AI is advancing asset maintenance

The survey of 200+ maintenance professionals worldwide shows a dramatic increase in interest in next-generation technologies since the last Ultimo EAM Trend Report in 2023. When asked which innovations will have the most positive impact on their maintenance and business practices, respondents named contextual intelligence (68%), up from just 8% previously, automation and robotics (49%), and machine learning (41%). Interest in digital twins has more than doubled since the last survey, now at 40%.

Despite these gains, workforce challenges continue to dominate organisational concerns. The aging workforce was identified by 63% of respondents as the most pressing trend impacting maintenance strategy, highlighting the urgency of knowledge transfer and workforce planning. Half (50%) of respondents said recruiting experienced staff was the primary source of disruption over the past year.

"From global instability to changing regulations, socio-economic and political shifts are creating uncertainty across industries. In this environment, agility is critical," said Berend Booms, head of EAM Insights at Ultimo, an IFS company. “EAM can also serve as a catalyst for innovation. Internet of Things (IoT), AI, ML, digital twins, and predictive analytics are rapidly transforming industrial businesses. They unlock smarter decision-making, greater efficiency, and a sharper competitive edge.”

While EAM has long been a staple of asset-heavy industries, its potential is now being unlocked thanks to real-time insights from data captured and analyzed by technologies like IoT and predictive modeling - the latter of which has tripled in perceived impact since the 2023 survey. Still, almost half (49%) of respondents cite a lack of internal expertise as a key barrier to adopting these advanced tools.

The future of maintenance may be enabled by AI, but it will still be guided by people. Modern EAM systems have evolved from static log repositories into engines of foresight. By leveraging AI and maintenance data, they deliver actionable insights that help teams shift from reactive fixes to proactive strategies. From spotting recurring failures to optimising workflows, EAM now acts as a strategic advisor driving efficiency, preventing downtime, and maximising the impact of every maintenance dollar.

Ultimo is helping clients to capitalise potential with AI-powered EAM features that require no in-house model training or heavy infrastructure investments. These tools are designed to lower the barrier to entry while delivering immediate operational gains.

As Ultimo’s Maintenance Trend Report makes clear, technology alone isn’t the solution. It’s the blend of human expertise and intelligent systems that will shape the future of maintenance success. The report features insights from research firm Verdantix, as well as industrial AI and digital twin Cloud platform company, TwinThread, safety and risk management company, ABS Consulting, and asset performance management company, MaxGrip.

Download a copy at:

www.ultimo.com/report