What is a smart building?
A smart building uses systems to automatically control and monitor various areas of the building’s functions. Let’s take a look at some of the things these smart buildings can do, and what benefits they can bring to you and your business.
1. No investment required to upgrade infrastructure for additional intelligent/smart technology.
Consider that first outlay as the foundation on which you can continue to build your smart structure. Once your building becomes smart, you will always have the infrastructure available to upgrade. It’s very easy and economical to add a new device such as a thermostat or video screen to your building’s system. This can futureproof your building against any new developments in the technology world, and allows you to easily pivot to new additions if you need to.
2. Open protocol middleware software in place for the tenants to build off.
Another factor which makes upgrading simple and easy! Open protocol middleware software sounds complicated, but it actually helps to make upgrading and connecting your systems much more straightforward. “Open protocol” means that the software used to run the technology is not owned by anyone. This means that a huge number of devices are available for you to add to your system. You won’t be tied down to just a few brands. So if you see something you like, there’s a good chance that you will be able to make it a part of your smart building’s infrastructure.
“Middleware” is what really allows your smart building to shine! It bridges the gaps between tools, databases and apps so that you can view your building's feedback, access your information, and control your building’s functions all from one device (or many devices, that’s up to you!)
3. Advanced dashboard showing building performance.
Once you’ve got everything set up and all of your devices integrated, you’re going to want to see everything that your new system can do! Well, the first thing you might want to look at is your building’s performance feedback. With an advanced dashboard, you can login and see how the various areas of your building are doing. From here, you can also control automation, your building’s climate, and power consumption.
4. Mobile phone enabled access control system.
In today’s business world, life moves quickly. What good are all of these systems if we can’t access them while on the go? Well, that’s not a problem here, as your dashboard and control systems can all be viewed and manipulated with the touch of a button. With a mobile phone enabled access control system, your business’ functions are always at your fingertips.
5. Premium electric vehicle charging system.
You want your smart building to be ready for everything the future has to throw at it. Well, what better way to do that than by having a premium electric vehicle charging system? As electric vehicles continue to increase in popularity, you’ll need to be able to facilitate your customers, clients, and staff and their charging needs.
6. Enhanced metering
With enhanced metering, you no longer need to wait for an estimate on your power consumption. You can now see your power consumption in real time and make adjustments as needed.
7. Infrastructure to support digital signage and smart lockers
Do you feel like your workspace could be improved with some energetic visuals? Or maybe you would like to be able to keep staff and customers informed throughout the day? With a smart building, you will now have the infrastructure to install digital signage all over your property. There’s no need for a mass of unsightly and awkward wiring either, as all of your important information can now be broadcasted wirelessly.
Smart lockers are another great addition! These can be used to store company materials, or staff’s personal items. No need for an old-fashioned lock and key, these smart lockers can be accessed with the swipe of a card, a pin code, or even a biometric reader.
8. Real time reporting on ESG metrics such as energy and water usage
With all of these new systems now at the tip of your fingers, you may now be curious about your power consumption. With real time reporting you can get live feedback on the amount of energy and water your building is using. This can greatly reduce future expenditure, as you can find what areas of your building or infrastructure could do with improvement and view the effects of your modifications in real time too.
9. Optimised occupier control of immediate environment
This is one of the great benefits of smart buildings! It allows you and your staff to adjust the amount of power needed in their vicinity at all times. If it’s a sunny day then you won’t need to make use of all the lighting. If it’s a cold day then the heating can be adjusted. This allows for more sensible use of power and resources.
