Digital transformation and IoT in the facilities management industry: Assessment of key drivers and challenges

This study explores the drivers and challenges for utilizing the Internet of Things (IoT) in the Saudi Arabian facilities management (FM) Industry. A literature review identified IoT applications, drivers, and challenges in FM, followed by a survey of 60 practitioners (30 facilities managers and 30 IoT specialists) on IoT utilization in the Saudi FM industry. The analyzed results informed recommendations to enhance IoT adoption. The common drivers between the two groups of survey participants (with frequencies of 50.0% or more) included cost saving by optimizing energy usage, improving maintenance schedules and reducing downtime; and improving the efficiency of operations by providing real-time data on systems’ performance and usage patterns. The common challenges between the two stakeholder groups (with frequencies of 50.0% or more) included the lack of skills and knowledge about new technologies in FM organizations; and the inability to integrate legacy FM systems with IoT devices and platforms. This research contributes to the FM literature and industry by exploring various knowledge domains within a highly relevant and demanding area of the profession. The study’s outcomes offer potential for enhancing the current level of IoT adoption in Saudi Arabia’s FM industry. This is the first study that provides an analysis of the drivers and challenges for IoT utilization in the Saudi Arabian FM Industry. The outcomes provide a potential for improving the current level of IoT adoption.