Key Tech for IoT Integrated and Automated Building Systems

An important aspect in making a building “smart” entails the use of devices connected to the Internet of Things (IoT). Integrated, automated building systems have benefited greatly from this technology, which has made it possible to inexpensively gather data throughout built environments. Not only does this give facility managers access to real-time data that helps identify inefficiencies in a building’s systems, it also reduces operating costs overall.

Yet making the built environment smart is not just a case of pushing for buildings’ systems to become more IoT-integrated. Automated building systems use a combination of different but complementary technologies, all of which must work together. By combining IoT devices with advanced analytics software, you will gain the insights needed to make buildings more efficient and more comfortable. 

Creating IoT-Integrated Automated Building Systems

IoT-integrated automated building systems can reduce energy use by as much as 70 percent and drastically improve occupant experiences. It is no wonder, then, that these systems are becoming must-haves in new builds and key to improving existing buildings. But if you’re considering introducing IoT to your building for the first time, the technology may seem overwhelming. Where do you start? 

Taking a closer look at the tech you need to create a state-of-the-art system is the first step.

1. IoT Devices

IoT-integrated automated building systems need to manage numerous subsystems that control indoor conditions. That begins with IoT devices that continually collect data on building conditions and equipment performance. 

IoT devices can monitor and regulate various systems that can control:

• access 
• elevators
• energy use
• lighting
• parking
• room occupancy
• temperature
• ventilation

There’s an almost endless number of things smart devices can measure within built environments. It is from this gathered data that insights about building operations are produced. 

2. Cloud Storage

IoT-integrated automated building systems generate enormous amounts of data. Cloud servers offer the best means for storing it. 

The advantages of using cloud servers for data include:

• Accessibility & Usability: Cloud servers can be accessed from anywhere with an Internet connection and offer user-friendly interfaces. 
  
  
• Affordability: Online cloud storage of data eliminates the upfront cost of on-site storage hardware. 
  
  
• Cybersecurity: Modern data centers often have more robust data security measures in place than on-premises servers, and security updates can happen automatically.
  
  
• Convenience: Using cloud servers minimizes the need for flash drives or other hardware for copying and transferring data. 
  
  
• Recovery: Cloud data storage offers the best chance for recovering lost or corrupted data.
  
  
• Redundancy: With cloud servers, data is normally stored across multiple data centers, allowing for backups to recover data if one is destroyed. 
  
  
• Scalability: Users can easily upscale or downscale data storage according to their needs. 
  
  
• Sharing: Cloud storage facilities have capabilities for sharing files with others using the same cloud service. Some also allow sharing across different cloud platforms. 
  
  
• Synchronization: Users can synchronize a device with the cloud platform to access information online. 

These days, cloud solutions provide a comprehensive means not just for storing data, but for managing and analyzing it as well, as many automated building systems platforms use cloud-based software applications, including for producing insights from data analytics. 

3. Analyzing Data for Insights 

Automated building systems using IoT-integrated devices help you manage energy better. To do this, you need an analytics platform that makes data meaningful. The best analytics software uses machine learning (ML) algorithms that improve energy efficiency and lower operational costs over time. 

Analytics software:

• Analyzes all data gathered by connected devices to generate insights on building conditions and physical infrastructure. 
• Features advanced fault detection and diagnostics capabilities.
• Triggers automated actions to manage building systems based on custom rules. 
• Effectively mines data to create custom reports. 

An analytics platform is instrumental in improving efficiency and environmental conditions while reducing operational costs. Additionally, cloud-based analytics platforms have many of the same advantages as cloud-based data storage.

4. Integrating Multiple Technologies

A well thought out plan for integration enables automated building systems to speak to each other by breaking down silos. This means that an integration platform is invaluable. The best integration solutions, like an integration platform as a service (iPaaS), are cloud-based to offer similar benefits as for data storage and analytics. An IoT-integrated automated building system can use an iPaaS to read the data and manage how a building’s different systems relate to each other. The best iPaaS solutions are those that utilize open-source protocols. These systems leverage read-write capabilities that allow truly smart integrations via two-way communication between systems, regardless of who the device manufacturer is.

Connect With an Expert

IoT technology is transforming how buildings are managed and how they perform. A smart building solutions provider will help you use that technology the right way. With expert guidance, you will get the most out of your automated building systems and maximize the return on your investment.

Buildings IOT offers innovative products and services to create IoT-integrated automated building systems. To learn more, contact our team of experts today.