Data on Facilities’ Front Lines

4/9/2025

Maintenance and engineering managers don’t really need more reasons to tap into the power of data to improve the condition and performance of their facilities. Most already understand the benefits of using data to make smarter decisions on the maintenance and operation of equipment and systems. 

But for managers who want more reasons, I can offer two. 

The arrival of Big Data more than a decade ago enabled managers to gather, analyze and act on data from a host of sensors and databases with the goal of improving facility condition and performance. Done well, data-driven management results in benefits related to safety, compliance, energy efficiency, occupancy patterns, equipment performance and the bottom line. 

But the benefits of data-driven management don't need to end with equipment performance. Managers also can use it to uncover benefits related to the performance of the people doing front-line work in facilities. Here are two examples: 

Technicians. Data collected in a department’s CMMS, paired with data from sensors on equipment performance, can help managers understand how efficient front-line technicians actually are. Technicians who have to repeat tasks or equipment that keeps breaking down after technician visits might indicate the need for more training. Managers also can use data to recognize and reward technicians who deliver. 

Contractors. It has never been more important for managers to demand more from their outsourcing partners, and data on project costs and equipment performance can help managers see whether contractors have followed through on their promises of savings and efficiency. 

In their efforts to maximize resources amid budget and staffing struggles, taking the fight to facilities’ front lines might be the most effective strategy managers have. 

Dan Hounsell is senior editor for the facilities market. He has more than 30 years of experience writing about facilities maintenance, engineering and management.