Turnkey internet service? Check. EV charging? Check. Indoor mobile coverage? Check.
Ten years ago, you’d be hard-pressed to fi nd even one of these features in an industrial space. Now, in 2026, it’s a much different picture: technology is fast becoming the cornerstone of industrial buildings.
Exponential growth in automation, robotics and machine learning has seen tenants rapidly embracing technology to drive efficiency across their leased spaces.
Look no further than the simple forklift as a sign of technological advancement of the sector over time.
Fifteen years ago this was simple, analog machinery that hadn’t changed much in 50 years. Fast forward to today, the level of embedded technology being adopted is transforming it into a data driven, connected component of a broader orchestration of efficient warehouse operations.
As a result of the sweeping digitization of the sector, landlords are now embarking on a steep learning curve as they set out to keep up with what tenants expect from their buildings. Now, nine in 10 tenants consider high-quality digital infrastructure to be essential or very important to day-to-day operations.
Recent research from WiredScore shows that this is a compounding trend. Over the next two to five years, occupiers are not only expected to adopt more technology, but this technology is expected to become more sophisticated. AI, Internet of Things and cloud computing will fast become common practice; robust connectivity and WiFi will no longer be a “nice-to-have” — it will become the foundation on which technologies are built.
Tenants are not just looking for spaces which cater for their requirements today, they need landlords to act as partners who can scale with them. While this might seem a daunting prospect to some landlords who haven’t given their digital infrastructure much of a thought, there are simple considerations for making this a priority:
Fail to plan, plan to fail. Many owners and developers like to play the waiting game when it comes to technology adoption, especially in a sector with an incredibly broad range of potential users. The challenge is that waiting until a tenant requests a technology like in-building cellular coverage is too late when you’re in a leasing conversation.
A roadmap to implementing improvements is essential. Too often, landlords are embarking on their tech journey with no plan, limited skills and awareness of what tech they should be focusing on and, most importantly, no knowledge of what tenants really need from their spaces. WiredScore works in partnership with landlords to guide them through this process, assessing their current tech, analyzing what can be improved and then working to implement these improvements when tenants demand.
Use tech in your branding. For landlords looking to position themselves as technologically advanced, integrating tech into brand positioning is fundamental. Future-ready spaces signal innovation, efficiency and an enhanced occupier experience, all of which are key diff erentiators in competitive leasing. By showcasing digital capability through certifi cation and storytelling, landlords demonstrate long-term value, positioning their buildings as future-ready destinations.
The upside for landlords is that tenants are willing to pay more for technology-enabled space. According to WiredScore’s research, 50% of occupiers would pay up to 10% more for space that guarantees digital readiness from day one.
Speed of moving in. With tenants often looking to activate their space within 30 to 60 days, traditional connectivity lead times of 90 to 120 days are causing significant turnover friction. If owners are prepared to lay the technological foundations, they can embark on a relationship knowing their tenants will be satisfied with excellent Day One connectivity.
Until now, technology has been an afterthought and connectivity has been a tenant problem, but the rapid adoption of technology is an opportunity for property owners to lead. If they plan ahead, forward-thinking landlords can present move-in connectivity to potential occupiers so they can be up and running quickly.
As industrial real estate continues to evolve, one thing is clear: technology is no longer an optional extra, it’s the backbone of modern operations. For landlords, this shift represents both a challenge and an opportunity. Those who act now to future-ready their building — by investing in robust connectivity, scalable systems and a flexible digital foundation — will be best placed to attract and retain the next generation of tech-driven tenants.
Working with partners like WiredScore allows landlords to move with confidence, transforming their assets into digitally capable, future-ready spaces.
By taking a strategic, well-planned approach to infrastructure, landlords can turn connectivity from a tenant pain point into a powerful selling point. In doing so, they not only enhance building performance and tenant satisfaction, but also drive long-term asset value and competitiveness in a market where digital capability defines success. Technology will only become more integral to how industrial occupiers operate. Those landlords who recognize this today and act decisively will set the benchmark for tomorrow’s industrial spaces: connected, efficient and built for the future.
