Connected buildings are equipped with technology that allows them to communicate with other systems, devices, and networks, both within and outside.

This technology includes building management systems (BMS), Internet of Things (IoT) devices, and wireless networks.

The goal of connected buildings is to improve the efficiency, comfort, and safety of the building and its occupants by optimizing energy usage, monitoring energy accounting, controlling building access, and providing real-time building condition data to occupants and building managers.

Connected buildings technology

Technology is used in connected buildings in various ways to improve the efficiency, comfort, and safety of the building and its occupants. Some examples include:

• Building automation systems control and monitor multiple aspects of the establishment, such as lighting, temperature, and security. For example, a BAS can automatically adjust the lighting levels based on the time of day or occupancy or to control the heating and cooling system to maintain a comfortable temperature for occupants.
• Internet of Things (IoT) devices gathers data from various systems and devices within the building, such as sensors and cameras. This data improves building operations and maintenance and provides tenants and building managers with real-time information.
• Wireless networks connect different systems and devices within the building, providing tenants with Internet access. In addition, this provides seamless integration and communication between other systems and devices, such as lighting, HVAC, and security systems.
• Energy management software monitors and controls the building's energy usage. For example, connected lighting systems automatically adjust lighting levels based on occupancy or natural light levels, and connected HVAC systems change temperature settings based on occupancy and climate conditions.
• Building analytics software analyzes the data from building systems and devices to identify patterns and trends. This data improves the building's energy efficiency, optimizes HVAC system performance, and identifies maintenance issues before they become critical problems.
• Occupant experience platforms provide inhabitants with real-time information about the building's conditions and amenities through mobile applications or web portals, allowing them to interact with the facility remotely.

Benefits of connected buildings

There are many benefits of connected buildings, including:

Energy efficiency

Connected buildings use technology to ensure energy is used efficiently and not wasted. This can include automatically adjusting the lights and temperature based on times of day and weather and using data to see how energy is used in the building.

Improved comfort

Connected buildings use technology to make sure that the people inside are comfortable. This includes controlling the temperature, lights, and other environmental factors. And some tools can give you real-time information about what's going on in the building and what it offers.

Improved safety and security

Connected buildings monitor building conditions and access control. In addition, these buildings leverage surveillance cameras and access control systems for the same.

Enhanced building operations and maintenance

Connected buildings collect data from various systems and devices within the facility or establishment. This data is then used to identify patterns and trends and to predict and prevent problems before they occur.

Greater convenience

Connected buildings provide real-time information about the building's conditions and amenities by allowing residents to interact with the installation through mobile apps or web portals.

Cost savings

Connected buildings help owners and managers save energy consumption and maintenance costs and lower downtimes.

Data analysis

Building analytics software helps analyze building system data and devices to identify patterns and trends. This data improves the building's energy efficiency, optimizes HVAC system performance, and identifies maintenance issues before they become critical problems.

What is a building management system?

A building management system (BMS), or building automation system (BAS), is a computer-based system that monitors and controls various aspects of building operations.

The system controls and monitors different systems and devices within the building, such as fire protection, and security systems, among many others.

BMS aims to optimize a building's energy efficiency and comfort while ensuring safety and security.

It typically consists of a central control unit connected to various field devices and sensors throughout the building.

The field devices collect data on numerous aspects of the building's operation, such as temperature, humidity, occupancy, and energy usage.

This data is then transmitted to the central control unit, where it is analyzed and used to control the various systems and devices within the building.

A BMS can be programmed to perform specific tasks automatically, such as fire protection with fire detection systems.

For example, it can integrate with smoke and heat detectors to detect the presence of fire in the building.

The system then sends an alarm to building inhabitants and the fire department and automatically shuts off specific systems, such as ventilation, to prevent the spread of smoke.

The system can also be accessed and controlled remotely, which allows building managers to monitor and adjust the building's systems from anywhere.

The BMS can also provide real-time information about the building's conditions and status and notify building managers of any issues or alarms.

What are IoT devices?

IoT devices are connected to the Internet and collect and transmit data. In addition, these devices can be embedded with software, sensors, and network connectivity, allowing them to communicate and interact with other devices and systems.

Connected buildings use IoT devices to monitor and control various aspects of the building's operations.

Here are some examples of IoT devices:

• Smart thermostats are IoT devices that control the temperature in a building. They can be controlled remotely and programmed to automatically adjust the temperature based on occupancy, weather conditions, and energy usage.
• Smart lighting systems are IoT devices that manage and survey the lighting in a building. These can also be controlled remotely and automatically adjust the lighting levels based on occupancy and natural light levels.
• Smart sensors are IoT devices that monitor various aspects of the building's operations, such as occupancy, temperature, humidity, and energy usage. They can collect data on the building's conditions and integrate it with other systems.
• Smart security cameras monitor the building's security. They can be controlled remotely and programmed to notify building managers or security personnel of any unusual activity.
• Smart smoke and CO detectors monitor the smoke presence or carbon monoxide in a building. They integrate with other systems, such as fire alarms and HVAC, to optimize building safety and security.

Wireless networks and connected buildings

Wireless networks connect different systems and devices within a connected building. They provide a means for other devices and systems to communicate and share data, allowing for the seamless integration and control of building systems.

Wireless networks connect various systems and devices within a building and provide internet access to occupants, allowing for remote monitoring and control of the building's systems.

In addition, these networks connect to the cloud, which allows for remote monitoring and control of the building's systems and data analysis and storage.

To ensure the security of wireless networks in connected buildings, it is essential to implement robust security measures, such as encryption, firewalls, and secure access controls.

What is SWOT?

SWOT analysis is a strategic planning tool used to evaluate a business, project, or organization's strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats.

It is used to identify internal and external factors that impact a project's success or failure and to develop strategies to mitigate or leverage these factors.

SWOT stands for:

• Strengths: Positive internal characteristics or attributes that give an organization a competitive advantage.
• Weaknesses: Negative internal characteristics or attributes that hinder the organization's success.
• Opportunities: External factors or conditions that present possibilities for growth or improvement.
• Threats: External factors or conditions that pose a risk or obstacle to the organization's success.

A SWOT analysis typically involves the following steps:

Step 1: Identify the specific business, project, or organization

Step 2: Identify the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats

Step 3: Evaluate the impact of each factor on the overall success.

Step 4: Develop strategies to leverage strengths, address weaknesses, capitalize on opportunities, and mitigate threats.

The SWOT analysis process is often used as a starting point for developing a strategic plan or making crucial business decisions.

Facilio's Connected Buildings approach

Facilio's BMS platform provides a "system of systems" to manage your portfolio from end to end.

With our platform, you can:

• Improve asset health across portfolios with customizable maintenance options and advanced alarm systems
• Unlock the potential for sustainable buildings through new ways to improve functionality and efficiency
• Bring all building stakeholders together by providing portfolio-wide visibility of system status.
• Increase your competitiveness and strengthen your business operations with powerful insights from comprehensive analytics.

Facilio also provides:

• A centralized location for managing your portfolio
• The ability to connect and work with different systems and devices
• Instant access to valuable insights from in-depth data analysis
• Automated diagnostics linked to your work processes

Don't take our word for it.

See a demo today and learn how you can make your buildings smarter.

GET A DEMO