Report finds emerging technologies are reshaping asset management, but people remain key
3 September 2025 
Emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and digital twins are rapidly transforming enterprise asset management (EAM), according to the latest Maintenance Trend Report from Ultimo. Yet despite this technological shift, the research underlines that effective maintenance remains fundamentally a human-led activity.
The global survey of more than 200 maintenance professionals shows a sharp rise in interest in advanced technologies compared with the 2023 edition of the report. When asked which innovations would have the greatest positive impact on maintenance and business practices, 68% of respondents pointed to contextual intelligence — up from just 8% last year — followed by automation and robotics (49%) and machine learning (41%). Interest in digital twins has also more than doubled, now reaching 40%.
However, alongside enthusiasm for new tools, organisations continue to face pressing workforce challenges. Nearly two-thirds (63%) of respondents cited an ageing workforce as the most significant factor shaping maintenance strategy, emphasising the need for knowledge transfer and workforce planning. Recruiting skilled staff also remains a concern, with 50% saying it had been the primary source of operational disruption in 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.”
The report highlights how real-time data insights from IoT devices and predictive modelling — whose perceived value has tripled since 2023 — are helping organisations unlock new opportunities in maintenance planning. Yet, almost half (49%) of respondents identified a lack of in-house expertise as a barrier to adopting these advanced tools.
The findings also emphasise that while AI-enabled platforms are reshaping maintenance practices, people remain central to driving success. Modern EAM systems have evolved from static data repositories into predictive tools, helping teams shift from reactive maintenance towards proactive strategies. By combining AI with operational data, these systems can identify recurring failures, optimise workflows, and minimise downtime, effectively becoming a strategic adviser to asset managers.
As the report concludes, the future of maintenance will depend on a balance of human expertise and digital intelligence.
Produced in collaboration with Verdantix, TwinThread, ABS Consulting, and MaxGrip, the report is available for download here.