Study: As Data Dominates Asset and Facilities Management Decisions, Organizations Strive to Modernize Infrastructure, Predict Asset Failures
Brightly Software’s 2025 State of U.S. Asset & Facilities Management Report reveals how U.S. industries leverage asset management and operations systems
CARY, N.C. – November 20, 2024 – Brightly Software, a Siemens company and the global leader in intelligent facilities asset management solutions, today released its “2025 State of U.S. Asset & Facilities Management Report,” which finds asset management software has become critical for organizations to manage equipment, facilities and infrastructure effectively, yet challenges like aging infrastructure, staff training and resistance to new technology persist.
The data, sourced from anonymous decision makers in the asset management buying process, found that nearly all respondents (98%) utilize asset management software to make data-driven decisions. And while 97% reported better decision making as the top benefit, 47% say they still grapple with aging infrastructure and only 59% feel equipped to predict asset failures.
“It’s encouraging to see that asset management practices have evolved to meet modern business needs across industries and drive efficiencies, but there are still opportunities for organizations to fully leverage their asset data through analytics, predictive insights or strategic planning,” said Brian Bell, head of strategy at Brightly Software. “We’re proud to support organizations looking to adopt greater capabilities with our leading asset management solutions, ultimately helping drive value in the short and long term.”
The report points to five key trends in how decision makers utilize asset management software across industries.
Reliable Data Drives Success: Data drives nearly every aspect of a modern asset management approach, with 72% citing anticipating and preventing downtime as a key use case in utilizing data and 96% noted they leverage asset data to optimize operations. However, the effectiveness of data could be compromised if users aren’t equipped to collect and interpret data to extract actionable insights, as 65% noted a lack of sufficient staff training as a challenge.
Versatility is Changing the Game: Asset management systems have shifted from operational tools to vital, comprehensive platforms in overall business strategy. All organizations utilize asset tracking and almost all (96%) utilize workflow optimization – but as capabilities grow, these tools are increasingly being utilized in strategic initiatives. Eighty-one percent analyze cost-effectiveness of assets while 76% apply them for strategic planning and 79% utilize asset management platforms for workforce sustainability planning.
Sustainability Initiatives Remain a Priority: 94% report they are prioritizing renewable energy projects, 83% are prioritizing recycling programs and 64% are prioritizing water conservation. However, only 51% of respondents utilize asset management systems to reduce environmental impact. Despite sustainability remaining a priority, the gap suggests that organizations may be underutilizing their data and asset management systems to reach these goals.
Policy & Compliance Drive Action, But at What Cost? 97% of respondents noted their asset management is influenced by organizational policy, highlighting its integral role in how organizations manage equipment, facilities and infrastructure. In comparison, 69% said their asset management strategies are guided by their organization’s capital investment plans and 53% are guided by budget constraints. No matter the guiding principle, a structured approach to asset management ensures efforts are aligned with regulations and organizational goals to drive effective decision making.
Safeguarding Against Knowledge Loss Starts Now: Workforce sustainability remains a critical barrier for organizations and the communities they serve, with 79% utilizing asset management to develop workforce sustainability plans. Similarly, the success of asset management depends on having trained and engaged teams, yet nearly half (49%) pointed to resistance by staff to changing workflows and systems as a key challenge. It’s critical that organizations effectively engage and upskill their current workforce to maximize asset management efforts.
The organizations that utilize complete asset management systems and data-driven insights to optimize processes, maximize ROI and enhance sustainability efforts will likely be the best positioned to deliver long-lasting value to their customers and create more meaningful impact of all stakeholders.
Read the “2025 State of U.S. Asset & Facilities Management Report,” and learn more about Brightly Software’s full suite of asset management solutions.
Methodology
The study was conducted by Brightly Software in partnership with Hanover Research. The data was collected through anonymous surveys of respondents who were required to pass a knowledge-based screening, were decision-makers in the asset management software selection process and who worked in the U.S. and in either education, manufacturing, government or healthcare industries.
About Brightly Software
Brightly Software, a Siemens company, enables organizations to successfully manage the entire lifecycle of their assets, facilities and infrastructure. As the global leader in intelligent asset management solutions for more than 25 years, Brightly’s sophisticated cloud-based platform is expertly designed to improve capital planning through smarter, data-driven decision making, empower technicians to predict, prioritize and manage preventative maintenance activities, and support organizations to achieve sustainability, compliance and efficiency goals. Combined with award-winning training, legendary support and managed services, more than 12,000 clients worldwide depend on Brightly to optimize their teams, operations and strategic planning initiatives. For more information, visit brightlysoftware.com.
