In episode 165 of the Asset Champion podcast, Ryan Linthicum, managing principal, and Brett Milburn, GISP, principal and director of digital solutions at Langan Engineering & Environmental Services, join host Mike Petrusky to discuss the strategic implementation of cutting-edge technologies in asset management. They delve into the impact of AI, machine learning, geospatial analytics, and enterprise system integration on the built environment. They then explore the top trends and challenges in facility and asset management, offering strategies for managing the asset life cycle with the latest technology solutions. They also talk about governance and standardization, proactive stewardship, intentional design, and the potential of emerging technologies like AI, digital twins, and IoT sensors.
Agenda
- AI and other technologies reshaping facility and asset management
- Challenges in the industry, including data silos, regulatory pressures, and labor constraints
- Strategies for managing the asset life cycle, from design to operations
- Advice for leveraging innovation, building partnerships and staying grounded in purpose
What you need to know: Facility and maintenance takeaways
Takeaway 1: Embrace a holistic view of asset management and proactive stewardship
Asset management should be a comprehensive approach to protecting the built environment and reimagining possibilities, the guests explain.
Ryan says for him, that includes “stewardship, protecting the health, safety, performance of that built environment,” along with “systems integration, seeing the spaces, assets, energy, people all as one system, and then storytelling with data.”
Brett adds the importance of “leading the charge and transforming how organizations think about space, technology, and the people in those spaces. We’re typically not just fixing what is broken. Instead, we’re reimagining what is possible. You need to be a proactive steward in both space and strategy.”
Takeaway 2: Data is king, but data governance and integration are key challenges.
“The biggest challenge is often the data,” says Brett. “How do you collect it? How do you trust it, and how do you use it to make informed decisions?”
He adds that “finding ways for them to manage that data and the data governance around it is the biggest challenge they are faced with.”
Ryan agrees, pointing out that “data siloing is a challenge. Different platforms, different people using different buckets for data and not having that data be used amongst all the different platforms.”
Takeaway 3: Emerging technologies like AI, digital twins, and IoT are game changers
Advanced technologies are transforming facility and asset management by offering predictive capabilities, enhanced visualization, and improved efficiency.
Ryan says he sees “AI, without a doubt,” as a major player, noting its “ability to predict failure at a time, to reprioritize work orders as needed.”
Brett agrees, calling AI a game changer. He also points to indoor space mapping and digital twins as areas “where we are seeing a lot of big impact these days.” The technologies, he feels, have evolved from “nice to have” to providing clear value.
Takeaway 4: Design data flow with the end in mind and prioritize handover, not do-over
Ryan explains the need to start at the end. “Data flow, it should start with the end in mind… really defining that data that you need before you do the design, before you do the construction, before you do the turnover so that by the time it gets there you’ve got what you wanted and what you needed.”
He also stresses the importance of governance. He encourages owners to appoint a chief data owner or a data architect so that they can monitor the data flow.
Takeaway 5: Focus on outcomes, embrace change and build partnerships
Ryan offers three quick takeaways: “Number 1, pick outcomes, not features. Invest in people and technology and standardize data early. Data is king and making sure it’s standardized early will make your life so much easier in the future.”
Brett then adds his own ideas, encouraging listeners to embrace change, invest in technology that aligns with your goals, and build partnerships that help you scale.
Maintenance management insights
- Beyond just collecting data, the ability to trust it, manage it effectively, and leverage it for informed decisions is the biggest challenge facing asset managers.
- Fragmented data across different platforms creates silos, while connecting design and construction data into operational systems via BIM, GIS, and IWMS platforms ensure continuity and reduce risk.
- AI, digital twins, IoT sensors, and mobility solutions are powerful tools for predicting failures and optimizing operations, but they are meant to assist human expertise, not replace it.
- Organizations should invest in technology that directly aligns with their goals and solves problems, rather than adopting it merely for novelty, to achieve a clear return on investment.
- Modern asset management requires leaders to be proactive stewards of both physical spaces and strategic direction, focusing on intentional design and operational efficiency to support people within those spaces.
Do a deep dive into more asset management insights by exploring all Asset Champion Podcast episodes.
