CAFM & IT
to swipe into a building or use mobile phones to track individuals – this now makes the process of collecting data easy and less intrusive.
But this ease of collection can unfortunately result in data overload. However, returning to the intel collected at the project ‘discovery stage’, it should be possible to pinpoint which data points are best suited to reach the overall goal. Once that has been achieved, cleaning and vetting the data to work out which is most valuable and what can be deleted, can be determined as long as the objectives are established.
Verifying data is the only option It is imperative to validate data via other means or amass hard data from a collection of sources in order to cross reference them. With energy saving, for example, a building owner can only be certain that the temperature data measured from a single sensor is accurate by using methods of cross-referencing whilst analysing data from sub meters situated within the building to recognise any inconsistencies. Only this way can they be sure that any energy saving technology installed is reaching the provider’s promised service level agreement.
To avoid a significant cost burden, verification methods need only be taken for a short period. For example, if an organisation needs to determine its occupancy levels on a particular day, it is easy to establish temporary monitoring systems, as this will be enough to confirm the accuracy of permanent solutions.
comprehensive understanding of the requirements of the building. Interviews with the occupants or potential users is another way to collate information that can inform choices about what solutions are best for that facility. Complaints about existing buildings, and how often the building is in use, can be used to steer the overall strategy for making adjustments to the building and its operating systems, so that the people that use it can be more productive and feel safer.
Gathering all this data can determine where alterations to the building or how it is run should be made. This makes it simpler to identify which data is most important to collect to inform any changes. Take the example of trying to lower the amount spent on air conditioning sensors, improved controls and occupancy data are going to be the wisest investment. Economics are another key consideration that must be taken into account, including ROI. But new technology has brought some reasonably priced solutions to the market that are simple to implement, meaning staggered improvements can be made over time.
Sifting through the data How to physically collect the data is another query I frequently get asked. But the variety of ways to gather data about facilities and the people that use them are so wide ranging now that it should only take some short research to find the answer. It’s now possible to use sensors, smart wearable devices, the identity cards used
www.tomorrowsfm.com
Tackling the perception of privacy With any work that involves the tracking of a facility’s users, challenges around how technical integration and privacy and security are managed cannot be overlooked. By returning again to the discovery stage, any qualms about privacy can be addressed while involving occupants. Based on these responses, the client can decide whether they should gather data on their building’s users.
That said, the facilities manager doesn’t need to see detailed information about every individual, it can be anonymised. They only really need to achieve a broad overview of how a building functions and understand the data as a whole. It is also possible to desensitise data but still be able to monitor whether a person is in the building. Knowing the precise identity of every occupant simply isn’t needed to work out how the building is used.
Smart building data is of critical importance when it comes to reducing the negative impact our buildings have on the environment. But there are clearly challenges to its use. Furthermore, because fit out is often too strongly contractor-led instead of being design or technology-led, this means that data isn’t at the top of the agenda when a project begins. Teams operating in this sector largely don’t have the right understanding of the technology, ergonomics, neurology, and operations of the building to decide how best to use data. However, the future of the built environment depends on developing this understanding, and our whole sector needs to realise that.
www.spieuk.com/ TOMORROW’S FM | 27
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