Facilities management has invested heavily in digital systems, but the next opportunity is turning those investments into measurable improvements across building operations. In a sponsored Business Reporter article featuring Linaker, the company argues that connecting operational, scheduling, finance and compliance systems can reduce administrative duplication and give customers clearer visibility of service performance. For an industry balancing cost control, regulatory obligations, sustainability targets and workforce pressures, the priority is increasingly to make technology work together rather than continue adding separate platforms.

The case for better integration is supported by wider industry research. MRI Software’s 2026 survey of 188 UK facilities management professionals found that 52% lacked confidence that their data was accurate enough to support AI or digital decision-making, while 83% expected greater use of smart technologies and automation to shape the sector over the next five years. The findings highlight an important opportunity for FM providers and clients: reliable, connected information is a foundation for making better use of existing systems and preparing for further automation. Investment is more likely to deliver practical value when teams can trust the data informing maintenance, compliance and performance decisions.

For facilities managers, the benefits extend beyond administration. Connecting asset registers, maintenance histories and compliance records can make it easier to identify recurring faults, prioritise interventions and understand where investment is needed. Better scheduling and access to technical information can also help engineers resolve issues more efficiently, potentially reducing repeat visits and unnecessary travel. These improvements can support sustainability objectives while helping clients manage operating costs and extend asset life. Technology should not replace professional judgement, however. Its value depends on accurate records, appropriate governance and skilled people who can interpret information and act on it.

Procurement has an important role in making this approach work. When selecting FM partners or digital platforms, buyers can look beyond upfront price and headline features to assess interoperability, data quality, implementation support, staff training and measurable service outcomes. Clear requirements around information ownership, system integration and reporting can help prevent new investments from creating further silos. Mobilisation also matters: validating asset information, agreeing performance measures and establishing responsibilities at the beginning of a contract gives providers and customers a stronger basis for continuous improvement. These considerations can help turn digital transformation from a technology project into a long-term operational strategy.

The opportunity for the FM sector is to connect technology with the people and processes that make buildings perform well. Better information can strengthen compliance oversight, support more informed maintenance decisions and give customers greater transparency, while automation can free engineers to concentrate on technical expertise and service quality. As expectations around efficiency and sustainability continue to grow, the strongest digital strategies will not necessarily be those with the most platforms, but those that translate reliable data into practical results for buildings, businesses and the people who use them.