Modern Building Services

SMART BUILDINGS FEATURE MODERN BUILDING SERVICES MAY 2022 29 Implementing interoperability The wide choice of IoT devices available can be a double-edged sword. Multiple IoT systems may be deployed in a smart building, and this makes maintaining, monitoring and gathering actionable data difficult. In truly smart buildings, IoT devices communicate with each other about the status of the built environment. For example, the lighting and temperature control systems in a building may turn on when presence is detected or occupancy levels reach an agreed threshold, to conserve energy. This interoperability reduces the workload of the facilities manager, who can set up these systems to match occupants’ schedules. Access control also benefits from interoperability. Sensors can permit and monitor access in and out of a building. Facilities managers optimise this feature by deploying it onto a common building network, combining it with mobile and Wi-Fi data to provide a more detailed, real-time view on occupancy and activity levels – knowing what spaces and services are being used where and when. IoT on this scale requires the ability to connect devices via wireless and wired protocols, and demands a robust, open but secure IT infrastructure. Siloed maintenance However, most smart buildings are not currently achieving this level of integration. The new gadgets found in high tech offices are often handled by specialist contractors, who maintain their devices individually. But what happens when an incident occurs, or a device fails? Facilities managers must contact several subcontractors, with various support staff in the diagnostic process. The costs also accumulate, as landlords handle each contractor in isolation. IoT should be cost effective, since smart devices should detect maintenance issues before they worsen. A siloed maintenance structure means that facilities managers are not reaping these benefits. London office occupancy rose to 42% last month, but uncertainty about the future role of the office continues. As maintenance mishaps recur, they become a regular distraction for office workers, potentially ruining their experience. They risk making the office seem less appealing at just the moment that many employees are hesitant to return. Furthermore, since the data collected from IoT is siloed, it’s much more difficult to glean insights into how occupants are using the workspace. Consequently, landlords will be less responsive to the changing use of the office. The gateway to interoperability Smart buildings are only truly ‘smart’ when their components are properly integrated. Facilities managers must therefore consider how to centralise disparate data collected from multiple sensors and other devices. The true value of IoT comes from the data they generate – enabling businesses to analyse spikes, identify trends, and use this information to make informed business decisions. IoT gateways, both wired and wireless are key to enabling interoperability and underpinning data capture in the built environment. These specialised gateways support a wide variety of devices, meaning that landlords can bust siloes and create truly converged IoT networks. Wireless gateways and sensors are particularly quick to deploy and tackle the problemwithout hours of effort. These gateways transmit data to cloud-based software, meaning data from all sensors is easily accessible. Facilities managers can visualise their data using this software and track performance and utilisation across the network. Such platforms enable the introduction of complex IoT deployments, even in legacy buildings. The way forward Interoperability and integration add value to an IoT deployment. They enable landlords to turn ‘gadgets’ into tools that deliver a great experience for occupants. The level of data aggregation that IoT solutions provide creates a rich source of data and business insights. Employee expectations have shifted, and the traditional office is now competing with the home office. Smart buildings, powered by IoT, can create a customisable, comfortable and efficient environment to work in. To achieve this, facilities managers need to move towards a more integrated, common, enterprise grade building network. As the IoT offering continues to expand, and more devices are added, delivering this at scale will become an even greater challenge. By prioritising their IT infrastructure, landlords can take advantage of IoT technology and make office buildings smarter than ever. More information can be found at www.lmgiq.com “Interoperability and integration add value to an IoT deployment. They enable landlords to turn ‘gadgets’ into tools that deliver a great experience for occupants.”