The FM Analyst is not necessarily a formal job title, but a mindset and working profile that reflects the modern data-enabled facility management (FM) professional. The objective of this research was to understand how FM professionals are engaging with data and analytics in practice, how those capabilities are evolving, and what kinds of roles, mindsets and organizational changes are emerging in response.

As facility management advances through the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and data analytics, data-driven decision-making is becoming crucial for optimizing FM operations, reducing costs and improving sustainability. The recent IFMA report, “Gamechanger: A Facility Manager’s Guide to Building a Relationship with AI,” highlights how AI is revolutionizing key areas such as predictive maintenance, energy optimization and space utilization. [1] However, the report also reveals a critical gap: while AI generates valuable data, many facility managers lack the expertise to effectively interpret and apply these insights.

Growing reliance on AI and data-driven strategies in FM creates a demand for professionals who possess both advanced data analytical skills and deep technical FM knowledge. Currently, FM teams may employ data analysts but finding individuals who can bridge this gap remains a significant challenge. This research explores the emergence and potential of the FM Analyst, a new breed of FM professional, whose role marries data analytics with FM expertise.

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