One of the key features that a modern and innovative office building must possess is ‘connectivity’ – the ability to facilitate intercommunication and interaction between a ‘Building Control Systems’ and ‘Internet Technologies’.

Currently, the ‘Building Control Systems’ for Fire Alarms, Lighting, Physical Security, Lifts, HVAC, Access Control, Visitor Management, Video Surveillance and Parking Systems are managed in silos using proprietary technologies as well as ineffective analog control and monitoring systems. Meanwhile, the ‘Internet Technologies’ has undergone rapid digital technology advancement, which in turn has led to the high level of integration between Data, Voice, Video, Wireless Mobility and Content thus creating a Borderless ‘Connected Workplace’ environment.

The value proposition for the development of Smart Building lies in adopting the ‘Internet Technologies’ to integrate it with the ‘Building Control Systems’ to provide a sophisticated and unified connected office building environment with efficient building operations and management. This in turn makes the working environment more comfortable, productive and entertaining.

Furthermore, this approach enables the ‘connected network’ as an information utility that delivers critical data and new services to stakeholders throughout the building.

In a multi-occupancy building, multiple parallel networks are likely to be installed on a piecemeal basis, with tenants responsible for meeting their own requirements. In addition, the developer installs multiple networks to support different systems, including, ventilation, air-conditioning, lighting, access control, security, fire alarms, vertical transportation and parking systems. The fact is, these systems are both cumbersome and expensive. Hence, the better option will be to reallocate investment from disparate systems to form a well-planned utility that will serve many and benefit all. For example, Security Cameras can use the IP network thus eliminating the need for a separate security cabling scheme.

A single network will help to reduce design and engineering time, with the added benefit of limiting costs, as it simplifies the installation processes by minimizing the requirement for cabling, cable trays and riser management. Additionally, it also allows the developer to centralize building monitoring, management and administration and above all, to deploy a more streamlined and effective building information network.

A single connected network provides a secure platform for consistent, real-time communication of emergency information to occupants, and visitors and employees. For example, IP Telephony application allows security personnel to quickly inform building occupants regarding security breaches that may require building evacuation through integrated paging or by e-mailing a security alert from a mobile device.

IMS Asia’s recent success in providing consulting and implementation services and transforming various sites into converged IT Networks (including for PETRONAS Twin Towers) has given us the required in-depth experience to provide ONE Converged Network of “Connected Building”.

Figure 1 : Connected Building – Single IP Network

All systems, sensors, and devices in a building must be well-connected and must be able to communicate in order to achieve benefits outside of their existence as separate silos of information. This connectivity will enable the creation and delivery of new, innovative building and tenant services.

In short, the usage of a single, converged technology infrastructure as the basis for a building information network can make significant impact on the capital expenditures for a new building. In other words, the overall project management cost can be reduced by 15-20% through the removal of redundant networks and cabling, replacement of intercom system with combination of video surveillance and IP Telephony devices, and consolidation of cable pathways.

IMS Asia’s partnership with global partners and experts provides access to new technologies and knowledge to integrate the “Building Control Systems” with “Internet Technologies” for realization of “Connected Workplace”, streamline building operations and improve safety and security.

For detailed info on the Connected Building Network, please email info@imsasia.com