Dive Brief:
- Marcone is launching an AI-powered diagnostic tool to enable faster commercial HVAC, plumbing and kitchen repairs.
- The tool uses OpenAI and ChatGPT to guide technicians through a list of solutions related to specific appliances and issues.
- The HVAC and plumbing equipment distributor says the solution intends to improve customer satisfaction, as the facilities management industry increasingly integrates AI technology to combat ongoing labor challenges.
Dive Insight:
As a provider of commercial HVAC and plumbing equipment, with over 200 facilities across North America, Marcone distributes and repairs widely used products from suppliers, including Whirlpool, GE, Trane, Honywell, American Standard, LG, Rheem, Wolverine Brass and PlumbMaster.
In addition to giving repair technicians insight into appliance and equipment problems, its MarconeAI tool also provides a list of parts required to complete repairs. Paired with its next-day and two-day shipping, operators will be able to enact faster repairs for clients and tenants, the company said in a press release issued last week.
The launch of MarconeAI falls in line with a growing adoption of artificial intelligence applications and platforms in the commercial real estate and facilities management industries. As labor shortages plague operations and technical service segments, facility managers continue to look to AI to balance cost savings with tenant demands.
JLL launched its own generative AI solution last week. That language model, JLL GPT, aims to provide portfolio insights and drive operational efficiencies for its global service workforce. Matterport is bringing the technology to its digital twin platform, applying AI to digital models to optimize energy efficiency, improve maintenance and ensure safety in buildings. Other companies like Honeywell and Schneider Electric are using machine learning algorithms alongside sensor data to automate ventilation and air quality controls,
Despite positive industry sentiment on AI and machine learning, a recent Salesforce study found that a majority of workers do not have the skills to use AI technology effectively and safely.
Still, any tool that can reduce repair times is sure to help keep facility managers and building technicians cool, as the country faces HVAC-related outages amid record-level heat waves, deferred maintenance and cumbersome procurement processes.
