Industry Trends
Elliott’s Industry Trends features forward-thinking ideas on where the industry is heading, including addressing best practices, design considerations, productivity enhancements, and other ideas that will shape how owners and occupiers of commercial real estate plan their best practices. These articles are intended to stimulate ‘out of the box’ thinking about how to deliver the optimum environment for each industry’s unique needs.
ISSA Today (January / February 2026 Edition)
The January / February 2026 edition of the ISSA Today magazine focuses on the theme of artificial intelligence. Topics discussed include: The importance of adopting technology such as AI (P. 19-21), "generational differences in AI perception" and its implications on when to use AI tools (P. 22-23), and "how curiosity closes the gap between human understanding and machine intelligence" (P. 28-30). Other topics include "investing in healthier cleaning" for individuals with "chemical sensitivities" (P. 38-40) and the role of "architects and interior designers" in "designing for cleanability" (P. 41-43).
The People Factor: Crafting successful AI strategy that keeps humans in the mix
IFMA FMJ article on using "human capabilities" (such as "contextual experience and knowledge") to "balance out AI limitations" in facility management
Using Robotics for Competitive Advantage
Cleaning Maintenance & Management article on how robotic and autonomous cleaning equipment can benefit cleaning workers and improve customer experience (while also noting the practical limitations of such equipment)
Contracting Profits (January / February 2026 Edition)
The January / February 2026 edition of the Contracting Profits magazine discusses "prolong[ing] the life of floors" (P. 6-9), "how properly portioned chemicals optimize operations" in commercial cleaning (P. 10-11), and the usage of a "lightweight QR-enabled transparency layer" for proof of cleaning (P. 14-15).
Higher Returns: 3 steps to help FMs rethink cleaning protocols
IFMA FMJ article on avoiding "harsh chemicals in cleaning products," their implications on indoor air quality (and therefore occupant health), and the importance of audits of cleaning protocols
Building Operating Management (January 2026 Interactive Edition)
The January 2026 interactive edition of the Building Operating Management magazine discusses the implications of "bridging the gap between IT and operations" on cybersecurity (P. 6-8), using "energy audits" to "uncover hidden inefficiencies" (P. 10), trends in HVAC systems and technology including increased AI integration (P. 12-14), the 2026 National Facilities Management & Technology (NFMT) Conference (P. 20-21), and emphasizing the human element in facility management while using AI and automation to improve efficiency (P. 22).
How Workplace Analytics Helps Owners Right-Size Space and Cut Costs
Buildings.com article on the usage of AI tools "for smarter space planning... in a hybrid work environment"
Building Services Management (January 2026 Edition)
The January 2026 edition of the Building Services Management magazine discusses the usage of "autonomous mobile robots" in the cleaning industry (P. 14-15), "cleaning and sanitation for odor control" (P. 16-17), usage of AI "in improving trash sorting" (P. 18-19), "mold cleanup methods" (P. 26-27), and usage of AI for energy optimization (P. 28-29).
Facility Maintenance Decisions (January 2026 Edition)
The January 2026 edition of the Facility Maintenance Decisions magazine discusses continuous improvement in facility management (P. 4-5), sustainability projects at Tampa International Airport (P. 6-9), "practical strategies for keeping grounds equipment efficient, reliable, and responsive to labor and technology challenges" (P. 10-12), and "drain cleaning and maintenance" (P. 16-18).
Loyalty, Trust & Value: Why restrooms matter more than ever
IFMA FMJ article on how restrooms "reflect organizational priorities and directly affect user satisfaction" (and "strategies to elevate restroom performance")
Why Rodents Are a Year-Round Threat for Commercial Properties
Buildings.com article on why facility managers should treat rodents as more than just a "seasonal challenge" (and a "proactive defense strategy" for dealing with them)
Holiday Diagnostics: Using decreased occupancy to optimize facility performance
IFMA FMJ article on using the end-of-year holiday season to measure the "true performance baseline" of commercial facilities and "expose hidden inefficiencies"