- Proof of convergence: 88% of IT leaders are now directly involved in real estate and facility management software decisions, and 77% of enterprises already run smart building programs.
- Limits of legacy tools: 71% still depend on spreadsheets and 63% on ERP to manage real estate and facilities, which slows transformation and increases risks.
- AI in facilities management: Generative AI is already shaping software choices, while agentic AI is expected to drive new levels of automation and efficiency.
- Priorities for IT in FM: Cybersecurity, integration, ESG compliance, and better strategic decision-making rank among the top priorities for IT leaders.
- Next Steps for buyers: Extend ERP with IWMS, CAFM, or CMMS systems. Connect real-time data across real estate, facilities and operations to support automation and AI use cases.
IDC surveyed 1,025 IT leaders to understand how the connection between IT, real estate and facilities management is changing. The findings show that traditional tools like ERP and spreadsheets can no longer keep up with the pace of digital transformation.
Disconnected systems are creating technical debt, compliance risks, and fragmented data. This IDC study explores how leading organizations are addressing these challenges by going beyond ERP toward more connected, AI-ready environments for real estate and facilities.
Inside you’ll discover:
Executive summary
Facilities and real estate are no longer purely operational concerns. They’re becoming strategic drivers of digital transformation. IT leaders now play a central role in selecting and integrating technologies that connect buildings, assets, and workplace data into a single view.
This IDC study helps IT leaders understand how facilities, real estate, and prop tech solutions are becoming integral parts of the enterprise technology stack.
By extending ERP with integrated platforms such as IWMS or CAFM, organizations can:
- Reduce technical debt through a connected data foundation.
- Strengthen compliance and reduce audit risks.
- Unlock real estate insights for better portfolio decisions.
- Support ESG and sustainability goals with measurable results.
- Build the foundation for smart buildings and workplace automation.
- Adopt next-generation AI safely and strategically.
Organizations that continue to rely on legacy tools will find it increasingly difficult to keep up with the pace of digital change. The IDC study shows how IT leaders are integrating real estate and facilities management software to gain full control over data, assets, and compliance.
Join them in setting practical new standards for connected and insight-driven operations.