Industry 4.0 enabled predictive maintenance of facilities: A study on applicability, benefits and challenges

Maintenance management is an important function under Facilities Management (FM). Industries moved to preventive maintenance models to counteract the inefficiencies of reactive maintenance and further evolved into predictive maintenance (PdM) models. The demand for Industry 4.0 enabled PdM for FM has risen as a result of the industrial revolution and the dynamic nature of the FM functions. Thus, the study aimed to investigate the applicability, benefits, and challenges of applying Industry 4.0 concept for effective PdM in FM. The qualitative research approach was undertaken to accomplish the aim. A comprehensive literature review followed by 15 semi-structured interviews was carried out with experts in the maintenance sector who have Industry 4.0 knowledge. The data was collected from experts in Australia, Qatar, Dubai, Singapore, and Sri Lanka, and analysed through code-based content analysis using NVivo 12. The results demonstrate that there is a huge potential for using Industry 4.0 smart technologies such as big data analytics, Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS), autonomous robots, Cloud Computing, Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), cybersecurity, Machine Learning (ML), Augmented Reality (AR), Data Mining (DM), system integration, and simulation for PdM under FM. Applying Industry 4.0 concept for effective PdM under FM provides significant benefits such as the deployment of a zero-failure strategy, establishment of machine-to-machine communication and interaction, detection of early anomalies and extended equipment lifetime. Lack of technological knowledge, capital, data management, employees’ interest, integration between systems, standardized procedures, and internet access are identified key challenges.