Why is the Demand for Intelligent Buildings on the Rise?

Logan Joseph, Director, Information Technology, John Deere

The demand for intelligent buildings is increasing among people because the technologies connected to it help improve their use of buildings. 

Today people live in a time where technology can turn inanimate objects into "smart" objects. Most late-model cars are faster than users at reacting to people in the blind zone and applying the brakes. If people run out of milk, the smart fridge will alert them. Making objects "smart" is impressive, but it becomes perplexing when the thing becomes more complicated, or its range of capabilities expands.

Unlike a car or a refrigerator, the purpose of a building is unpredictable. It can be used for anything, and it can take on any size space allows, which raises the question of how intelligent a building can be with such a wide range of possibilities. It can, for example, 

employ motion sensors to turn off lights in less-used halls to save energy or use a Building Information Modeling (BIM) system to manage connected facilities efficiently.

These examples show that there are nearly limitless ways to improve how people utilize buildings and what they can get out of them. Let's look at a few of the significant instances of what's possible when people digitally empower a physical building to better appreciate intelligent building benefits.

Operate more efficiently

In facilities management, efficiency is a critical factor. In an intelligent building, to know whether a 12'x12' conference room is the optimum use of space, users can Install an occupancy sensor and connect it to a data aggregation program for a "smart building" solution. During typical business hours, the occupancy sensor will inform them how frequently and for how long people are in the room.

The term "smart building efficiency" encompasses a wide range of metrics in addition to space usage. A smart thermostat can optimize the heating and cooling of the building. 

Motion sensor lights can help users increase their efficiency. 

An intelligent building can teach people how to use it and predict its requirements, providing them with actionable knowledge to help them operate the facility more efficiently.

Synchronize essential systems

Smart buildings are also intended to assist facility managers in performing their duties more effectively, particularly regarding the facilities themselves. An intelligent building management system is one of the best examples of this.

Smart buildings send information and data points to a system that aggregates them regularly. Facility managers use this information to make informed decisions regarding everything from care and maintenance to upkeep and enhancements. Intelligent buildings are self-sustaining in many ways.

Streamline facilities management

The single most advantageous feature of an intelligent building is how it empowers facility managers. FMs receive the knowledge and skills they need to maintain and optimize a structure for efficiency and utility in ways that would be impossible to do without intelligent building technology. It all adds up to a better work environment that empowers employees and boosts productivity.

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