The IoT for Buildings: What exactly is it?

What is the IoT?

There is a lot of confusion out there about what the IoT actually is, and how it will implemented to realize the huge expectations of futurists.  A quick Google found:

The Internet of Things (IoT) refers to the ever-growing network of physical objects that feature an IP address for internet connectivity, and the communication that occurs between these objects and other Internet-enabled devices and systems. (Webopedia)

The Internet of Things (IoT) is the network of physical objects or "things" embedded with electronics, software, sensors and connectivity to enable it to achieve greater value and service by exchanging data with the manufacturer, operator and/or other connected devices.  (Wikipedia)

The Internet of Things (IoT) is a scenario in which objects, animals or people are provided with unique identifiers and the ability to transfer data over a network without requiring human-to-human or human-to-computer interaction. (WhatIs)

The Internet of Things (IoT) is a computing concept that describes a future where everyday physical objects will be connected to the Internet and be able to identify themselves to other devices. The term is closely identified with RFID as the method of communication, although it also may include other sensor technologies, wireless technologies or QR codes. (Techopedia)

The Internet of Things Is Here   The Internet of Things (IoT) is increasing the connectedness of people and things on a scale that once was unimaginable. Connected devices outnumber the world's population by 1.5 to 1. The pace of IoT market adoption is accelerating because of:  Growth in analytics and cloud computing,  Increasing interconnectivity of machines and personal smart devices, The proliferation of applications connecting supply chains, partners, and customers  (Cisco)

The Internet of Things (IoT) is the network of physical objects that contain embedded technology to communicate and sense or interact with their internal states or the external environment. (Gartner Group)

IoT is more than smart homes and connected appliances, however. It scales up to include smart cities – think of connected traffic signals that monitor utility use, or smart bins that signal when they need to be emptied – and industry, with connected sensors for everything from tracking parts to monitoring crops. (The Guardian)

There are several big challenges ahead for the embryonic Internet of Things. There are technological challenges in terms of the actual devices that collect and send data, these challenges include both hardware and software issues like battery life, maintenance, interoperability, and compatibility. There are big data issues around building systems that can process all of this data and use it to achieve meaningful tasks. There are also security and privacy problems, who wants to have a smart home that can be hacked? Or worse still a smart hospital that can be breached remotely. As we move from individual smart homes to smart cities, which have smart transport systems and smart infrastructure, then all these issues become more complex and more difficult to solve correctly. (AndroidAuthority)

My own definition of the Internet of Things is much simpler.   

The IoT is the application of inter-corporate business processes supported by Internet connected devices.

This definition recognizes that the value proposition of the IoT is driven by  inter-corporate business process change.  Why inter-corporate processes?   Enterprises have no need to expose Things to the Internet unless they need to share the Thing with other corporations, outside their own enterprise.

Real World Examples of the IoT for Buildings

The Internet of Things for Buildings is here, today.   Here some real world examples of how IoT technologies are being applied in buildings.   

Daikin Intelligent Equipment 

Daikin Applied recently introduced their Intelligent Equipment solution for remotely monitoring certain models of Daikin packaged rooftop HVAC units (RTU).

The Daikin Customer Dashboard provides energy and comfort information.  

The Daikin Technician Dashboard provides equipment maintenance notifications and keeps a running history of all service performed on the unit. 

Both dashboards are available as Software-as-a-Service via a web browser, on desktop or mobile devices.  Data is aggregated in the cloud, preventing direct access to the equipment.     Like the single manufacturer remote monitoring use case described above, the Daikin solution works only with rooftop units of their own manufacture.

The value proposition for remote monitor revolves around "reduced truck rolls" and predictive maintenance allowing for more first time fixes, improved energy efficiency and improved service reliability.

BuiltSpace

Whereas Daikin creates RTU equipment avatars (virtual representations of real world equipment), BuiltSpace allows users to navigate through portfolios of building, space and equipment avatars, aggregating data at any level.   Both systems manage operational (building system) and service record data, but provide different value propositions.  

Spaces are Things on the BuiltSpace platform.   The following example (Inhabitant Interface at UBC/CIRS) shows current environmental (including open windows) and operational condition in the room, and for assigned inhabitants, the ability to control lighting and temperature set points.   Further, inhabitants can provide feedback, and generate service requests through their personal dashboards.

Equipment avatars incorporate end-points for operational and service data, collected in real-time, by collaborative, digital service processes.  

BuiltSpace supports remote monitoring, and end-to-end, inter-corporate business processes, creating a compelling value proposition.   Before a Thing can be connected to the IoT, it must be identified, assessed and engineered to meet new business process requirements.    Many Things in buildings may never become connected (due to technical or financial constraints), but they still must be managed, often by outside service providers.     Once connected, Things still need to be managed and maintained.  

With increasing technical complexity and expertise requirements,  Internet of Things enabled buildings will transform service providers who can take advantage of technology to generate new revenue opportunities.    Collaborative services delivery, core functionality within BuiltSpace, allows these service providers to get closer to their customers, and leverage partner core competencies in this IoT driven world.  

Thanks for reading.   My next blog will explore how connected Things can be incorporated into inter-corporate business processes to reduce truck rolls and improve energy efficiency in buildings.