CAFM & IT EMBRACING THE FUTURE The Internet of Things promises to transform the facilities we use. Marcus Judge, Director of
IT at Kohler Co EMEA which includes water controls specialist Rada, sets out the company’s vision for the technology and water controls, and explains why it’s fast becoming a reality.
Most people think about being connected in terms of computers, tablets and smartphones, but the Internet of Things (IoT) is much more than that. The IoT describes a world where just about anything can be connected and communicated with in an intelligent fashion.
There are widespread areas where IoT technologies could be or are already being integrated into premises. They have enormous potential to improve the operation of premises by providing data on areas such as, water and energy efficiency, infection control and other operational requirements. There is also potential for tasks to become automated and for maintenance to be more accurately targeted and planned.
For commercial buildings, the IoT stands to revolutionise how we work, how buildings are managed and how they are maintained. As a manufacturer of commercial taps and showers, we are part of delivering this vision. At
Rada, our focus is on how we can efficiently improve user outcomes through the implementation of intelligent technologies. So, what would this look like in reality?
Water control innovation Let’s take health and care as an example. A key focus for the NHS is infection control to combat healthcare associated infections. Among other things programmes to promote hand washing has been a key measure. Currently, the success of these programmes is measured in very broad terms and over long periods. Compliance is monitored through staff questionnaires or physical observation. Success rates are measured in the reduction in the incidents of healthcare related infections and general behavioral metrics.
“IoT enabled water controls will
deliver live data to facilities teams about their condition, age and frequency of use.”
IoT technologies will make regimes like this significantly more successful, not by just measuring hand-washing but also by actively tracking the success of any control programmes across different medical and care facilities. This will involve water controls and taps, of course, but also other sensors and smart devices that will monitor best practice.
“This is not about technology
replacing people, but helping them to do a better job and creating better premises.”
As new technologies are introduced, they will be able to measure adoption and identify areas of success across the health and care estate and suggest areas for improvement. Automated, autonomous devices will respond to this intelligence by being instructed to undertake cleaning functions, while staff can be given advice on measures to make further improvements.
Maintenance is a further area that can be significantly enhanced through IoT technologies. A key part of operating any facility efficiently and effectively, be it a commercial
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