Smart buildings are no longer futuristic concepts. Across the globe, facility leaders are investing in technology to optimize energy use, streamline operations, and create better occupant experiences.

However, while heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, lighting controls, and occupancy sensors often take center stage, one of the most visible and frequently used spaces in any building is often overlooked in the conversation: The restroom.

That omission comes at a cost.

The pressures facility leaders face

Today’s facility managers and service providers face a difficult balance. Budgets are tightening, yet expectations continue to rise. Labor resources are stretched, with teams asked to do more in less time. Additionally, the need to anticipate industry shifts—from sustainability goals to emerging technologies—continues to grow stronger every year.

Nowhere do these pressures converge more visibly than in the restroom. High-traffic, high-complaint, and high-cost restrooms are often the first place that guests notice when operations fall short. One outage, one empty dispenser, or one unclean space can undermine trust in a facility.

From reactive to predictive

Traditionally, restroom maintenance has been a reactive approach. Teams follow rigid schedules or respond to emergencies and complaints. This model wastes resources, drains labor hours, and leaves facilities vulnerable to guest dissatisfaction.

Predictive intelligence offers a better path forward. By combining historical usage patterns with real-time data, facility teams can anticipate needs before problems occur. Instead of unnecessary checks and rushed emergencies, servicing happens when and where it’s genuinely needed. The result is a shift from firefighting to foresight.

Proof in practice

In one large office building, predictive restroom technology helped facility managers save more than 3,000 hours of cleaning time in a single year. This equated to more than US$35,000 in labor savings, enabling teams to focus on in-depth cleaning and higher-value work throughout the property.

This example illustrates how predictive approaches ease labor pressures, control costs, and strengthen the overall building experience.

Why now

The timing could not be more important. Labor costs continue to rise. Guest expectations are increasing, with little tolerance for service failures. Sustainability commitments are pushing organizations to do more with less. And adoption of smart technology is advancing across the built environment.

In this context, predictive restrooms are not a luxury; they are a strategic step forward. Restrooms that are consistently clean, stocked, and operational send a powerful signal: This is a facility that cares about its people and is preparing for the future.

Restrooms as brand-defining spaces

Ultimately, predictive intelligence is about more than reducing complaints or saving costs. It is about redefining the role of the restroom within the smart building strategy. Restrooms can be elevated into brand-defining spaces—spaces that reflect a facility’s standards, values, and commitment to excellence.

When restrooms deliver consistently, they reinforce trust. For guests, that means confidence in the facility. For teams, it means less stress and more pride in their work. And for leaders, it means assurance that one of their most visible spaces is working as it should: seamlessly, reliably, and intelligently.

The cornerstone of facility performance

Smart buildings deserve smart restrooms. As predictive intelligence becomes more prevalent, the restroom will no longer be overlooked. It will be recognized as a cornerstone of facility performance and brand experience.

Karen Ross is the business operations leader for Onvation^® at Kimberly-Clark Professional. She has nearly 20 years of experience in innovation and product leadership and is a frequent speaker on how smart building technology is transforming facility management.