Leveraging IoT for Building Security

One key area where IoT can be leveraged a lot more in the world of FM is physical security

- STEPHEN GILL

While buildings become more complex and smarter due to goals such as energy savings and temperature control, building owners and facilities managers need solutions that make buildings (homes and offices) and common areas functional, safe and secure.

Latest technological developments that promote automation, especially IoT-enabled devices are being increasingly implemented in residential and commercial buildings to transform the way building occupants live, work and play. IoT offers many exciting possibilities in the context of facilities management (FM), ranging from inventory management, to work scheduling and energy efficiency.

According to estimates by the International Facility Management Association (IFMA), facilities that implement active controls and IoT-enabled technologies can expect a 50 percent growth in cost efficiency through maintenance, energy and other recurring costs. With IoT implementation, facilities managers are able to deploy analytics and even predict maintenance needs, which helps them achieve 20 percent on energy maintenance costs per year.

For facilities managers, the most common IoT-enabled devices are smart electric meters, which can reduce the need for periodic visits to capture meter readings, for instance. IoT can also offer smart options for thermostats and environmental controls, motion sensors, cameras and security sensors in and around the building.

By installing such sensors around an office building, for instance, can help facilities managers better manage workspaces, as IoT technologies track what spaces are used, when, and how often. Facilities managers can then utilise this information to understand what meeting rooms and other common spaces are over- or under-utilised and implement changes to enhance facility use and improve occupant experience.