Irish Companies Leading the Innovation of Facilities Management

Irish Companies that are Leading the Innovation of Facilities Management
17 May 2023

Innovation in facilities management involves using new technologies, practices and approaches to optimise performance, reduce costs, and improve occupant satisfaction.

Some of the most innovative developments in facilities management that have been emerging in recent years include:

  1. Building Information Modeling (BIM): BIM is a digital 3D model of a building that contains all the information about the building's design, construction, and operation. BIM can be used to optimise building performance, reduce costs, and improve collaboration between designers, builders, and facility managers.

  2. Internet of Things (IoT): IoT technology involves connecting devices and sensors to the internet to collect and analyze data in real time. In facilities management, IoT can be used to monitor and control building systems such as lighting, HVAC, and security, improving energy efficiency and occupant comfort.

  3. Augmented Reality (AR): AR technology allows facility managers to view virtual images of a building's systems and components overlaid in the real world. This can help facilitate maintenance and repair tasks, reducing downtime and improving system performance.

  4. Artificial Intelligence (AI): AI can be used in facilities management to optimise building performance, reduce energy consumption, and improve occupant comfort. AI can analyse data from sensors and other sources to identify patterns and make predictions about system performance, allowing facility managers to make data-driven decisions.

  5. Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Monitoring: IAQ monitoring systems use sensors to monitor air quality parameters such as temperature, humidity, and CO2 levels. These systems can alert facility managers to potential IAQ issues, allowing them to take action to improve occupant comfort and health.

These are just some examples of innovation in facilities management.

In this article, we will look at three Irish companies that are leading the innovation of facilities management. There are many innovative FM companies in Ireland, these are just an example. 

  1. PlanNet21 Communications: PlanNet21 Communications is an Irish company that offers facilities management services using state-of-the-art technologies. They provide innovative solutions for building automation, security, and energy management. Their services include IoT (Internet of Things) solutions, CCTV systems, access control, fire detection, and more. PlanNet21 Communications has worked with a range of clients in various industries, including healthcare, education, hospitality, and retail.

  2. ISS Ireland: ISS Facility Services is a company highly renowned for providing its clients with excellent facility services. It provides dependable and high-quality facility management, cleaning services, security options, catering, and in-house maintenance that is tailored to each client's needs. When it comes to customer service, ISS Ireland stands out from the competition because of their meticulous attention to detail. They take the initiative to learn about client needs, adapt to new technology, and adapt services as necessary.

  3. OCS Group Ireland: OCS Group Ireland is a leading provider of facilities management services in Ireland. They offer a wide range of services, including cleaning, security, catering, waste management, and more. OCS Group Ireland is committed to using innovative technologies to improve their services and ensure they deliver the highest level of customer satisfaction. They have invested in cloud-based facilities management systems, mobile technology, and data analytics to help them better manage their clients' facilities.

Other companies have been awarded for their efforts in innovation and sustainability in facilities management. 

The Overall Excellence in Facilities Management winner at the FM Awards 2022 was Sensori FM.

Sensori FM is an Irish company that provides smart building solutions for facilities management. The company specialises in using IoT (Internet of Things) technology and data analytics to optimise building performance, reduce costs, and improve occupant comfort.

Sensori FM's services include:

  • Building Performance Analytics
  • Predictive Maintenance
  • Occupancy Analytics
  • Smart Building Controls

In the facilities management industry, we can learn a lot by looking to the innovators and leaders who are currently at the top of their game. Continuing education in facilities management is another way to stay ahead with the latest trends, research and skills.

Get in contact

Portobello Institute offers IWFM level 3, 4 and 5 qualifications as well as BSc (Hons) in Workplace and Facilities Management, an MSc in Facilities Management and more.

To view our upcoming start dates visit the department page here.

If you are interested in any of our Facilities Management degrees or qualifications you can book a consultation call with our expert FM advisor Brandon McLean here, email brandon.mclean@portobelloinstitute.com or call 01 892 0035. 

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Janice O’Toole


Education is a journey that we all begin and finish at different points in our lives. I support students from all walks of life as they map out the path to their dream career. As I am often the first point of contact for many prospective students, I am excited to introduce students to the Portobello Institute experience. I love learning about students’ ideas, goals, and passions, and this job allows me to do so.

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