IFMA Releases Statement on AI and FM

IFMA has released the following statement on artificial intelligence (AI) with respect to the facility management (FM) industry and the association’s efforts to present FM professionals with useful, well-grounded insights and resources:

Within the facility management (FM) industry, there is both interest and apprehension surrounding artificial intelligence (AI). IFMA is committed to focusing research, information and tools on helping professionals worldwide differentiate AI hype from reality and understand how to harness AI’s enormous potential. The association will leverage its research capabilities to provide guidance on near-term practical applications of AI in facility operations; longer-term prospects for more advanced AI capabilities; and organizational and technical prerequisites to consider for those seeking to be AI early adopters.

“FM has become a data-driven industry. Basing decisions on incorrect data is far more worrisome than whether AI will take our jobs,” said Chair of IFMA’s Global Board of Directors Dean Stanberry, CFM, SFP. “FM knowledge, skill and experience requirements have expanded. IFMA is working to identify what knowledge FMs will need to know and when, and to develop informational and educational resources to help FMs apply this new knowledge in practice.”