“The world of building management is no longer just about bricks and mortar,” says Yasir Sheikh, a visionary in digital transformation and innovation. “It’s about creating smart, efficient, and sustainable environments using cutting-edge technology.”
Yasir Sheikh recently shared his insights with us on the state of building management and the challenges ahead, including a looming skilled labor shortage that could leave 80 million jobs unfilled by 2030. From optimizing field service operations to embracing AI-driven solutions, Yasir’s perspective sheds light on how businesses can thrive in a rapidly evolving landscape.
The Skills Gap: A Growing Concern
Yasir paints a stark picture of the skilled labor crisis in building management. “Our workforce is aging, and the younger generation isn’t pursuing traditional engineering paths,” he explains. The rapid shift to advanced digital platforms has compounded the issue, leaving a gap in expertise that is critical to maintaining and optimizing modern systems.
This is where technology steps in. AI and machine learning are not just buzzwords—they are essential tools to bridge the skills gap. “AI doesn’t just make systems smarter; it makes them easier to manage, ensuring that limited resources can focus on high-impact tasks,” Yasir notes.
Optimizing Operations with AI
For Yasir, the key to efficient building management lies in optimization, particularly through intelligent scheduling. He shares a compelling example from a Parisian university that seamlessly integrated its event booking system with its building management system (BMS).
“When a room is booked for an event, the system ensures the lights are on, the air conditioning is running, and the environment is ready—all without human intervention,” Yasir explains. This not only enhances the user experience but also minimizes energy waste, a win-win for sustainability and cost-efficiency.
Dynamic scheduling isn’t just about energy—it’s transforming field service teams too. “Imagine rescheduling hundreds of maintenance jobs on the fly during a major event or holiday,” Yasir says. “With AI, that’s not a logistical nightmare—it’s a streamlined process.”
Turning Complexity into Opportunity
Modern buildings are increasingly complex, but Yasir sees this as an opportunity for innovation. He describes how Honeywell’s headquarters utilizes advanced BMS features like motion detection and facial recognition to optimize cleaning schedules.
“Over time, the system learns patterns,” Yasir shares. “It knows where resources are needed most and adapts in real-time. It’s about being proactive rather than reactive.”
This approach exemplifies how predictive and prescriptive technologies can simplify operations and improve resource allocation.
Looking Ahead: The Era of Prescriptive Maintenance
When asked about the future of building management, Yasir is optimistic. “We’re moving into the era of prescriptive maintenance,” he says. “AI won’t just predict failures—it will recommend specific actions to prevent them.”
Connectivity will also be a game-changer, enabling real-time data sharing and seamless integration across systems. “The future is connected,” Yasir states. “This connectivity drives efficiency and ensures that businesses can adapt quickly to any challenge.”
Embracing the Future
For those hesitant to adopt new technologies, Yasir offers simple but powerful advice: “There’s no reason not to embrace these advancements. Connected systems are secure and provide invaluable insights that improve operations and reduce costs.”
As building management continues to evolve, Yasir’s insights remind us of the potential of technology to transform challenges into opportunities. The key is to act now and invest in the future.
Learn more about integrating optimization AI in your building management in our Planon Building Management Case study
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