New research from Mitie has shown that almost half (48%) of Facilities Managers (FMs) are missing out on the benefits of digital transformation by not adopting new technology. The report, Digital Transformation: Is Facilities Management Ready?, reveals that just seven per cent of FMs say they are constantly seeking to identify, trial and implement new technology solutions to stay ahead of the curve.

Almost one in ten (8%) say they are not interested in deploying new technology, with almost a third (32%) saying they will only use mature or proven technology. A further eight per cent say, although they are interested in new technology, they simply don’t have the bandwidth.

The research revealed that energy efficiency is one of the areas most likely to be highly impacted by digital transformation. In fact, energy seems to be ahead of the curve, with 92% of FMs saying they were already making progress in digitising their energy management. The research showed that respondents believed supporting energy management with digital infrastructure will help businesses manage the impact of energy prices, which are expected to spike over the next five years.

When asked whether they agreed that facilities management will have undergone extensive digital transformation by the year 2030, four fifths of FMs (80%) strongly or mostly agreed with this. This suggests that over the next ten years FMs who are currently wary of new technology will have been convinced otherwise, whilst those struggling with capacity will have found a way to tackle this restraint.

With over a third (35%) stating that cost efficiency is the most important factor shaping FM service delivery today, any technology will need to prove return on investment. However, along with energy efficiency, security and access control, and mechanical and electrical (M&E) maintenance are also highlighted as the areas deemed most likely to be highly impacted by digital transformation. Likewise, many FMs (90% for security/access control and 84% for M&E maintenance) cite that they are already making progress in digitising these areas.

For many FMs, the adoption issue is closely linked to a lack of knowledge. Around a third of respondents (31%) reported ‘lack of internal expertise to select suitable facilities management solutions’, or a ‘lack of understanding of digital transformation technologies’ (27%), as the top barriers to investing in digital transformation. Moreover, three in ten (30%) also cited ‘lack of staff expertise to run facility efficiency projects’ and a ‘lack of staff bandwidth to analyse and act on data’ (28%) as the top barriers to realising business value from it.

To help address these issues, Mitie has continued to invest in technology and embed it into the range of services it provides. This includes its data-driven Connected Workspace offering, as well as its market-leading MiTec centre in Belfast, Global Security Operations Centre (GSOC) in Northampton, and Service Operations Centre (SOC) in Bracknell. The insights gained from these technologies and centres of expertise allow Mitie to offer customers an increased level of flexibility and control, bringing the benefits of digital transformation to their FM services.

Peter Nisbet, Managing Director, Energy, Mitie, said:
“The research clearly shows that the digital transformation of energy management will be central to delivering increased productivity and cost savings to the whole facilities management sector. Embracing technology not only improves energy efficiency and reduces carbon but is also key for organisations to mitigate against the impact of rising energy prices.

“It’s gratifying to see that nearly all those asked were already making progress in digitising their energy management, and we hope that this report will help others benchmark themselves against their peers and understand the wider opportunities that digital transformation can bring.”

For more information, or to download a copy of the report, visit http://www.info.mitie.com/digitaltransformation.

Notes to editors

Notes to Editors

Data Source: Independent research firm Verdantix interviewed 100 key decision makers across a range of facilities management, corporate real estate and workplace roles. The interviews were completed in March 2019 and were conducted over the phone to ensure high quality results.

About Mitie

Founded in 1987, Mitie is the UK’s leading facilities management and professional services company. It offers a range of services including Technical Services (Engineering Services, Energy, Water and Real Estate Services), Business Services (Security, Cleaning and Office Services) and Specialist Services (Care & Custody, Landscapes and Waste Management).

Mitie employs 48,900 people across the country, looking after a large, diverse, blue-chip customer base, from banks and retailers, to hospitals, schools and critical government strategic assets. It takes care of its customers’ people and buildings, by delivering the basics brilliantly and by deploying advanced technology. It is pioneering the Connected Workspace, using smart analytics to provide valuable insight and deliver efficiencies to create outstanding work environments for customers.