The future of big data in facilities management :
opportunities and challenges

Ahmed, V; Tezel, BA; Aziz, ZUH; Magda, S

Abstract

Purpose: This paper explores the current condition of the Big Data concept with its
related barriers, drivers, opportunities and perceptions in the AEC industry with an
emphasis on Facilities Management (FM).
Design/methodology/approach: Following a comprehensive literature review, the Big
Data concept was investigated through two scoping workshops with industry experts and
academics.
Findings: The value in data analytics and Big Data is perceived by the industry; yet the
industry needs guidance and leadership. Also, the industry recognises the imbalance
between data capturing and data analytics. Large IT vendors’ developing AEC industry
focused analytics solutions and better interoperability among different vendors are
needed. The general concerns for Big Data analytics mostly apply to the AEC industry as
well. Additionally however, the industry suffers from a structural fragmentation for data
integration with many small-sized companies operating in its supply chains. This paper
also identifies a number of drivers, challenges and way-forwards that calls for future
actions for Big Data in FM in the AEC industry.
Originality/value: The nature of data in the business world has dramatically changed
over the past 20 years. This phenomenon is often broadly dubbed as “Big Data” with its
distinctive characteristics, opportunities and challenges. Some industries have already
started to effectively exploit “Big Data” in their business operations. However, despite
many perceived benefits, the AEC industry has been slow in discussing and adopting the
Big Data concept. Empirical research efforts investigating Big Data for the AEC industry
are also scarce. This paper aims at outlining the benefits, challenges and future directions
(what to do) for Big Data in the AEC industry with a FM focus.

Citation

opportunities and challenges. Facilities, 35(13/14), 725-745. https://doi.org/10.1108/F-06-2016-0064

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Jan 10, 2017
• Online Publication Date: Aug 29, 2017
• Publication Date: Aug 29, 2017
• Deposit Date: Jan 11, 2017
• Publicly Available Date: Sep 26, 2017
• Journal: Facilities
• Print ISSN: 0263-2772
• Publisher: Emerald
• Volume: 35
• Issue: 13/14
• Pages: 725-745
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/F-06-2016-0064
• Publisher URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/F-06-2016-0064
• Related Public URLs: http://www.emeraldinsight.com/loi/f