Facilities managers (FM) are no strangers to complexity. From juggling compliance, sustainability goals and high workloads to navigating a rapidly shifting tech landscape, today’s FM leaders are being asked to do more, with less. The latest Voice of the Facility Manager report from MRI Software offers a telling snapshot of an industry at a digital inflection point
Surveying over 350 FM professionals across the EMEA region, the report highlights both the optimism and the friction at the heart of FM’s digital transformation journey.
Digital aspirations meet financial realities
FM teams largely agree that technology is no longer a luxury but an essential. 68% of respondents plan to invest in new technology in the next 12-18 months, citing efficiency and productivity as the primary drivers. AI, automation and data-driven decision-making are no longer buzzwords but more so the cornerstone of a modern FM strategy.
Yet a significant 46% identify cost as the biggest hurdle to adoption. This insight is highlighted in the report, where FM professionals shared concerns about the high upfront investment and the long-term ROI of new systems.
In fact, only 15% of those surveyed are “extremely satisfied” with their current technology stack, while 27% report dissatisfaction, especially among mid-sized teams managing growing operational portfolios.
AI is the tipping point
One of the clearest signals from the report is AI’s growing significance. Nearly 40% rate its importance at 9 or 10 out of 10 for FM operations. Another 45% of professionals say the absence of AI in future software upgrades would prompt them to switch platforms entirely.
What does AI promise? FM leaders are looking at enhanced efficiencies (40%), improved decision-making (24%) and streamlined analysis (16%).
This proactive mindset reveals an industry shifting from reactive to predictive operations, particularly in areas such as energy management and preventative maintenance.
Bridging the skills and training gap
However, digital tools are only as effective as the teams behind them. While 68% of FM professionals feel positively about their training, a notable 21% report this area as lacking. In a field undergoing rapid transformation, this gap threatens to undermine even the most sophisticated tech investments.
Future-facing training, including AI, ESG compliance and internal systems, is in high demand. As per the survey, 47% believe training in future trends and technology is a requirement, while 49% emphasise legal and compliance knowledge.
And it’s not just technical training; 34% also see mental health and wellness training as essential, highlighting the pressures that come with high workloads and limited resources.
The sustainability shift
Sustainability continues to rise as a strategic imperative. Across the EMEA region, 50% of FM professionals identify smart technologies and automation as key to meeting sustainability and net zero goals.
Yet views on net zero remain mixed. While 38% of South African professionals view it as essential, 50% of European respondents consider it a challenge, often due to the perceived cost and complexity of implementation.
The road ahead: Strategy, not just spend
The findings from the Voice of the Facility Manager report reinforce that digital transformation is not a question of ‘if’ but ‘how’.
For FM leaders, the challenge is striking a balance between innovation and investment – ensuring that budget-conscious decisions do not limit strategic evolution.
The industry is moving toward a more data-driven, sustainable and AI-enabled future. But to fully realise this vision, organisations must address certain gaps:
- Aligning budget with long-term value.
- Supporting workforce upskilling.
- Choosing flexible technologies that scale with demand.
As FM continues its shift from a cost centre to a strategic partner, those who invest in the right tools, training and talent will be best positioned to lead the way.
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