Fault Detection and Diagnostics (FDD) is rapidly becoming a must-have for engineering firms and property operations teams striving to deliver high-performing, operationally efficient buildings. By enabling earlier fault detection, faster issue resolution, and continuous performance improvement, AI-powered FDD helps teams meet tightening environmental targets while driving better outcomes for clients and assets alike.
Join Ryan Droege (Director, Digital Buildings at Cushman & Wakefield), Daniel Stanley (Managing Director, UK BMS Consultancy), and Paul Walsh (COO of CIM) for this insightful panel discussion, moderated by built environment journalist Jim McClelland.
Welcome & Introduction
Jim McClelland:
Welcome to today’s panel webinar hosted by CIM. I’m Jim McClelland, and I’ll be moderating our session focused on fault detection and diagnostics FDD and its role in accelerating digital transformation in buildings.
Joining me are three leading voices from across the built environment:
- Ryan Droege from Cushman & Wakefield
- Daniel Stanley from UK BMS Consultancy
- Paul Walsh from CIM
Together, we’ll explore how data is used to drive value, how AI enables faster onboarding and insights, and how organizations are operationalizing FDD across complex portfolios.
Speeding Up Onboarding with AI
Paul Walsh:
One of the biggest early hurdles in FDD deployment is data normalization. Naming conventions vary by region, company, and even by technician. Our AI tool analyzes large datasets, identifies patterns, and standardizes point names across buildings.
That process, which used to take weeks of manual work, now takes days—even when dealing with thousands of data points. We also use AI to automatically deploy rules for different types of plant equipment like AHUs, FCUs, and chillers. This significantly reduces the time to value.
Deploying FDD in Under 30 Days
Paul Walsh:
Once our data acquisition device is installed—it’s a small Intel NUC that fits into a BAS cabinet—we can fully commission a site in under 30 days.
But speed is only part of the equation. We’re also focused on bridging the gap between insight and action. FDD should enable field teams to act on issues quickly, without adding friction.
Operator Engagement is Key
Daniel Stanley:
FDD only works if people trust and use it. That means insights need to be accessible and understandable—not buried in tech jargon. We’ve found that when outputs are human-readable, technicians engage better and resolve faults faster.
It’s all about framing FDD as a tool that supports, not replaces, skilled workers.
Portfolio-Level Analytics and Standardization
Ryan Droege:
With FDD deployed across a portfolio, you gain the ability to benchmark and replicate best practices. That’s powerful for asset management and strategic planning.
Standardized data across our buildings helps us prioritize investment, identify outliers, and allocate resources where they’ll make the biggest difference.
From Faults to Root Cause
Paul Walsh:
FDD should deliver clarity. It’s not helpful to say “there’s a fault.” It’s critical to identify what’s wrong, where it’s occurring, and what needs to be done. Whether it’s a faulty actuator or a stuck damper, the system should tell the right team exactly what to fix.
We’ve designed our platform to avoid nuisance alarms and focus only on root causes. That improves collaboration across HVAC, BMS, and plumbing teams.
What Makes a Great FDD Solution?
Daniel Stanley:
We look for platforms that go beyond dashboards. The best solutions come with strong support, fast implementation, and flexibility. We avoid systems that require perfect data—no client has it. And we stay away from “alert spam” tools that overwhelm users.
Instead, we want clear insights, strong vendor partnerships, and ease of use for our field teams.
Advice for Engineering Firms
Paul Walsh:
The firms that lean into FDD now will lead the market. Whether you adopt CIM’s platform or another, this is coming. The value is too strong to ignore. Early adopters will build lasting client relationships and gain a significant edge.
Final Takeaways
Ryan Droege:
Standardize and simplify. Use data to drive consistent value across your portfolio.
Daniel Stanley:
Make FDD readable and relatable. Get buy-in from operators by showing them how it helps—not replaces—their work.
Paul Walsh:
FDD is the bridge between smart insights and real-world resolution. Deploy it well, and you’ll save time, energy, and build trust.
Closing Remarks
Jim McClelland:
Thank you to our panelists for sharing their experience and insights, and to our audience for tuning in. You’ll receive a link to the webinar recording shortly. Please do take a moment to complete the feedback survey—your input helps shape future sessions.
We appreciate your time and look forward to seeing you again soon.
Note this is AI-assisted, so there may be some minor transcription errors.
