In
the first of a series of insight blogs, Trend’s business unit director for
Europe, Stefano D’Agostino, shares the five key elements to consider when developing
a connected building strategy.
Connected building technology is creating environments that are
more secure, comfortable and energy efficient than ever before. Building services are now integrated via a Building
Energy Management System (BEMS), which uses advanced software for
controlling and monitoring, and is ready to be connected to the cloud for
advance analytics and advisory services.
‘Building services design has traditionally been based on
the deployment of standalone on-premises systems, each with their own database,
endpoints and Supervisors,’ explains Stefano D’Agostino.
‘Conversely, a single ‘cloud connected’ BEMS-based
infrastructure creates a connected building that opens the door to reducing
environmental footprint, ongoing optimisation of comfort conditions, improved
occupant experience, lower maintenance costs and enhanced performance. It provides
a scalable, future-proofed platform that is able to adapt and evolve quickly in
support of new operational requirements and, by unlocking silos of information
and enabling advanced analytics, makes it possible to create a truly intelligent
building.’
Here, Stefano shares the five things you need to consider
when developing a connected building strategy:
1.
Meet the need
Every connected building has its own unique requirements. Therefore,
it is wise to partner with a service provider that has experience of working
within a wide variety of vertical sectors – whether a hospital, data centre, factory
or commercial premises. Likewise, managing individual and organisational change
through the Prosci ADKAR Model will outline the goals and outcomes of the move
towards a connected environment.
2.
Think long-term
We are only at the beginning of what’s possible with
connected buildings, so a BEMS needs to be future proof and grow, adapt and
expand as needs dictate. Make sure that your system supplier has a clear
upgrade strategy and can enable ease of integration via open protocols. This
will ensure that you harvest the value of your investment for the entire lifecycle
of the building.
3.
Think data first
Software based analytics provide granular detail about how a
building is operating, and can be accessed off-site via the cloud. Honing in on
high-value, 'target-rich' data that is easy to access and available in real
time will lead to meaningful decisions through appropriate analysis and
follow-up action. Cutting edge
analytical software collates, deciphers and presents this type of information
in an easy to understand format, such as a dashboard or graphical user
interface, and can notify operators when remedial action is actually required,
rather than simply relying on scheduled maintenance.
4.
Stay ‘cyber-safe’
The complexity and sophistication of cyber attacks mean that
unsecure networks are vulnerable. Working with a service provider that understands
this will result in a connected building that is protected, secure, complies
with a corporate cyber security policy and is able to determine the applications
that can be supported.
5.
Form a partnership
A connected building is a long-term investment, so build a
relationship with a technology provider that has strong service capabilities,
and can maximise the effectiveness of its technology through extensive
engineering and application expertise.
This type of partnership-based approach will ensure that you
have a successful journey towards a connected building.
Trend Control Systems is one of the world’s
leading BEMS manufacturers. To find out how the Trend team can help you, please
contact: marketing@trendcontrols.com