Why I Use AI—and Why You Should Too

If you’ve been in facilities or maintenance management for a while, you’ve likely heard the usual buzz around AI: it’s the future, it’s going to replace jobs, it’s dangerous, it’s magic. The truth is simpler: AI is a tool. And like any good tool, it only works if you use it well.

In my work running a small facilities consultancy, I use AI every single day—not to replace what I do, but to sharpen it.

Smarter Planning, Faster Execution

One of the most time-consuming parts of my job is planning. Reviewing HVAC maintenance programs, comparing proposals from contractors, prioritizing capital improvements—these aren’t quick tasks. But AI helps me cut through the noise. I can feed it multiple proposals side-by-side and get a structured comparison of scope, gaps, and pricing differences. It often catches inconsistencies or omissions that I may have skimmed past on the first pass. It doesn’t make the final call, but it gives me a clearer picture, faster.

Getting More Out of My Time

AI also helps me get more done in the same amount of time. Whether I’m drafting a tenant readiness plan, reviewing a risk matrix, or writing up an SOP, I can ask AI to generate a starting point or double-check my work. It’s like having an assistant who never sleeps and doesn’t mind the grunt work.

This means I can spend more of my time where it matters—on-site, talking to clients, walking the property, solving problems.

AI Doesn’t Take Jobs—It Makes Us Better at Ours

I don’t buy into the idea that AI will take over jobs like mine. What I do is based on trust, experience, and relationships—none of which you can automate. But AI can help professionals like me deliver better results, faster, and with more confidence.

The best part? It’s available to everyone. You don’t need to be a tech expert. You just need to be willing to try.

The Bottom Line

AI isn’t something I fear—it’s something I’ve embraced. It’s helped me work more efficiently, plan more effectively, and catch things I might’ve missed. If you’re in facilities, property management, or any kind of operations role, my advice is simple: give it a shot. You might be surprised by how much time—and sanity—it saves you.