“AI isn’t just about autonomous buildings—it’s about transforming how you work today.”
— Jacob Finley, Cochrane Supply
Artificial intelligence is no longer a futuristic concept—it’s a practical tool that businesses can utilize immediately to streamline operations, enhance decision-making, and even improve team management. At a recent industry session, Jacob Finley (Director of Tech Services, Cochran Supply) and Brad White (President, SCS Consulting) shared real-world examples of how AI is being used today, not just for automation, but for more intelligent workflows, recommissioning, and even team leadership.
Here’s how you can start leveraging AI in your own business.
1. Workflow Mapping: Let AI Challenge Your Processes
Many businesses rely on legacy processes simply because “that’s how we’ve always done it.” However, AI can help identify inefficiencies that you might overlook.
Example:
Jacob fed ChatGPT a simple contracting workflow:
- Bid and contracting
- Kickoff meeting
- Scope and design review
- Material procurement
AI’s Response:
- “Why is the project manager not involved earlier?”
- “Why are key stakeholders (commissioning agents, owner’s reps) missing from kickoff meetings?”
- “Why order all materials upfront instead of staging based on lead time?”
Result: A revised, optimized workflow—in minutes.
Key Takeaway:
Use AI as a thinking partner, not just a document generator. Ask it to critique your processes and suggest improvements.
2. AI as a Team Management Tool
ChatGPT’s new memory features enable it to act as a virtual team assistant, assisting with delegation, project planning, and even boosting morale.
Example:
Jacob uploaded employee strengths, schedules, and roles into a custom GPT. He then asked:
- “Who should lead our vendor review project?”
- “Give me a project plan for Lena to execute this.”
AI’s Response:
- Recommended Lena (procurement manager) lead, with support from finance and logistics.
- Generated an 8-week project plan with deliverables and next steps.
Bonus: When a team member asked, “What’s a vendor scorecard?” Jacob had ChatGPT generate one instantly.
Key Takeaway:
AI can automate delegation, planning, and even team rewards (e.g., “Who would enjoy concert tickets most?”).
3. AI for Recommissioning & Fault Detection
SES Consulting tested AI’s ability to identify building inefficiencies—with surprising results.
Method: Brad added details of how they
- Trained ChatGPT on past audits (building descriptions, BAS screenshots, trend logs).
- Fed it a new building’s data (without findings) and compared AI’s results to human audits.
Results:
- 80% accuracy in identifying issues (e.g., supply air resets, chiller optimizations).
- Missed some nuances but provided a strong starting point.
Key Takeaway:
AI won’t replace engineers, but it can augment junior staff, helping them identify issues more quickly.
4. Interacting with Documents in New Ways
Got a 300-page spec or guide? AI can turn it into an interactive knowledge base.
Example:
Brad from SES uploaded a 200-page electrification guide to Google LM and could:
- Ask questions (“What’s the best heat pump for domestic hot water?”)
- Generate summaries, study guides, and even a 45-minute podcast from the content.
Bonus: Contractors are using this for spec reviews—e.g., “Who handles VAV box power—us or the electrician?”
Key Takeaway:
AI makes dense documents searchable and digestible—great for training and client handoffs.
5. Rapid Prototyping with AI
Need custom code or a quick tool? AI can generate it.
Examples:
- BAS occupancy logic (Python scripts)
- Excel VBA for weather normalization (no commercial EMS needed)
- Maintenance plans from BAS screenshots
Key Takeaway:
AI is ideal for one-off solutions that don’t justify the expense of expensive software.
Challenges & Ethical Considerations
- Privacy: Avoid uploading sensitive client data; consider using local AI models (e.g., DeepSeek).
- Accuracy: AI can “hallucinate” (like inventing a fake commissioning quote!). Always verify outputs.
- Job Impact: AI won’t replace engineers, but it may replace rote tasks, pushing teams toward higher-value work.
Final Thought: Start Small, But Start
AI isn’t just for tech giants. Whether it’s:
✔ Optimizing workflows
✔ Managing teams
✔ Analyzing building data
✔ Generating reports & code
…there’s a use case for you.
“The best way to learn AI is to use it—not just read about it.”
Want the full slides or examples? Check out the session recap on Automated Buildings.
#AI #SmartBuildings #FacilityManagement
AI was used in creating this post
