Interoperability in intelligent buildings: a matter of harmony

Expert

Interoperability: getting the different intelligent building systems to work together

A smart building is made up of several systems, such as those dedicated to energy management, security devices, environmental sensors and asset management solutions. The simple fact is that these systems do not communicate with each other, because they are installed and managed independently of each other. This poses a problem, since the ability to ensure that these systems interact smoothly and coherently is a key performance driver for office property. By performance, we mean the ability of this type of asset to optimise operating costs while satisfying occupant comfort. This is the equation that intelligent buildings address through their ability to learn, react and predict.

Interoperability means taking the various systems out of each other's hands. In many traditional buildings, the lack of dialogue between systems limits the overall efficiency of the building, since the information that each system manages is not compared with that of the other systems. In an interoperable Smart Building, on the other hand, these systems are integrated, enabling centralised, coordinated management. For example, data from presence sensors can be used to automatically adjust lighting and temperature, improving occupant comfort while reducing energy consumption.

However, the information crossroads that interoperability aims to achieve must not be achieved at the expense of security. The more information that is captured, the greater the cyber threat. Data cybersecurity is a crucial issue for intelligent buildings. Exchanges of data between systems potentially increase points of vulnerability. As a result, it is imperative to put in place robust security protocols to protect sensitive data. This includes encryption of communications, strong authentication of devices, and continuous monitoring of systems to detect and neutralise any threats in real time.

The aim of interoperability in smart buildings is therefore to harmonise systems.

 

Interoperability creates value for all stakeholders

Interoperability in Smart Buildings creates value not only for the property industry, but also for organisations and occupants. The value of an asset naturally remains the foundation of any real estate issue. In a competitive market, any source of asset enhancement is seen as a strategic investment. An intelligent building increases its value and attractiveness on the market. Owners and investors now consider that an additional premium dedicated to this type of building is relevant in the sense that it offers efficient management and reduced operating costs. Energy is a key issue, especially in a context of rising costs. When systems work together, the supply generated by the building meets the demand generated by use and occupation in real time. Adjusting supply and demand results in substantial financial savings and a reduced carbon footprint. In this situation, commercial property enters a virtuous cycle at the level of the asset itself, but also at the level of the urban fabric, with each asset forming a part of it.

As far as occupants are concerned, the value is based on comfort and use. Comfort is the first expectation of a building's occupants. We are talking here primarily about physical comfort, i.e. the possibility of enjoying satisfactory, stable and pleasant environmental conditions, but above all conditions that can be adjusted automatically according to the occupants' preferences and external environmental conditions. Functional comfort is also taken into account, particularly in terms of the user experience. By enabling occupants to anticipate their arrival, presence and spatial needs, functional comfort is improved, with the possibility of coming to the office to do a good job. In the context of hybrid working, this dimension is one of the responses to the added value of on-site presence. Finally, we are also talking about psychological comfort, since it is recognised by numerous studies that control over the working environment is a source of satisfaction and perceived good performance. With an interoperable intelligent building, users have greater control over the conditions in which they occupy the building. The capitalisation of usage data, made possible by the interoperability of systems, is therefore a valuable resource for the predictive operation of the building. This harmonisation of systems creates value for everyone, from the owner to the end user.

Interoperability is therefore the central pillar that enables an intelligent building to achieve its full potential. It is orchestrated by a convergence platform called the BOS (Building Operating System), which ensures fluid communication between the various building systems and performs the monitoring, automation and optimisation roles that are essential to a building's performance. The dialogue between the different systems, which defines interoperability, is a question of harmony for all the parties involved. ‘Balancing everything is good. Putting everything in harmony is better’, said Victor Hugo…

 

Find out more about Kardham Digital'ssolutions in the article:

• KD Convergence
• KD Cockpit
• KD Unify

Release date: August 2024