siliconindia | | August 20189environment is complemented with strong data driven decisions enabled by technologies like Internet of Things, Machine Learning and other related smart technologies, workplace can become more productive and effi cient. Today, with the advent of smart sensors integrated in all aspects of work, all devices within the company have become a source of data, which makes AI an opportunity to analyze the available data and drive actionable insights.What are Firms Achieving?Firms of all kinds, across sectors are harnessing AI to forecast demand, hire workers and deal with customers. In 2017, companies spent around USD 22bn on AI-related mergers and acquisitions, about 26 times more than in 2015. Google has gone ahead and declared that AI will do more for humanity than fi re or electricity.From a facilities management perspective, the two big areas that AI can contribute signifi cantly are the employee experience and organization's effi ciency. With smart solutions for desk management, cafeteria management, parking systems, visitor management systems, there is an opportunity to provide a seamless and smooth experience at each touchpoint where an employee interacts with the built environment and in the process, positively impacting their experience at work. At the other end of the spectrum, buildings today have huge amounts of valuable accrued data on energy, assets and people that can be put to work. With AI and predictive analytics coming into its own, organizations can use this data for insights that bring together operations, maintenance and sustainability for smart operations, occupant engagement and productivity. For the fi rst time, facilities management service providers have a chance to elevate their role from being a reactive service provider to a predictive partner who adds value to a delightful workplace.Naysayers might argue that robots are coming and a digital apocalypse is inevitable. But consider this, Amazon has increased the number of robots working in its warehouses in the past three years from 1,400 to 45,000. And, yet, the rate at which it hires workers hasn't changed. Why? Because automation allows Amazon to bring in effi ciencies, increase demand and hence, the need for more workers. The future workforce will need to be equipped with skills to work alongside AI - creativity and critical thinking will be essential, in addition to a range of non-formal qualifi cations such as independent thinking, networking, and abstract thought. It is time that organizations move the discussion on AI adoption from `should we' to `how soon'. Workplaces are constantly evolving and workforce needs to keep up with the pace. From a facilities management perspective, the two big areas that AI can contribute significantly are the employee experience and organization's efficiency2006Largest S&P 500 CompaniesBy market capitalization, billion US$Other sectorsAppleMicrosoftMicrosoftCitigroupBPRoyal Detch ShellAlphabet (Google)Berkshire HathawayFacebookAmazonGeneral ElectricExxonmobilTechnology2017
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