How to Think Like an FM Analyst

Facility management is becoming increasingly data-driven, but the “FM analyst” isn’t a role, it’s a mindset. In this episode, we explore how curiosity, storytelling and data confidence are reshaping the future of FM.  

What does it mean to “think like an FM analyst”?

In this episode of Connected FM, Dr. Matt Tucker, Director of Knowledge and Insights at IFMA, sits down with Drew DePriest, Director of Workplace Services, Vendor Management at Salesforce, to unpack the evolving role of data, analytics and AI in facility management.

Drawing on insights from IFMA’s The Rise of the FM Analyst report, they explore why the FM analyst isn’t a job title, but a mindset grounded in curiosity, problem solving and cross-functional thinking. From fragmented data systems to the growing importance of storytelling in the C-suite, the conversation highlights what it takes to turn data into decisions that drive real business value.

They also dive into:

• The six key traits shaping modern FM professionals
• Why data confidence is still a major gap across the industry
• How FM fits into the broader enterprise data ecosystem
• The role of AI as a “co-pilot” for analysis and decision-making
• What the next 5–10 years of FM could look like in a digital-first world

This episode is sponsored by TMA Systems! Discover more at https://www.tmasystems.com/ifmapodcast

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