The Internet of Things (IoT) is a network of internet-connected devices that collect and exchange data. The increasing use of IoT in residential and commercial buildings has raised awareness of its impact and other disciplines within the building industry.
Many of these technological advances have relevance to architecture and design professionals who are already familiar with the advancements being made in this field. Here are some ways IoT impacts building management.
1. Increased Efficiency
IoT devices can monitor and control various systems within a building, such as heating, ventilation, air conditioning (HVAC), lighting, and security. This can reduce energy consumption and improve the overall efficiency of the building. Many of these systems can be controlled remotely, which helps reduce the time staff need to spend on maintaining the systems.
2. Improved Maintenance
IoT devices can provide real-time data on the condition of various systems within a building, which can help to build managers identify and address potential maintenance issues before they become serious problems. It can also help to plan maintenance activities more effectively, saving time and resources. Maintenance tasks can be performed remotely using IoT devices, reducing the time that building – management staff must spend on these activities.
3. Increased Security
Buildings with IoT devices have the potential to become safer than buildings without them. Sensors that monitor these systems can also be used for security purposes, for example, by detecting potential fire hazards or burglary attempts. On-site maintenance functions can also be performed remotely, which reduces the risk of staff being exposed to security risks while performing maintenance tasks in the building. According to a recent study, most property managers will invest in IoT security systems in the next three years.
4. Better Communication
IoT technology can facilitate communication between building managers, occupants, and other stakeholders. For example, building managers can use IoT devices to send alerts and notifications to occupants, and occupants can use them to provide feedback and request services for the building. Dispatchers can also use IoT devices to monitor traffic in and around the building, further increasing the efficiency of their services by reducing the time they spend on routine tasks.
5. Cost Saving
IoT systems can reduce costs, save time, and provide benefits to stakeholders and occupants throughout a building. For example, automating specific maintenance tasks using IoT systems can reduce the frequency with which some maintenance tasks need to be performed, making maintenance more financially viable.
6. Increased Productivity
A comfortable, secure, and well-maintained building can improve the productivity of its occupants. IoT technology can help managers create an environment conducive to productivity by increasing safety and comfort. Additionally, IoT can increase the efficiency of some tasks, which may allow building – management staff to take on new projects and increase productivity at work.
7. Increased Comfort
IoT devices can be used to monitor conditions within a building on a real-time basis and address any potential issues immediately. This can help to improve comfort for the occupants of a building by reducing both temperature and noise pollution. This is particularly desirable in office buildings, where workers are likely to become distracted by uncomfortable conditions. In addition to reducing environmental discomfort, IoT devices can also detect safety threats and address them as they arise.
8. Compliance With Standards
Some standards, such as those implemented in green buildings, require staff to implement certain policies and procedures to meet the standard’s requirements. Some of these are automated by IoT technology, which can reduce the staff’s workload and make it easier for them to meet these requirements. For example, smart lighting systems can reduce energy consumption by automatically changing the lighting conditions in a building based on factors such as natural light and occupancy levels throughout the day. This helps build managers comply with standards requiring energy consumption reductions within buildings.
IoT devices have the potential to significantly impact building management processes and protocols, as well as the efficiency of a building and the overall satisfaction of its occupants. This is in line with the objectives of many stakeholders, particularly those within the building industry concerned with reducing energy consumption and improving occupant comfort.