Automation in Your Facility Operations

The area of Artificial Intelligence and smart systems include a range of technologies such as machine learning, process automation (software), robotics, and more. For the purpose of this question, any or all of these technologies are included.

This question is about how your organization identifies and implements these new, advanced technologies.

Who in your organization investigates and tests of potential application of AI, ML, RPA, robotics, and other forms of automation/smart systems for facilities/property management?

Your FM staff
Your IT group
You have a central research/innovation group
You hire consultants or experts to provide proven solutions
You hire consultants or experts to help with pilots or experiments
Other (Please explain in comments)
Not sure

How do you learn about potential new technologies/applications to explore?

Conferences/trade shows
Continuing education/webinars/seminars
Professional associations/peer groups
Consultants/vendors
Staff suggestions
Executives or leadership directives
Other (Please explain in comments)

What is required for approval to invest in these new technologies?

Available funding within our budget (for testing/low cost initiative)
Business case approval required (outside our department)
Procurement approval required for selected application
IT security approval required for on-premise software
Safety department approval required for on-premise hardware (robotics)
Other (Please explain in comments)

Comments

ML is a subset of AI that focuses on developing algorithms and techniques that allow computers to learn from data and improve their performance without being explicitly programmed. ML algorithms analyze large datasets to identify patterns, make predictions, or uncover insights. It relies on statistical modeling and algorithms to train models and make predictions or decisions based on new data.

For the purpose of this section, we are considering all "smart" systems that provide predictive data for you or perform a facility activity based on set of conditions.
Please rate your level of use for each technology in the list from none/no plans (1) to regular use (5):
1 - We do not use or have any plans to use underway
2 - We do not use but are actively discussion/researching use
3 - We are currently testing this technology
4 - We are actively working on implementation (not yet live)
5 - We currently use some version of this technology in normal operations

	Ratings
	1	2	3	4	5	NA
Energy Management / Energy Optimization
HVAC Monitoring System Monitoring and Troubleshooting
Sustainability Optimization / Water or Waste Monitoring
Predictive Maintenance & Advanced Diagnostics
Occupancy Analytics / Space Utilization
Security & Surveillance (including video feed analysis)
Cybersecurity Monitoring
Risk Management Assessment
Knowledge Base / Large Language Models
Chat Bots (for occupant services)
Virtual Assistants
Software Code Development
Other (Please explain in comments)

Comments

Automation involves using technology and machines to perform tasks or processes with minimal human intervention. It aims to reduce human effort, increase efficiency, and improve accuracy. Automation can be achieved through various means, including software automation, robotic process automation (RPA), and physical automation. It can be rule-based or guided by pre-defined instructions.

For the purpose of this question, we are considering all automated processes you have in facility management from system notifications to data processing.

Please rate your level of use for each technology in the list from none/no plans to regular use:
1 - We do not use or have any plans to use underway
2 - We do not use but are actively discussion/researching use
3 - We are currently testing this technology
4 - We are actively working on implementation (not yet live)
5 - We currently use some version of this technology in normal operations

	Ratings
	1	2	3	4	5	NA
Automated Work Order / Request Routing
Invoice Processing /Routing Systems
Facilities Monitoring and Automated Alerts & Notifications
Automated Lighting Controls
Automatic HVAC Controls
Lease Abstraction and Analysis
Automated Email / Report / Graphic Creation (including speech to text)
Other (Please explain in comments)

Comments

Robotics is the field of technology and engineering that deals with the design, development, and operation of robots. Robots are physical machines that can sense, process information, and perform physical tasks autonomously or semi-autonomously. They can be equipped with sensors, actuators, and AI algorithms to interact with their environment and carry out specific tasks.

For the purpose of this question, we are considering all physical equipment you have performing facility management functions.

Please rate your level of use for each technology in the list from none/no plans to regular use:
1 - We do not use or have any plans to use underway
2 - We do not use but are actively discussion/researching use
3 - We are currently testing this technology
4 - We are actively working on implementation (not yet live)
5 - We currently use some version of this technology in normal operations

	Ratings
	1	2	3	4	5	NA
Self-Driving Vehicles (shuttles, mail, etc.)
Automated /Assistive Cleaning Robots
Security / Inspection Patrols (robotic dogs, drones, etc.)
Maintenance Support Robots (drone inspections, smart tools, worker assistants, etc.)
Inventory Management Robots
Lawn and Ground Maintenance Robots
Waste Sorting Robots
Cooking Robots
Other (Please explain in comments)

Comments

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