The Internet of Things – Everywhere. IoT is the foundation of future smart networks

It seems that every day a new technology or a new “vision for the future” appears on our timelines and news feeds that paints a picture of an increasingly digital-dependent future. While the talk of neural implants and robots are promising, there are advancements and trends in the world of automation technology that deserve some attention as well. IoT is the foundation of future networks that can work to optimize and elevate a wide range of processes in our built environments.

The technology in question is IoT or the internet of things, which can sound intentionally vague and difficult to understand like many of these concepts often do; but as we are seeing it become more widely adapted in the built environments and will have direct impacts on how we interact with our day-to-day lives as the world begins to move back into what many call ‘normal’. 

IoT Basics  

IoT technology in its basal form is a network of interconnected smart devices and devices that work together to store and collect information. The internet of things gives us a wide range of capabilities from wifi to credit cards to tracking and controlling automatic door systems should they be hooked up to them.  

IoT uses sensors and can track useful information and discard information deemed irrelevant or not useful. Technology like this can track room occupancy and inventory to help managers keep track of operations. 

IoT in the office 

Our offices can seem like areas lacking in innovation and technology – but IoT is becoming a cornerstone in offices and workplaces around the world. Valued for their connective sensor systems and data collection abilities, IoT devices and networks in the office can help to not only optimize day-to-day operations but improve quality of life for tenants.  

The integration of IoT into an office can bring about changes to systems across the board all while collecting data on how these are being used in order to plan for improvements like automating systems or adjusting practices. 

A good IoT system in the office will allow tenants to have a personalized experience to their needs and set up sensors for what matters to them, improving employee satisfaction overall and creating a more appealing workspace.  

Working with IoT  

Working with IoT is primarily the job of facilities managers, as these networks and devices fall under the umbrella of facilities management in their integration with systems such as heating, occupancy and lighting.  

Integrating an IoT network into your building is not just adding a new tech to occasionally check in on, it’s a tool to be used frequently and that is there to make work operations easier and even lower overhead costs. Facilities managers may see IoT as the tool they have been waiting years for, giving them real-time information on all systems under their supervision in the building. 

IoT and Built Environments 

Larger built environments are where IoT networks can really shine, with devices across entire floors and buildings connected to the same system of data and information collection. Tracking and storing this information for later use and monitoring can improve how a business operates, eventually positioning the technology in such a way that IoT is the foundation of future smart networks.

Choosing between a top-down, vertical solution or a horizontal one that is easier to integrate with existing systems. Both have their benefits in different areas of deployment; vertical solutions can be seen used alongside older systems that require support and potential additions to some areas. Meanwhile horizontal solutions are meant to be able to integrate into existing solutions with ease and bring them together. 

Options for IoT integration in buildings are also making our lives more efficient and accessible, with everything available on apps and transferred via digital connectivity, it means improvements to processes we have known to be manually done for years. Even admitting guests into buildings are moving to IoT networks, small changes that integrate smoothly into everyday life.  

Further, the role that this technology can have on environmental efforts cannot be understated as buildings and built environments account for a significant portion of carbon emissions. With the help of sensors on an IoT network they can optimize carbon emissions for an entire buildings facilities. 

Smart Cities  

Smart cities are the long-term vision for IoT and related technologies such as digital twins. The intention for smart cities is full connection on IoT networks across various built environments with the goal of data-driven optimization of everyday systems.  

The connection of traffic systems, transportation, waste management and climate-control systems across one or several networks that are self-monitoring and have data stored for decision makers to evaluate could over time be what turns cities into the cities of the future. 

Even more so, the integration of IoT into the office and workplaces would seek to elevate the employee experiences with the office environment that now could be seen as tedious or are due for a modern upgrade.

This interconnectedness could spawn a new age, and the emergence of IoT as the foundation of future networks – especially in areas of concern where pollution and carbon emissions levels need to be monitored, would be immensely beneficial in the long term. 

The future of Automation Technology 

Automation and IoT will likely become a part of every sector in some capacity. From healthcare and hospitals to construction and industrial where asset tracking, inventory and building modelling are all moving to a digital setting and allowing for increased agility on the job site.   

Takeaway 

The digitization movement is not just a trend or marketing ploy to push virtual reality products, the ability to connect devices and operations across digital networks will enable us to optimize and improve our day to day lives.  

Digital twins and IoT are gaining traction in the software and automation industries, and they are still at the cusp of truly becoming a household technology seen in workplaces everywhere.