Getting Started: Cloud based Building Management System
The Cloud solution has to be well designed. It should, for instance, be able to grow without running into barriers, like slowing down a lot or even halting when the 10th or 100th system is added. There will be an initial investment in local building controls so that HVAC, lighting, and sensors can be standardized and linked to the Cloud. It is expected to have following requirements:
1. Smart AC and heating controls to allow advanced scheduling
2. Door and motion sensors that trigger lighting and AC based on occupancy
3. Lighting control for scheduled on/ off, adjusting intensity based on time of day or actual sunlight.
4. Window sensors that can detect when a window is open and trigger new HVAC settings or security alarms
5. Smart Meters for energy usage monitoring & stable internet connectivity
Implementation
1. A Cloud-based facilities management system can be installed in stages, or modified to fit different situations
2. Start with key facilities and then deploy to other locations as needed or desired
3. Option to use existing control technology (if ‘smart’) and linking disparate systems through custom programming.
4. Standardization will make it easier to add BMS and analytics capabilities later on
5. Upgrading local controls is easy and cost-effective with the use of wireless communications technology
6. In a typical building, the various controls communicate wirelessly to a gateway, which then forwards the data to the Cloud
[box type=”shadow” ]Network Security ( Option to Safeguard)
Security is an important concern in every enterprise. Cloud computing can provide an environment that is more secure and less costly than most internal IT systems, due to centralized data storage, governance, and control. Some Cloud services offer the same technology as that used by secure banking.
Choice of cloud is important:
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Return on Investment
ROI from properly-applied IoT sensors, switches, and analytics can occur in six months to two years, a fraction of the time it takes to recoup investment in traditional BMS systems. Beyond the pure monetary savings, additional benefits related to reduced truck rolls, tenant appeal, retention, sub-metered billing, sustainability, and environmental stewardship can also be realized, with detailed data to support them.
1. The level of investment is easy to cost-justify for most facilities.
2. If we assume a minimum of 10% savings in energy costs (which is frequently achieved in any installations), full ROI can usually be realized within one to two years depending upon the locations, local conditions etc. (Source from few renowned solution providers).
3. Improved occupant comfort will further improve their performance & productivity
Way Forward
Integration of Cloud Computing and Internet of things (IoT) or the “CloudIoT” will further improve the control system on facilities. Integration of Cloud Computing and Virtual Reality / Augmented Virtual Reality if used in Facility Management will allow facility managers to do remote walk through of facilities. The above integrations will take the Facility Management to next level but with additional cost and can be very useful at advanced laboratories and in Hotel industries as well.
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Cloud Services
1. Software as a Service (SaaS), uses the web to deliver applications that are managed by a third-party vendor and whose interface is accessed on the clients’ side. Most SaaS applications can be run directly from a web browser without any downloads or installations required, although some require plugins.
Example: Google Apps, Salesforce, Workday, Concur, Citrix GoToMeeting
2. Platform as a Service (PaaS), is used for applications, and other development, while providing cloud components to software. What developers gain with PaaS is a framework they can build upon to develop or customize applications.
3. Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) is self-service model for accessing, monitoring, and managing remote datacenter infrastructures, such as compute (virtualized or bare metal), storage, networking, and networking services (e.g. firewalls). Instead of having to purchase hardware outright, users can purchase IaaS based on consumption , similar to electricity or other utility billing.
Example : Amazon Web Services (AWS), Cisco Metapod, Microsoft Azure
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