Looking Back & Ahead: The Top 5 Blogs of 2024 and 5 Trends Shaping Facilities Management for 2025
As facilities managers continue to face growing challenges—from sustainability goals to limited resource allocation—staying informed and adaptable is crucial for success. At Brightly Software, we aim to make this easier by providing insights, tools, and strategies you need to help optimize operations, improve efficiency, and plan for the future with confidence.
As we move into another new year, we’re reflecting on the top topics that resonated most with our readers last year and looking ahead to share five key trends that will shape facilities management this year and give you a head start on what to expect in 2025.
The top 5 blogs from 2024
From sustainability to capital planning to choosing the right CMMS, our most-read blogs in 2024 covered a wide range of topics that matter most to facilities managers. They provided actionable strategies, expert insights, and real-world examples to help organizations tackle challenges and achieve their goals.
The top posts included:
- You Get What You Pay For: Evaluating CMMS Beyond Cost
- 5 Reasons to Use Asset Management to Drive Your Community’s Capital Plan
- How to Calculate Your Business’ Carbon Footprint
- P-F Curve Explained: Definition and Use Cases in Maintenance
- 10 Simple Ways to Reduce Your Business’ Carbon Footprint
Sustainability, data-driven decision-making, and maximizing the value of a CMMS were clearly top priorities for facilities managers in 2024. And these blogs provided practical tips and forward-thinking strategies that helped organizations stay ahead of the curve.
As we move into 2025, let’s shift our focus to the trends that we think will shape the future of facilities management and help organizations continue driving success in the year ahead.
The top 5 trends for 2025
As facilities management continues to evolve, 2025 is set to bring advancements that emphasize smarter technologies, workforce adaptability, and healthier, more efficient spaces. Here are the top trends expected to shape the industry this year:
Continued growth of smart building technology, AI, IoT and digital twins
AI and smart building technologies are revolutionizing facilities management through advanced data analysis and automation. Predictive maintenance powered by IoT sensors is cutting downtime by 35–45%, while digital twins allow managers to model scenarios and optimize operations in real time. These innovations offer new ways to streamline processes, reduce costs, and improve performance.
Increased demand for tech-savvy management and creative staffing strategies
With the facilities workforce facing a 74% shortage of qualified talent, facilities teams are now adopting hybrid workforce models and dedicated preventive maintenance teams—employed by 36% of organizations. As roles shift, managers need expertise in AI, machine learning, and advanced analytics to stay competitive and effectively manage modern facilities.
Prioritization of health and wellness technologies
Health-focused design continues to grow in importance. Facilities are implementing hospital-grade air filtration, UV-C disinfection systems, and real-time environmental monitoring. Wellness-focused spaces and biophilic designs are also becoming standard, particularly in healthcare and critical environments, where safety and cleanliness are top priorities.
Updated space optimization and hybrid work solutions
The rise of hybrid work is reshaping how spaces are used. With 82% of facilities investing in technologies to support flexible layouts, AI-powered systems can now dynamically manage space allocation based on real-time occupancy data. Modular furniture and collaborative spaces further enhance adaptability, reflecting new workplace demands.
More advanced CMMS integration
Modern CMMS platforms are more powerful than ever, integrating with Building Automation Systems, IoT sensors, and energy management tools. These systems provide a centralized hub for monitoring assets, ensuring compliance, and leveraging real-time analytics to drive smarter decision-making. With 80% user satisfaction, CMMS platforms remain essential for efficient facility operations.
Conclusion
As we reflect on 2024 and look ahead to 2025, one thing is clear—facilities management is undergoing a transformation driven by smarter technologies, evolving workforce dynamics, and a growing emphasis on sustainability and wellness.
If you’re ready to make 2025 your most efficient and effective year ever, see how Brightly Software can support you at every stage of your asset and facilities management journey.
