing complexity of technical building systems: systems such as heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and building automation now require highly special-ized management – yet qualified personnel are becoming harder and harder to find. Our experience shows that a digitally supported and optimized operation of building systems plays a crucial role in using resources more efficiently while significantly reducing energy consumption and CO₂ emissions. Facility management thus becomes a key lever for improving both economic efficiency and sustainability in building operations – a factor that is gaining increasing relevance in light of growing ESG requirements and decarbonization targets.

How can cloud technology and AI provide concrete support?

Cloud-based software solutions that leverage artificial intelligence offer significant relief for facility management. They not only enable faster responses to technical malfunctions but also allow teams to act proactively. By using real-time data, issues can be detected and resolved early – before com-plaints arise or systems fail. Especially in times of skilled labor shortages, this saves valuable time and resources while also contributing to a sustainably higher level of service quality.

What does this actually mean for building operations?

As an example: Cloud platforms for digital operational optimization collect and analyze real-time data from building automation systems and IoT sensors. This information is clearly presented in dashboards and can be accessed at any time via a web interface. Through AI-powered analysis, operators can immediately detect anomalies or malfunctions – for instance, if the heating system in an office building is running outside of working hours. Facility management then receives clear recommendations for action, without having to manually inspect each system. Key metrics such as energy consumption, CO₂ emissions, or user comfort also become more transparent and easier to manage.

How do these systems support facility management in daily operations?

Above all, by saving a significant amount of time: on-site inspections and time-consuming troubleshooting can be drastically reduced. An integrated alert system immediately notifies staff via messenger or smartphone when systems require urgent attention. In addition, an intuitive task management feature greatly simplifies day-to-day work. Checklists, status tracking, note-taking features, and the ability to manage building documentation all contribute to a better user experience, enabling tasks to be assigned and completed quickly and efficiently.

Is it enough to simply analyze operational data, or is there more to it?

Operators should ensure that the software solutions they implement not only analyze data but are also capable of actively intervening in building operations. AI-powered systems, for example, can dynamically adjust heating curves or time schedules based on actual usage patterns and weather forecasts. If, for instance, foot traffic in a shopping center increases on a Saturday afternoon, the system automatically boosts the ventilation – without the need for human intervention. This saves energy, improves occupant comfort, and further reduces the workload for the operations team.

Generative AI is gaining increasing importance in facility management. Hype or opportunity?

Generative AI is definitely a major opportunity for facility management. Much like a "ChatGPT forbuildings," digital AI assistants go beyond traditional analytics. Facility managers can interact with an intuitive interface to ask specific questions, such as: “Why is the temperature in the meeting room too low?” or “Why aren't the setpoints in the conference room being met?” The AI then analyzes the available data and provides concrete recommendations for action – for example, replacing a faulty temperature sensor.

What does this development mean for the future of facility management?

Cloud-based software solutions and AI enable more efficient use of limited personnel resources while ensuring high service quality – even under the constraints of skilled labor shortages. Importantly, the goal is not to replace facility managers. On the contrary: the technology is designed to support them, make their work more impactful, and assist with complex tasks. Companies that adopt these technologies early and strategically will gain a clear competitive edge. The key will be overcoming hesitation – both among customers and internally within the workforce.