Cloud Considerations
The IoT wouldn’t exist without cloud-based applications. For facilities managers and building service providers, mobile applications used for managing operations and maintenance workflow depends on 3G/LTE (cellular) or WIFI connectivity. Often, neither services are available in parking structures, mechanical rooms, and electrical vaults. Off-line applications can partially fill the gap, but ultimately Smart Buildings will deploy sensors throughout the facility, and that needs seamless connectivity.
Securing WIFI connected devices, and maintaining a safe computing environment will become more and more a facilities management issue.
Data Integration
Building operational technology data (sometimes called OT) and information technologies data (IT) are converging towards the centre of the Internet of Things for buildings. Facilities managers leveraging IoT technologies are combining data from IWMS/ CMMS/EAM, service or financial management systems, energy or utility data, building automation systems, and even occupant engagement systems. Outsourced service providers, each with their own management systems, create additional data silos for facilities managers, while the service providers may be required to provide service data to multiple customers.
Standard business processes, even simple transactions like sending an invoice to a customer, have suffered from fragmented digital processes. Many service providers now deliver electronic PDF invoices to the customer’s personal email, or require their customers to visit their website, enter credentials, and navigate through the site in order to find invoice or service data. Some larger facilities or real estate managers require their service providers to close out work orders within their enterprise work order system. Neither solution works well for the various parties involved in the business transaction.
Databases require a handshake, a means which connects the two databases. More times than not, databases are not structured in a way which requires additional labor for data scientists to integrate the databases to ensure data integrity. We must start ensuring data is being gathered in a structured manner. Project Haystack is one such attempt to do so. It is an open source initiative to organize and streamline working with data from the Internet of Things. Project Ha
ystack standardizes semantic data models and web services with the goal of making it easier to unlock value from the vast quantity of data being generated by the smart devices that permeate our homes, buildings, factories, and cities. Applications include automation, control, energy, HVAC, lighting, and other environmental systems. For example, air handling units are referred to AHU; HVAC refers to any assets records associated with HVAC.
