The Impact of IoT for Building Service Contractors

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1 The Impact of IoT for Building Service Contractors

2 1 Table of Contents The Impact of IoT for Building Service Contractors 2. What is IoT? 3. Increase HVAC system efficiency 4. Improve building safey and security 6. Conserve and track water usage 7. Improve efficacy of cleaning services 8. Mange fleet effectively 9. Getting started 10.

3 2 The Impact of IoT for Building Service Contractors Thermostats that kick in just when we re ready to enter our cozy home; cars that guide us to our destination; monitors that track our steps and sleep cycles. The Internet of Things (IoT) is quickly becoming ubiquitous for consumers, but what many people don t realize is that its impact on industry will be far greater. the built environment is a highly promising sector for IoT applications, with estimates showing it could become a $1 trillion industry by 2020 In fact, the built environment is a highly promising sector for IoT applications, with estimates showing it could become a $1 trillion industry by Whereas building service contractors previously needed to schedule regular maintenance to make sure equipment was functioning properly, or deal with damage that had already occurred, connected devices allow building services professionals to continually monitor and respond to building maintenance issues as they happen conserving time and money.

4 3 What is IoT? The Internet of Things refers to devices that are connected to the Internet that allow users to control them remotely, like the thermostats and fitness trackers mentioned above that are common consumer uses. But IoT technology has moved into industrial settings in a big way. Now, connected devices in healthcare facilities, office buildings and factories can integrate with application platforms like ServiceMax and Salesforce that enable companies to efficiently run and manage a field service business. Here are five common functions where building service contractors can deploy IoT to make their buildings more efficient and effective. HVAC Safety & Security Water Conservation Commercial Cleaning Fleet Management

5 4 Increase HVAC system efficiency 2 Smarter buildings are enabling contractors to collect and analyze real-time data, with connected devices that allow you to monitor for flaws in equipment and fix them before being hit with a massive energy bill. In addition, collecting data from sensors can maximize efficiency by optimizing energy use and reducing overall energy consumption through automating heating and cooling functions. This allows you to ensure occupant comfort during peak hours, but avoids heating an empty building all night. And by tracking consumption, you can analyze real-time data to better understand and control your facility s energy usage.

6 5 Honeywell, for instance, partners with utility companies to develop IoT-based programs that allow utilities to monitor energy usage in real time, providing better tracking and analysis of customer behavioral trends, and instantly identifying maintenance issues in need of repair. The benefit to the utility is that our entire installed base of wifi thermostats is now available to them as a resource for a demand response program - Jeremy Eaton, VP Smart Grid Solutions The benefit to the utility is that our entire installed base of wifi thermostats is now available to them as a resource for a demand response program, Jeremy Eaton, vice president and general manager of Honeywell Smart Grid Solutions, told Forbes. Not every utility participates in demand response, but we re making this investment in our infrastructure now to get ahead of the curve.

7 6 Improve building safety and security: Connected sensors can help improve management of lighting, fire alarms, water sprinklers and surveillance systems, among other elements. Rather than just sounding an alarm or summoning an employee, connected fire and smoke devices illustrate where the problem is and could automatically illuminate paths to help guide occupants to safety. Such technology can enhance safety when there is a problem, while also using sets of data to identify when a triggered action is not a problem after all, eliminating the hassle and expense of sending a fire truck to deal with burned toast, for instance. If an incident occurs, property managers will be able to collect accurate data about it from all possible sources, facilitating the insurance claim process.

8 7 Conserve and track water usage: Using smart water metering technology, IoT monitoring allows contractors to effectively track and bill individual water use in buildings with multiple tenants or allow building contractors to manage disconnected physical structures as a single unit. For example, a company that has multiple single family homes or condos spread across town can integrate all the data from the structures and manage it more like a campus environment. Previously, water bills were split evenly, but remote sub-metering of water usage allows property managers to accurately gauge how much water each unit is consuming and prorate the bills accordingly. In addition, IoT can monitor for leaking faucets or water main breaks in near-real time. Remote monitoring alerts owners to unnatural water consumption patterns, allowing for a quick fix. For a more comprehensive picture, ServiceMax s dashboard reports display real-time and historical data insights so users can see aggregate water usage information for different buildings, drill down to specific units, or see trends in water usage during different times of day or times of the year.

9 8 Improve efficacy of cleaning services: Commercial cleaning services can use IoT technology to monitor facility use and automatically determine when cleanings are needed, rather than rely on a routine schedule-based system. One company uses connected soap dispensers, which allows them to track usage patterns. Routine visits can waste time and resources when cleaning isn t needed, or, conversely, can allow facility cleanliness and stock to deteriorate when traffic patterns increase. Armed with data from connected equipment, cleaning operators can quickly make informed decisions to assess when cleaning services are needed based on actual usage and maintain a high level of customer satisfaction. Another company, Sealed Air's Diversey Care, has launched a new platform called the Internet of Clean, which connects floor machines, dispensers, sensors, beacons and other smart devices which provide an array of data utilizing a dashboard that delivers enhanced information on product operations and performance.

10 9 Manage fleet effectively: Wondering where your personnel or cars are? Tracking fleet GPS locations allows you to automatically send the nearest vehicle to provide service when it s needed, rather than rerouting another one, increasing efficiency and responsiveness. Fleet monitoring also be used to send automated alerts to customers when a technician is on the way, based on car location. Incorporating sensors into your fleet s equipment also assists with maintenance. Track diagnostics to check on the condition of your vehicles, and get immediate notification if a repair is needed increasing safety while reducing the time they are out of commission. There s no question that IoT will be a game-changer in the building service industry, providing cost savings, efficiency and increased oversight. But forward-thinking companies realize they need to know how to seamlessly integrate the tools with their business goals and incorporate a system like a centralized dashboard that will not only track data but help you analyze, make sense of it and determine the best way to capitalize on it.

11 10 Ready to start an IoT Project? Companies are finding that partnering with ThingLogix offers them turn-key solutions that provide actionable data. While moving quickly to maximize IoT s value is essential, so is having a partner who can help you navigate the strategic, business and technical aspects to promote informed decisions that best address your company s needs. Contact us to get started on your IoT project! ThingLogix.com