Game-Changing iPaaS Benefits for Building Integration

An integration platform-as-a-service (iPaaS) uses a set of automated tools to integrate software deployed across diverse environments. While iPaaS benefits many industries, it has particular value for commercial real estate.

An iPaaS is an innovative way to:

• Unify data from disparate systems
• Add intelligence
• Integrate legacy systems
• Future-proof new builds 
• Strengthen data security
• Enhance the user experience

With an iPaaS designed for the built environment, you can unlock the full potential of your property.

iPaaS Benefits for Building Automation

The way automation is used within commercial buildings is changing. Innovations in software, connectivity, and IoT technology are opening up opportunities for solving more use cases than ever before. Taking advantage of these opportunities requires seamless communication between building systems, sensors, devices, and cloud applications. This requires a platform that can connect to an endless number of APIs and various data sources, normalizing data and facilitating two way communication. 

A cutting-edge iPaaS platform, like IOT Jetstream, will:

• Abstract and remove the complexity of configuration for multiple 3rd party systems
• Defines and manage the relationships amongst data sets to enable meaningful integration
• Use a domain-driven ontology that ensures consistent data normalization
• Offer access via both user interfaces and system-to-system integrations with an adaptable GraphQL API
• Feature robust end-to-end security 

With the right iPaaS, you can achieve ongoing integration flows for better, real-time data management and building automation. 

Scalability, Flexibility, and Agility

Many building owners seek to increase automation by retrofitting existing structures, starting with the systems that consume the most energy before automating further. An iPaaS is ideally suited for this approach. At the same time, it makes testing out new solutions and services less risky, giving you the freedom to take chances and evolve in a way that makes sense for you.

With a cloud-based iPaaS, you can ramp up or scale down computing power as your system requires. This is especially useful when working with IoT technology because it ensures you have the capacity to take advantage of IoT’s massive data-gathering potential. You can also easily add new solutions and services, which gives you the flexibility to quickly adopt cutting-edge technologies as they become available and make adjustments as occupant demands change. Without the hardware, labor, cost of traditional integration, an iPaas helps you stay agile.

The Security Benefits of an iPaaS

Cybersecurity risks exist wherever cloud-based and on-premise applications meet. With integration enabling easier access, protecting your digital and physical assets must be a top priority. 

Reducing cybersecurity risks is one of the most valuable iPaaS benefits. In fact, it’s often the driving force behind making the switch to an iPaaS. 

A security-focused platform will feature:

• An advanced authentication platform that allows you to manage access via building- and role-centric authorization
• Encryption of all data traffic
• Load balance all incoming traffic incoming traffic
• Encrypted mutual TLS communication between site and cloud.

To prevent vulnerabilities, all security measures must be properly configured and kept up to date. Ideally, a master systems integrator (MSI) should oversee integration to ensure compliance with cybersecurity protocols. 

Automatic software updates are a significant advantage of using an iPaaS. When new versions of APIs become available that offer enhanced features and security, iPaaS tools automatically merge essential changes. It allows for seamless updates of all cloud services to roll out new features, enhance systems, and keep security and protocols up to date without down time or any responsibility on subscribers.

One of the most commonly overlooked iPaaS benefits is the ability to adapt newer software so it fits within the integration architecture. This prevents you from having to maintain and reconfigure one-off integrations, which cost more to reconfigure and maintain over time. 

A Better Way to Integrate

Choosing an iPaaS over conventional integration will likely become the norm in the future. But building owners, facility managers, and property managers who get ahead of the game and capitalize on this advanced technology will reap great rewards. By working with a smart buildings expert who specializes in systems integration, you can ensure you have the right tools to make it happen.

Buildings IOT offers state-of-the-art integration solutions, including a powerful iPaaS. Contact our team of experts to learn more about what we can do for you.