The combination of IoT and facility management is gaining popularity as a promising duo. With the potential to enhance resource efficiency and increase productivity, IoT facility management can transform whole facility management. This transformation is achievable through various means, such as reducing energy costs, optimizing workplace capacity and utilization, providing quicker resolutions for service requests, and improving employees’ quality of life.
Many industries and companies are already benefiting from this revolutionary technology of the internet of things, becoming more efficient in their operations. Forbes predicts that the utilization of IoT-based innovations in smart facilities will generate a value of $500 billion.
In this blog, we will discuss the basic elements of IoT in facility management.
Basic Elements of IoT in Facility Management
The basic IoT facility management elements can be leveraged to achieve many benefits in facility operations.
Sensors and Devices
Smart sensors act as the foundation of IoT devices for facilities management. These sensors collect data on various aspects of a facility such as a temperature, humidity, occupancy, and light levels. IoT systems use this data to make intelligent decisions and control various aspects of the facility. It also promotes predictive analytics and alerts managers to risky circumstances.
Central Control Hardware
It acts like a central hub that collects and processes data from various sensors and devices throughout a facility. This hardware can range from on-premises servers to cloud-based platforms and enables facility managers to monitor and manage all aspects of an IoT building management operation in real time.
Data connectivity
Data connectivity allows various sensors and devices to communicate with each other and with central control hardware. This connectivity can be achieved through various technologies, such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and cellular networks. Robust data connectivity also allows for remote monitoring and control of systems, giving facility managers the flexibility to manage their facilities from anywhere.
Data Processing
It involves the collection of data, analysis, and interpretation of data generated by sensors and devices throughout a facility. This data can include information on energy usage, occupancy levels, environmental conditions, and more. Advanced data processing techniques, such as machine learning and artificial intelligence, can also enable predictive maintenance and automated decision-making.
Cloud Computing
The cloud provides a scalable and secure platform for storing and processing large volumes of data. IoT in facilities management facilitates the secure storage, retrieval, and analysis of data from any location with an internet connection. It provides the flexibility to manage and monitor various aspects of the facilities, which are vital to the economic and social well-being of a facility.
User Interface
The user interface is the interface between the facility manager and the IoT system. It provides a dashboard that displays real-time data and insights about performance and anomalies to the facility manager. The user interface should be intuitive and easy to use, enabling the facility manager to make quick decisions.
Data Analytics
Data analytics IoT facility management is used for predictive maintenance, energy management, and space utilization. It enables facility managers to make data-driven decisions in real time. It can also help monitor security systems and optimize cleaning and maintenance schedules. According to a press release from Gartner, data analytics in IoT technology has the potential to make data-driven decisions that lower energy costs, spatial management expenses, and building maintenance expenses by up to 30%.
Security and access control
Security and access control can be achieved through physical access control, video surveillance, and cybersecurity. They ensure that only authorized personnel enter and maintain a safe facility for employees and visitors. For example, facility managers can use access control systems such as key cards or biometric scanners to restrict access to sensitive areas of a facility, ensuring only authorized personnel can enter.
Standards and Protocols
Standards and protocols are critical in ensuring interoperability and compatibility between different IoT devices and systems. Industry standards such as MQTT, CoAP, and OPC-UA enable integration between different IoT devices and systems. It ensures that devices from different manufacturers can communicate with each other, allowing facility managers to integrate various systems and devices seamlessly.
Conclusion
IoT in facility management acts as a game changer, and its basic elements are crucial for successful facility management operation. These elements work together in tandem to create a robust IoT ecosystem for facility management. Each element is equally important and needs to be in a perfect state for the smooth functioning of IoT facility management. Additionally, facility management software plays a crucial role in the effective implementation of IoT. The availability of real-time data, predictive maintenance, reduced energy consumption, and increased safety are some of the benefits that facility managers can enjoy with the deployment of IoT. Therefore, facility managers should embrace IoT technology and ensure that all the elements are in place for the successful implementation of this innovative technology.
