How to Implement IoT Technologies to Manage Smart Buildings

Learn how innovative technologies are transforming the way businesses manage and control their HVAC, lighting, security and other systems.

Overview

The scope of traditional IP-based networks is expanding to include HVAC, lighting, surveillance and many other systems within buildings and other structures. This transformation is opening a lot of doors for MSPs and other tech companies to do more with their customers.

In this episode of From Promise to Profit, Khali Henderson, senior partner at BuzzTheory and vice chair of the CompTIA Emerging Technology Community, and Benson Chan, senior partner at Strategy of Things and a member of CompTIA’s AI Advisory Council, discuss the benefits and strategies for implementing internet-of-things (IoT) solutions.

Challenge

Most commercial buildings today have a large number of disparate systems designed to make people feel more comfortable, including HVAC, lighting, and surveillance. But those systems traditionally haven’t been connected to the internet or to each other, making it a bit more difficult for businesses and building owners to better control their environments based on real-time usage. Ideally, internet of things technology could help these organizations by integrating the systems over internet-based protocols that allow sensors to adapt to changes in the environment in real time.

Solution

In this video, Benson Chan, senior partner of Strategy of Things, explains how his company uses IoT sensors, even from existing infrastructure like video cameras, to calculate algorithms capable of detecting changes in the environment and adjust any system accordingly. For example, if a person is found to be in an off-limits area or employees are not adhering to social distancing or other guidelines, the business can be notified and react accordingly. Systems can also be set up to adjust lighting or HVAC controls based on the number of people in different parts of the building, saving the organization money.

Outcome

Connected systems can help businesses ensure that employees, customers, and other visitors are protected and more productive. For example, in an emergency, sensors can direct people to less-congested evacuation routes

“You couldn’t really do these things before because systems couldn’t talk to each other,” Chan said. “When you’re a facilities manager, you care about tenant safety and experiences. People want to be safe in the building and get the services they want. Technology can enhance those experiences.”

Summary

Becoming a “smart building” expert may be a bit overwhelming for unfamiliar with surveillance or HVAC or lighting. Instead, MSPs and solution providers could focus first on ensuring that the building has the necessary IT infrastructure in place to support those systems,” said Chan.

“Do your IT networks need to be modernized? Do they need more access points? Are your servers up to date? There’s a whole modernization part of the IT infrastructure that a lot of systems integrators and MSPs could take advantage of, but they’re not. They’re rushing into the ‘hey, let me sell you the latest smart building technology.’ There’s an infrastructure opportunity that’s right in front of us.

In addition, look at the market around you, said Chan. The pandemic has led to higher vacancy rates in office buildings and low capacity for those in use. Buyers now likely aren’t as interested in smart building solutions as much as they are in safe building solutions, Chan said.

“People want to know how to bring people back safely. Look for applications where you can do this. One example is carbon monoxide sensors,” Chan said. “As more people come into a room, the sensors can detect too much CO2 and the ventilation system kicks in to expel the bad air. Those are things people will pay for, that people care for right now.”