An Overview of the Benefits of IoT for Facilities

While it may sound complicated, the Internet of Things, or IoT, simply refers to the exchange of information using unique identifier data from machine to machine over a network. The data is transmitted automatically and does not need a human to enter the information.

The “thing” can refer to anything and can be a simple one-identifier setup, such as a chip in your vehicle to let you know when you need an oil change, or an entire ecosystem of web-enabled smart devices driving the exchange of a network of information.

Overall, it helps people live and work smarter.

As businesses, equipment, and systems become more connected, the added benefits of IoT become much more apparent to facility managers worldwide, but is your facility taking advantage of everything IoT has to offer?

When it comes to the benefits of IoT for facilities, you need to consider both the advantages and disadvantages of integrating your systems before rushing in. Over the next few weeks, we’ll take a closer look at the benefits of IoT for facilities. The five main areas that we’ll focus on include safety and security, operations and maintenance, utility management, SOW adaptability and improving user experiences.

IoT for Safety and Security

• There are various technologies, such as video analytics, alarms, and sensors, which can all be effectively linked together to warn you of potential safety issues.
• Life safety systems and fire management devices can be programmed and monitored centrally so that any messaging or alerts can be controlled from one central location.
• Secure entry systems on doors and facilities will allow for controlling, restricting, or limiting access to specific areas within your facility.
• In the event of an emergency, quickly and easily reach groups of personnel or people through automated calls, social media or text messaging.

IoT for Operations and Maintenance

• Devices can be installed on equipment and machinery to monitor their status.
• Detailed records will allow for the prioritization of essential maintenance and ensure that all equipment and machinery is regularly serviced as per recommendations based on use.
• Sensors can be put in place, which will assist with control and monitoring different building system processes through preinstalled algorithms and setpoints.

IoT for Utility Management

• Internal meters can be installed to assist with managing and monitoring the energy usage at facilities.
• The energy usage data be used to set up predetermined internal environmental conditions to manage energy consumption throughout the facility better.
• Peak usage times can be monitored, and data used to set up internal environmental conditions that suit demand.

IoT for SOW Adaptability

• Feedback systems can be used to quickly identify any problem areas within facilities based on employee and/or customer feedback. That data can then be used to create conditions that better suit their needs.
• Create processes and scopes of work that are based on counting and use versus time and alert staff when set thresholds are reached.
• Track the movement of employees, visitors and contractors through wearable sensors within facilities.

IoT for Improving User Experiences

• Digital signage and mobile alerts can educate occupants and give them the power to decide based on the presented information.
• Request feedback directly from users and update systems in real time based on user experiences.
• Create automated yet personalized updates and messages to users who interact with your systems or when they are within a certain geographic area.

What IoT changes make sense for your facility?

While IoT can make systems run better and make them easier to manage and control, it’s also essential that we consider how IoT can make us vulnerable at the same time. As with most changes, there are advantages and disadvantages that every business should consider before implementing any significant changes.

When you rely solely on any IoT to manage and control systems and equipment, you need to ensure that it has been installed and set up by experienced and professional personnel. Incorrect installation, targets, alerts, or warning levels could result in a catastrophic system failure.

Flagship Facility Services are experts in incorporating IoT into your facility management and maintenance services and have experienced and professional teams ready to help your business with your IoT requirements.