As the general collective steps into an increasingly digital way of life, technology has become inescapable. Although the term "smart building" has a variety of meanings, it is ultimately about connections. These technologies allow the formation of connections by collecting data regarding the occupants of the building, along with external and internal conditions. As such, the collection and analysis of data is the most significant element of a smart building.
With the help of audiovisual integration specialists, business operations can take place within a smart building that is optimized for reduced energy consumption, productivity, and predictive maintenance. Among other things this will affect the smart building's lighting, security systems, digital displays, and HVAC systems.
What Are Smart Buildings?
In the past, the location and structure of a corporate building were the primary concerns of company owners. These days, technology takes precedence over any other features a building may possess, as smart buildings not only have the potential to increase productivity and efficiency, they also reduce the overall cost of operations.
Essentially, a "smart building" is a structure designed to feed data into a computer system. Smart buildings utilize computer automation to constantly monitor data and adjust features such as the temperature or lighting according to the data collected.
It is important to note that smart technologies do so much more than automate essential building functions. The technologies embedded within smart buildings utilize artificial intelligence and sensors to make decisions.
With the power of artificial intelligence, smart buildings with security and surveillance systems can lock or unlock doors when they are provided with identification and can contact authorities in the event of an emergency. Business owners will save a significant amount of capital, as energy management systems in smart buildings control lighting and temperature as needed. Furthermore, smart technologies are also capable of controlling operations related to water management and automating parking systems.
These features are now on the cusp of a dramatic upward trend. GlobeNewswire reports that the global smart building market will grow to $127.09 billion by 2027. As smart buildings become more common, they signify a massive shift in how humans will live and work in their day-to-day lives.
Benefits of Smart Buildings
If your company is interested in staying competitive, experienced audiovisual integrators can assist in creating a smart building. With innovative, cutting-edge technology, smart buildings will reduce the amount of staff necessary while reducing the payroll costs of the employees that your company already has. Smart buildings also reduce the chance that human error will occur. Furthermore, smart buildings benefit the environment by lowering energy consumption and reducing carbon dioxide emissions.
Predictive Maintenance
When smart buildings implement an integrated workplace management system, the infrastructure accounts for lighting, plumbing, and HVAC. Smart buildings can monitor these systems continuously, making it much easier for your staff to discern when equipment requires service. In addition, a smart building will quickly identify when equipment is no longer working correctly, even outside of its scheduled maintenance. Once the central computer system identifies an issue, the staff will receive an alert and make provisions to resolve the problem.
Energy Saving
Saving energy is not only good for the environment, but it also reduces overall costs of operation. Since smart buildings function in a manner that constantly analyzes data, the infrastructure minimizes resource consumption. Water and electricity usage will remain at a minimum. Smart buildings also enable your team to join forces with a regional power grid and sell back excess capacity. Even in the event of a natural disaster, a smart building will allow your company to handle unexpected changes more efficiently.
Productivity
The primary goal of a facilities manager is to ensure that the overall environment of the building can provide maximum comfort and productivity. A smart building will carefully track variables such as weather and automatically adjust the temperature based on the occupants’ needs. But the benefits don't stop there. Ambient lighting may change based on the time of day or weather, providing optimal lighting for peak employee performance. Plus, your staff is not distracted with changing the temperature or adjusting lighting fixtures throughout the day. Since the building facilitates maximum comfort, employees can focus on the task at hand with a better workflow and minimal interruption.
Smart Building Technologies
For a smart building to operate at maximum efficiency, various specialists must contribute their expertise. This includes allowing audiovisual integrators to put the proper AV systems in place before construction begins. This way, the lighting, security systems, HVAC, and digital displays can all work together seamlessly. The most critical component of smart buildings is a centralized computer system that enables the continuous input of data, and the structure of the building must allow this from the ground up.
Intelligent Lighting
Although most essential functions a smart building possesses are automated, this does not mean that light switches are obsolete. For best performance, the lighting network must function from a central point. From here, the building will know when the lights should turn off due to lack of use. Motion sensors will regulate the use of LEDs and lightbulbs.
Security
It is only natural that security systems are of the utmost importance for business owners and the employees within the building. If a critical system within the building were to fail, it could cause significant security issues. Unlike traditional facilities, a smart building enables your security network to instantly contact your security team or alert the entire building if an emergency occurs.
HVAC
Although many people fail to recognize the importance of HVAC systems until there is a mishap, this is one of the primary benefits of conducting business within a smart building. With intelligent technology, smart buildings can ensure that the building remains at a functional temperature. A smart building will consider internal factors that affect the temperature of a building, like sunlight, computers, electrical lights, and occupancy rates.
Digital Displays
Once audiovisual integrators have determined which digital displays are most suitable for the needs of employees and building itself, the data the smart buildings collect will become an integral part of the workplace environment. People can view the data on digital displays throughout the office. As a result, your staff will be cognizant of what's happening behind closed doors and have a more significant amount of environmental awareness.
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