The International Facility Management Association (IFMA) plans to generate more resources and grounded insights on artificial intelligence. The goal is to help facility management professionals differentiate AI hype from reality and understand how to harness AI’s potential.

The association released a statement that it will leverage its research capabilities to guide 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, “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.”