6 Strategic Use Cases for AI-Driven Occupancy Intelligence

What do memory foam, camera phones, and Velcro have in common? They’re all products designed for the space program that are now widely used for other purposes here on Earth. 

A similar phenomenon is underway in another “space” industry–technology for optimizing workspace. Commonly referred to as “people-counting” technology, it uses AI-driven analytics to analyze foot traffic in the built environment. It makes it quick and easy to understand how people use a space, when they use it, and how often.

Occupancy measurement technology was originally developed to support facility management– a role that includes more than 130,000 U.S. workers, according to the latest data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Today, savvy facility managers use occupancy analytics to make all kinds of decisions—from scheduling cleaning and maintenance operations to optimizing HVAC systems to planning renovations. 

But occupancy data isn’t just for facility managers anymore. As the examples below show, decision-makers in multiple industries are analyzing average occupancy rates, dwell time, and other space utilization metrics to inform various business decisions.

6 Strategic Use Cases for AI-Driven Occupancy Intelligence

Commercial Real Estate

Brokers can use occupancy insights to better advise their CRE clients. According to a CRBE survey, while companies aim for a 65 percent occupancy level or greater, the actual utilization rate is 38 percent. 

By understanding how spaces are used, brokers and corporate real estate professionals can identify underutilized areas, recommend adjustments, and support clients in creating more efficient and effective workspaces that reflect actual demand.

Banking

Banks can tap into occupancy intelligence for lending. Corporate real estate lending represents a substantial share of banks' loan portfolios, and AI-powered tools—like occupancy intelligence–can help in assessing risk factors. High occupancy suggests stable income streams, reducing the risk of loan defaults. Conversely, properties with declining or low occupancy can signal a need for caution, prompting lenders to impose stricter lending terms or reconsider loan approvals.

Insurance 

Insurance companies also stand to benefit. Occupancy data allows insurers to more accurately assess how much space is used, leading to more precise pricing of policies. As with bank lending, heavily trafficked properties might carry different risk profiles than those with sporadic use—insights traditional models often miss.

Retail

Retailers are using occupancy intelligence to optimize their stores. By tracking how customers move through a retail space, companies can optimize store layouts, staffing, and marketing strategies to enhance both customer experience and sales. According to McKinsey & Company, optimizing store layouts based on occupancy data can boost retail sales by up to 15 percent. 

Healthcare

Hospitals are heavily trafficked buildings–in some cases, feeling a bit like small cities. Knowing how and when people move through space provides valuable insights for improving hospital services and resource efficiency. Occupancy data can be used to optimize the use of patient care areas, improving care quality. 

It can also be used to support more efficient operations. From determining where to place directional signage and waiting rooms to guiding cleaning and maintenance schedules, real-time data on usage can inform smarter, more responsive decision-making. 

Hospitality & Food Services

Hotels, dining halls, and caterers are using occupancy data to better align food preparation and staffing with actual demand. Knowing how many people are using space—and when—helps reduce food waste, optimize inventory, and improve guest experiences, especially in high-volume operations.

Occupancy intelligence is a product that has expanded far beyond its original purpose. What began as a solution for facility managers is now a strategic tool reshaping how business leaders think about space, service, and efficiency. Whether it’s a hospital corridor, a retail floor, or a hotel kitchen, knowing how people move through buildings provides real value. 

If how people move through building space is relevant to your organization, take a look at how a technology designed for “the facility folks” can deliver actionable insights and measurable benefits.

Nic Halverson, CEO of Occuspace, shares insights on the growing uses for occupancy intelligence.