8 facilities management trends – 2026 developments defining the industry

Choosing the right facilities management strategy is no longer just about maintaining buildings. Organizations are being pushed to modernize operations, reduce costs, and improve visibility across increasingly complex portfolios. 

According to MRI Software’s State of Facilities Management report, FM teams understand what needs to change, but many still struggle to execute due to budget constraints, outdated systems, and limited resources.  

So, what is shaping facilities management in 2026? Check out the hottest facility management trends below!

Key takeaways from the State of Facilities Management report 

• 78% of FM teams say budget restrictions are limiting modernization efforts  

• 92% identify energy management as the biggest opportunity for cost savings  

• 80% say offline capability is critical, yet only 51% say their tools are easy to use  

• Only 38% have access to real-time occupancy data  

8 Facilities Management Trends – 2026

 

1. Modernization is no longer optional

FM teams are under pressure to modernize, but execution is uneven. Most organizations know where they need to go, but lack the budget, tools, or resources to get there.

2. The gap between strategy and reality is growing

While 63% of leaders say they are proactive, only 46% report limited unplanned maintenance. 
This shows a clear disconnect between perceived performance and actual outcomes.

3. Budget constraints remain the biggest barrier 

Even as technology becomes more critical, FM is still often treated as a cost center. Only 40% of organizations believe they are allocating enough budget to FM technology. 

4. Energy management is the top cost savings opportunity

Energy stands out as the most agreed-upon priority across the industry. 

• 92% say it is the biggest cost savings opportunity  

• 70% already use energy management tools  

• 90% expect it to be essential in the next five years

5. Real time data is still out of reach

FM teams are expected to operate in dynamic environments, but most lack real-time visibility. 

Only 38% have access to real-time occupancy data, even as space usage continues to shift. 

6. Offline work is critical but underserved

Facilities work does not happen at a desk. It happens in mechanical rooms, basements, and areas with poor connectivity. 

• 80% say offline capability is essential  

• Only 51% say their tools are easy for field teams to use  

7. Automation is widely accepted but not fully realized

There is strong alignment around efficiency. 

• 100% agree operational improvements reduce costs  

• 87% say automation of manual processes drives savings  

Yet adoption still lags behind expectations. 

8. The workforce gap is becoming a real risk

The FM workforce is aging, and many experienced professionals are nearing retirement. At the same time, newer technologies like AI are not being fully adopted fast enough to close the gap. 

Why this matters for facilities leaders 

The findings point to a clear pattern. FM leaders understand the future of facilities management, but execution is being slowed by disconnected systems, limited budgets, and lack of real-time visibility. 

This is where integrated, data-driven platforms are becoming critical. Organizations that can connect energy, maintenance, space, and operations into a single system are better positioned to close the gap between strategy and execution. 

The bottom line 

Facilities management is not lacking direction. It lacks the ability to execute consistently on scale. 

That is why organizations are turning to connected facility management software platforms like MRI Software, which help unify data, improve visibility, and support more predictive, efficient operations across the portfolio. 

FAQs on trends in facility management