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UK facilities management professionals view artificial intelligence (AI), automation and smart technologies as central to the future of their profession, but many organisations lack the data maturity needed to turn ambition into impact, according to new research from MRI Software. While interest in AI continues to grow, fragmented systems, siloed data and inconsistent processes across FM operations continue to undermine confidence in the information needed to support better decision‑making.
The report, From Insight to Impact: AI and Data Readiness for the Next Era of Facilities Management, surveyed 188 UK-based FM professionals and paints a picture of a sector in transition; engaged, increasingly technology-aware, but constrained by practical barriers.
There is clear optimism about the role of AI, coupled with an understanding that organisations must still do the work to truly understand the full benefits. More than eight in 10 respondents (83 per cent) expect increased use of smart technologies and automation to define the next five years of facilities management, alongside greater reliance on data-driven decision-making and deeper integration of ESG goals.
While over half of respondents (57 per cent) expect to adopt new FM technology in the next 12 – 18 months, only 17 per cent say this investment is definite. Cost pressures, cited by 56 per cent of respondents, remain the biggest hurdle, closely followed by workforce capability and integration challenges.
Data readiness also emerged as a critical bottleneck; more than half of FM professionals (52 per cent) lack confidence that their data is accurate enough to support AI or digital decision-making, and one in five (21 per cent) do not currently measure FM performance at all.
James Massey, Managing Director for Facilities, Energy Management and Retail Intelligence at MRI Software said: “AI is no longer a distant concept for facilities management; it’s clearly on the radar. But the findings show that enthusiasm alone isn’t enough. Reliable, connected data is the foundation that fuels AI’s true potential. Without it, even the most advanced technology will struggle to deliver meaningful value.”
Despite these challenges, the report highlights strong momentum in areas where FM teams can see clear, near-term returns. Improved efficiency and productivity are the primary drivers for technology investment, cited by 79 per cent of respondents. AI and automation tools top the list of technologies organisations are planning to adopt, followed by predictive maintenance platforms and contractor management systems.
Compliance, sustainability and risk management continue to shape day-to-day priorities. SLA compliance remains the most widely tracked KPI, while energy usage and carbon footprint are monitored by nearly half of respondents. Cybersecurity is also rising rapidly up the agenda, with 50 per cent now treating it as a high priority within their facilities management technology stack.
Massey added: “The direction of travel is clear. Facilities management is becoming smarter, more data-led and more strategically important. The organisations investing in strong digital foundations – connecting data, people and processes – will likely see significant gains so they can adopt new technologies with confidence.”
To download MRI Software’s report click here.
