The momentum behind artificial intelligence (AI) for commercial buildings continues to grow as more deployments and use cases highlight the benefits the technology can add.

In an article for Facility Executive, Neil Strother, principal research analyst at Guidehouse Insights, says a growing body of repeatable case studies that show a positive ROI across multiple building types is helping to ease concerns of building owners and facilities managers who may be skeptical about the investment and outcomes of AI implementation.

“Stakeholders should bear in mind that a technology like AI is part of the overall trend toward smarter buildings, and the message is don’t get left behind,” Strother said. “AI can drive greater value and positive outcomes from buildings.”

For stakeholders considering AI, Strother suggested four steps to help stakeholders get started:

• Choose a pain point or problem that an AI tool might be able to solve. Do not take on multiple problems at once; instead, start small and build from there.
• Quantify connected assets. Knowing how many and what types of HVAC controls, sensors, relays, and communications devices are available and in use becomes the starting point for determining the additional hardware needed to enable an AI solution.
• Have financial managers and facilities managers do a thorough cost assessment. Moving ahead on an AI project often means spending for a combination of connected Internet of Things-type equipment, software, and services.
• Deploy an AI-supported project once the above steps have been taken. Then, measure the impact with key ROI metrics. As the process unfolds, make course corrections.

For more details, read the article and see Strother’s related Guidehouse Insights’ report, The Future of AI for Smart Buildings.