Think a building is simply four walls and a roof? Think again. Technology is bringing buildings to life and transforming what they can do and how we interact with them.
Here are five trends illustrating what they can do (Connected Buildings).
Make employees happier
When it comes to retaining talent, pay isn’t everything. In fact, the competitive edge also comes down to physical spaces. According to research, workplace environment quality affects job satisfaction. That means providing comfortable environments for workers, as well as giving them the means to shape their own experiences. Technologies like Honeywell Vector Occupant App are giving employees more control via their smartphones through features like indoor wayfinding and the ability to instantly indicate if a space is too hot or too cold — or needs a little extra cleaning and TLC. The result? More delightful spaces, and delighted employees.
Utilize space more efficiently
Recent studies show offices around the world are underutilized by as much as half of their actual capacity due to factors such as shifting work schedules, mobile technology usage and changing business needs. However, many organizations may not know this. The potential downsides can be far-reaching and include overpaying for unused space, wasted energy usage, off-temperature spaces and other inefficiencies. Fortunately, new technologies that leverage building connectivity, like our Honeywell Vector Space Sense, can help shed light on exactly where, when and how building spaces are used at any given time, so organizations can take steps to ensure they’re getting the most out of their building spaces.
Stave off cyber attacks
With cybersecurity breaches becoming increasingly prevalent for organizations, and research indicates as much as 95 percent of organizations have experienced a breach of some kind, demystifying the hype around cybersecurity can leave many feeling overwhelmed. And, as buildings become more digitally connected, the systems that supervise, monitor and control building systems — like airfield lighting systems at an airport — become more vulnerable to cyber threats and attacks. Top attacker motives include financial gain, disruption of service, and theft of personal information and company data, and building systems can be easy targets if the right measures aren’t in place. Organizations need to implement key technologies and processes that readily seek out vulnerabilities, determine operating inefficiencies and provide steps toward remediation — all leading to increased awareness and visibility into potential cyberthreats.
Make old cities run like new
Worcester is a Massachusetts city featuring many historic buildings. The city has also become a prime example of energy renewal and sustainability, undergoing a massive building upgrade project that’s generating significant savings. And, it even boasts New England’s largest municipally-owned solar farm, proving that age can be just a number when it comes buildings.
Drive preventative maintenance with data
“Data-driven analytics” and the “Internet of Things” are more than just buzzwords. In action, they can have a meaningful impact on building spaces, from pointing out when an air handler unit might soon conk out, so you can fix it immediately and ensure the air conditioning flows uninterrupted during the hot summer months, to combining analytics with mobile applications that enable occupants to indicate if they’re too hot or too cold. At this Phoenix, Arizona-based school district, a shift from reactive to proactive service helped keep students and employees more comfortable while saving on energy costs.
