If you are not already familiar with smart building technology, you may be wondering how it is even relevant to your business or industry, what possible value it can deliver, and even what makes it smart in the first place. This article might not answer all of the questions you have, but it can answer six basic questions (5W1H), “the who, what, why, when, where and how.”

Why is it ‘smart’?

Smart building technology is ‘smart’ because it collects and transmits data from the components of a building that can be analyzed to optimize business operations. This means gathering information about how a building is functioning and using it to drive decisions on how to best use the resources available. The data it delivers is valuable in its potential to inform operations teams who want to make data-driven decisions. This can range from simpler day-to-day tasks, whre data can be fed into analytic automation programs which can help a business to save energy, better manage resources, and even be notified of problems in a building.

Where can it be applied?

The two main spheres where smart building technologies can be applied are in monitoring and mapping. Monitoring is accomplished with a wide range of sensors that can be used to measure everything from electric current or moisture to foot traffic. This includes smart meters for utilities, occupancy sensors to monitor space usage, etc. The data they collect can be used to monitor the functionality of building infrastructure, to give analytic insights on space usage, and to automate management of resources.

Mapping systems function like an indoor GPS, and support functions such as asset tracking in large facilities, and can be used to assist people with navigating a space as well.

Who can use it?

There are applications for smart building technology in a number of industries and businesses in both general and specific applications. Smart building systems can be installed anywhere to help to save on energy and other utility expenditures, for surveillance purposes and more.

Regardless of industry, building operators can benefit from the data collection and processing capabilities of these technologies. It can even enable automation of basic building infrastructure functions such as HVAC regulation.

Smart building technologies can also be applied to meet industry specific needs, such as monitoring requirements for regulatory and insurance compliance purposes in healthcare.

Likewise, indoor positioning systems (IPS) can be useful in any large facility, but they can also be used in specific applications. For example, logistics companies may use GPS and IPS for fleet management, while a hospital could use IPS to locate personnel and equipment as needed.

When does it deliver benefits?

Compared to manual collection, to say that smart building technology is faster would be an understatement. The measurement, recording and transmission of measurements can be accomplished by a smart building technology system in a fraction of the time, and can be done with much more frequency at a negligible operating cost.

Because IoT devices deliver data in real time, smart building technology can start delivering results as soon as they are implemented, typically via unified monitoring applications and web portals that give clients immediate and comprehensive visibility into their data.

What benefits does it deliver?

In addition to informing data-driven decisions made by operations professionals, the data that smart building technology delivers can enable a wide range of analytic automation processes that can optimize building usage.

The insights and visibility that IoT technologies can give into a building’s functions can save energy, help optimize efficient use of space and resources, save time in locating assets, and can predict maintenance problems before they happen.

How can I get started?

Finding a reputable provider is essential to adoption and successful implementation of any smart building technology system. Like with any other technology service provider, it is important that those who implement smart building technology services do so in a manner that is secure, compliant with regulations, functional, and with minimal connectivity issues.

We work with multiple providers that specialize in smart building technologies, and we can assist you in finding a solution that is right for your business. Contact us if you are interested in making your buildings smarter, so we can connect you with world class expertise and services.

Services we can assist with include physical surveillance monitoring services, access control services, IoT monitoring system implementation, IoT device connectivity (including private LTE), asset tracking and fleet management system implementation, managed network systems and more.