Artificial intelligence allows facilities managers the opportunity to be one step ahead of inevitable maintenance challenges.
By Myrna Traylor
In today's fast-paced world, facilities managers are under increasing pressure to maintain the optimal performance of complex infrastructure systems while controlling costs and improving efficiency. Predictive maintenance powered by artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly becoming a game-changing solution for achieving these goals. By leveraging AI, facilities managers can anticipate equipment failures and implement proactive measures, minimizing downtime and costly repairs.
Why is Predictive Maintenance Important?
Predictive maintenance is crucial because it allows facilities managers to foresee potential issues before they escalate into major problems. This proactive approach is essential for avoiding unexpected equipment breakdowns, leading to operational disruptions, increased costs and compromised safety.
Industry expert Drew Deatherage, Vice President of Business Development at Crux Solutions, underscores the importance of predictive analytics. “They’re looking for an edge to fix equipment before it actually fails,” he said. “Let’s say you have set up an AI analytics engine to monitor the air handlers in your retail locations, setting the parameters for normal function. Normally, the entire system generates more data than a human can reasonably digest. If the AI sees sensor data out of range of what we would expect, it can send an alert through the facilities manager’s trouble ticket system.” Now, the FM can avert a costly shutdown.
Key Benefits
AI can be implemented across several areas within facilities management. With HVAC systems, for example, AI can provide predictive capabilities to monitor and maintain equipment, ensuring optimal performance and energy efficiency. "Predictive AI acts like having constant 24/7 eyes on the systems,” said Zack Cornwell, Business Development Manager at Crux Solutions. “It can quickly identify deviations in HVAC operations that a technician might miss."
AI can also optimize lighting usage by predicting when maintenance is needed, reducing energy consumption and extending the life of lighting fixtures. FMs may also use AI to supplement safety and security systems, monitoring for weapons or gunshot detection or issuing emergency instructions to personnel via display signage, work computers or smart phones.
Human Oversight Needed
While AI offers substantial benefits, it is essential to remember that it should not replace human oversight. Facilities managers must continuously review and analyze AI-generated recommendations to ensure accuracy and reliability.
When it comes to CapEx in FM, "There used to be an old way of thinking, 'I don’t know what’s broken, so I’ll replace RTUs that are 10–12 years old,'” said Steve Hamby, Director, Multi-Site Retail, Advanced AI & IoT Solutions at EcoEnergy Insights, A Division of Carrier. “But now, with AI, we have a single pane of glass [SPoG] view that identifies asset outliers across the entire portfolio, allowing us to focus resources effectively by replacing only problematic assets, protecting customers and employees and saving substantial OpEx money. Yet, human judgment is crucial to validate these insights." An SPoG significantly improves a facilities manager’s daily workload.
Using AI for Warranty Management
Managing warranties for a large number of assets can be an intimidating task. AI can simplify this process by maintaining detailed records of assets, including purchase dates, repair history and warranty details. "Managing warranties becomes challenging when you have numerous units and different manufacturers. AI can track warranties and ensure that repairs are covered, preventing repeated costly repairs," said Hamby.
Even when units are out of warranty, today’s AI can identify asset health issues, and autonomously correct these issues without human intervention. AI will (eventually) lend specificity to the exact repair that is needed, negating the need to roll a truck at great expense for a vague malfunction alert. This telescopes the diagnostic/order part/return-to-install series of site visits into one efficient call. It will not only save the cost of multiple or emergency technician visits but keep trucks off the road, improving your carbon footprint. Even better, the AI will be able to assist the technician and then validate if the technician has successfully repaired the malfunction (Autonomous Continuous Commissioning) and a create repair record in case of an early, unexpected failure.
How to Get Started
For those new to AI, the path to incorporating it into predictive maintenance practices may seem daunting. Here are steps to help you get started:
Educate Yourself: Begin by understanding the basics of AI and its applications in facilities management. Attend industry seminars, webinars and workshops to learn from experts.
Choose the Right Technology: Identify AI tools and platforms that align with your facility's needs. Consider solutions that offer scalability and integration with existing systems.
Train Your Team: Equip your team with the necessary skills to work with AI technologies. Provide training courses and hands-on workshops for practical experience.
Start Small: Implement AI on a smaller scale to evaluate its impact before scaling up. Use pilot projects to test the technology and gather data-driven insights.
Collaborate with Experts: Partner with AI vendors and consultants specializing in predictive maintenance. Leverage their expertise to tailor AI solutions to your specific requirements.
AI-powered predictive maintenance is transforming facilities management by enabling proactive measures, improving efficiency and reducing operational costs. By integrating AI into maintenance strategies, facilities managers can ensure optimal performance and create a safer and more sustainable environment.