Artificial Intelligence, or AI for short, has become an integral part of our professional thinking and living environment. Not surprising, of course, when you consider that technology is constantly evolving and is being fully integrated into our various business processes. This is no different in facility services as well. After all, facility managers see in this innovative technology the future of their sector.
In this blog, therefore, we would like to discuss some key innovations that Artificial Intelligence brings to facility management, now and in the future.
Artificial Intelligence explained
Let's start at the beginning: what is Artificial Intelligence? AI is nothing but the use of digital technologies to extract relevant knowledge from the mountain of collected data that is too complex for us to decipher.
This valuable knowledge can not only help us make better decisions, Artificial Intelligence can also be used to allow machines to communicate with and learn from each other to achieve faster and more efficient operation.
AI and the future of facility management
Now, what does all this have to do with the future of the facility services within your company? Simply put: everything. This innovation technological advancement is having a huge impact on the way we work within facility management. No doubt you have already noticed that Iris is increasingly using robots for cleaning, but the possibilities of AI extend a lot further than robot technology. We would like to give you an overview of some of the other functionalities of AI within facility management:
Predicting need for cleaning
Traditionally, the cleaning service cleans all used areas in your office building according to a certain schedule. After all, hygiene and bacteria control is an important factor for a healthy and pleasant working environment.
Now, with all the current changes in the way we work, think telecommuting or working on location, the operation of the cleaning service is also in need of change. Not all office spaces are in constant use and consequently can be exempted from daily cleaning. The cleaning service can work faster and more efficiently because unused offices do not receive unnecessary cleaning.
Today, sensor technology can already help facility management monitor and determine the occupancy of all the different spaces, but AI may go a bit further in the future. It can help predict when certain office spaces are due for a thorough cleaning, and can generate a work schedule for facility service providers based on these predictions.
Moreover, this predictive nature of AI not only has a positive impact on the cleaning service, but can also be used in other tasks within facility management such as optimizing the supply of office materials based on the actual and predicted use of the products and materials.
For example, Iris measures all types of indoor air pollution through the installation of sensors, in real time and continuously if necessary. A detailed report of the risk analysis with measurement results and possible measures to optimize the air quality is then prepared for you.
Space planning
Sensor technology can also help with office building space planning. Because as more and more companies adopt an open office policy or allow employees to work more flexibly, the potential for under and over occupancy is high. At peak times, there may not be enough space available, while at other times it is just the opposite. Not only is it costly for business managers, it also contributes to a less pleasant work environment. By using sensor technology and AI, facility managers can better anticipate potential space planning issues.
Optimization of HVAC
HVAC is the English abbreviation that stands for heating, ventilation and air conditioning. Within facility management, we use this term for the total of appliances that together control the climate of the office building, an important factor in creating a pleasant working environment.
Now, when HVAC is not used optimally, there can be a lot of costs involved. For example, think of hot summer weather where your employees are all too happy to use manual air conditioning controls.
AI can reduce these costly spikes by predicting when necessary cooling is required and scheduling it at times when energy consumption is cheaper such as early in the morning just before your employees enter the office building. The same goes for heating and air circulation, of course. Iris can help you map out energy savings programs and new technologies.
Route and data optimization
At Iris, our "digital solutions" provide important support for communication, quality monitoring and reporting. When it comes to planning our daily work across hundreds of locations, we can count on WeRoute, our AI route optimizer, to give us the best route to provide our customers with the service at the lowest cost. Iris knows perfectly where employees are and can quickly direct them for quick intervention. With WeWork, work hours are automatically recorded and are accurate to the second. Through this accurate information, we have a clear view of all hours already worked per project and per cost center.
Predictive analysis of equipment
he maintenance of various office equipment is traditionally done at fixed times or when a malfunction occurs that causes annoying breakdowns. Such ad hoc maintenance not only has a negative effect on the cost of facility management, but is also not immediately efficient.
If your company uses built-in sensors in its equipment, AI allows you to collect and analyze the necessary data to make predictions about the condition of various components. Moreover, based on the predictions, AI can provide you with a specific maintenance schedule to ensure that your equipment remains available at all times. Thus, such a predictive approach not only has a beneficial effect on your company's productivity, but also on your budget and the comfort of your employees.
Whichever way you integrate Artificial Intelligence into your facility management, you will clearly reap the benefits in the future. Would you like to learn more about the impact of AI on the facility management of the future? Or are you curious about which innovative technologies Iris applies in its facility management services? Then contact us soon.