A Comprehensive Review of the Benefits of Virtual Reality Application for Facilities Management in the Construction Industry †

Facilities management (FM) is pivotal in ensuring the efficient operation of built environments essential for organisational functions. However, buildings’ operation and maintenance stages often incur significant costs, emphasising the importance of effective FM practices. Digital technology, particularly Virtual Reality (VR), offers innovative solutions to enhance FM in the construction industry. Despite its potential benefits, VR adoption faces various barriers, such as financial constraints and a lack of standardisation, expertise, and awareness. This study aims to explore the application benefits of VR in FM within the South African construction industry, addressing the knowledge gap in the existing literature. A comprehensive literature review identifies key benefits of VR application for FM. Strategies to improve VR implementation include the development of cost-effective solutions, extensive training programs, and collaborative initiatives with stakeholders and government agencies. By leveraging VR technology, FM practices can be revolutionised, improving safety, communication, and project optimisation. This study provides insights into overcoming challenges and harnessing the transformative potential of VR in FM, paving the way for a more efficient, safe, and sustainable built environment in the South African construction industry.