For healthcare facility leaders, artificial intelligence is no longer a distant buzzword—it's a tool bringing real operational value right now. From smarter maintenance to efficient resource allocation, AI is enabling facilities teams to anticipate issues, streamline workflows, and elevate patient care environments. Our co-founder and CEO Dareen recently participated in a panel hosted by the Association of Medical Facility Professionals (AMFP) Greater New York, which highlighted actionable strategies and firsthand experiences from leaders embracing this transformation.
Moderated by Jonathan Cogswell of Northwell Health, the discussion unpacked how AI is being leveraged within facility management, what’s driving operational wins, and how leaders can achieve successful adoption.
The other panelists were Austin Delaney, Executive Vice President at Healthcare Building Solutions; David Geller, Vice President Planning, Design, and Construction at Mount Sinai Health System; Lori Mazor, founder and CEO of Synthetivity; and Scott Edelman, CEO and Executive Director of Burke Rehabilitation.
Here are some insights from the webinar.
Defining AI as a Practical Tool
AI is already affecting how teams work across the industry. As Delaney put it, "if you're not using AI today, you're already behind." Mazor helpfully divided AI into two categories: discriminative AI, which is adept at spotting patterns and organizing information, has been commonplace for years now. Generative AI, which produces new content such as schedules or reports, is what's being rapidly adopted today.
AI isn't about replacing your experienced team—it’s about automating repetitive work and amplifying your ability to solve problems before they escalate. As Edelman put it: AI is "a brilliant assistant who doesn't need a coffee break and can spot a needle in the haystack."
Where Facilities Leaders Are Seeing Results
Predictive Maintenance: From Reactive to Proactive
One of the biggest operational advantages for facilities leadership? AI systems that monitor equipment health, detect abnormal patterns, and predict failures before they cause downtime. No more waiting for HVAC units or boilers to fail unexpectedly—AI flags issues early, enabling budget-friendly repairs and maximizing asset lifecycle. Edelman shared how this approach allows better financial planning for replacing aging systems.
Automating Operations & Elevating Team Productivity
Edelman discussed several ways his facility is using AI to improve both safety and the patient experience:
- Smart Environments: AI-powered room controls let immobile patients do tasks like closing the door or opening the blinds with their voices, rather than being dependent on nurses to do these for them.
- Optimizing Traffic Flow: They use AI to optimize the logistics around transporting linens, meals, and other items to avoid bottlenecks in the elevators.
- Promoting Safety: Sensor-based AI monitors for fall risks and has seen measurable improvements in incident reduction.
Streamlining Project Delivery & Administration
- Computational Drafting: AI tools can generate layout or renovation options in hours, not weeks—giving facility leaders more choices and faster project cycles.
- Data gathering: Gryps uses digital agents to tackle repetitive administrative work like pulling permits or updating compliance logs.
- BIM Enhancements: Clash detection and virtual walkthroughs powered by AI reduce design errors and costly mid-project changes.
"Let the AI systems take the parts that are just kind of rinse and repeat mundane... so we as humans can focus on the creative elements of our job." - Austin Delaney, Healthcare Building Solutions
Data Quality: The Foundation for AI Success
As a facilities leader, your biggest lever for better AI outcomes is robust, relevant data. Panelists cautioned that poor input leads to unreliable recommendations. As Delaney put it: "garbage in, garbage out."
It's also crucial to break down silos and integrate information from all facility management platforms and departments. Salama explained that while many facilities leaders think most or all of their important data is in one place, once they start these projects they usually find that it's actually scattered across multiple systems. Gryps is the leading platform for data collection from multiple sources, providing immediate value to customers looking to understand their data and improve its quality.
Even with good data, you still need to make sure you're asking AI questions the right way. Geller emphasized, "if you're not asking the right question, you're not going to get the right answer."
Navigating Risk and Building Buy-In
Implementing AI-driven changes means engaging stakeholders to anticipate and address concerns. Facility leaders should:
- Define what sensitive data means for your organization and set clear boundaries on what AI systems access.
- Work with compliance and IT early to establish strong governance and privacy.
- Upskill your team: Involve experienced staff in vetting and tuning AI recommendations, making sure institutional knowledge is preserved.
While some routine work may be fully replaced, AI is going to make facilities teams more strategic. Mazor observed that experienced facilities professionals who start using AI "turn into superpowered machines, and have longevity in their careers.”
Be the Change Agent
The AMFP panel’s core message for facilities leaders: Begin now. Start small, focus on practical returns, and cultivate a culture of experimentation. Your leadership in adopting AI will set the standard for operational excellence, safety, and budget stewardship.
Ready to lead your organization into the AI-powered future? Learn more about how Gryps prepares your data for AI and gives your team simple, high-value use cases you can implement right away.
