Smart Buildings has become a widely used term in today’s world. Many modern buildings and retrofit projects are delivering smart building technology as landlords and tenants seek to achieve key business objectives such as talent management and delivering an inspirational user experience to employees, achieving sustainability goals where the overall building performance can be improved, and delivering cost and operating efficiencies.
However, the adoption of smart building technologies such as Operational IT and Internet of Things technologies brings inherent challenges in planning, designing, delivering, and operating a truly smart building. If these systems are not planned and integrated effectively early in the project it can act as a barrier to achieving smart ambitions, and be disruptive, expensive, and time consuming to retrospectively address.
By effectively implementing a secure, scalable, flexible, and futureproofed network infrastructure or Converged Network System (CNS), the art of the possible can be unlocked, and the benefits of creating smart buildings can be fully realised.
Why choose a Converged Network System (CNS)
The Converged Network System (CNS) is the backbone and technological foundation that allows the integration of the IT (Information Technology), OT (Operational Technology) and the IOT (Internet of Things) devices. The CNS is essential to supporting buildings becoming increasingly smarter as they harness technology to create sustainable, comfortable, and efficient spaces for occupants and the environment.
‘The Art of the Possible’ driven by Early Engagement
The CNS should be amongst the first considerations when planning the technological functionality of a building, to ensure that all the ambitions for the building can be achieved. The clearer the vision is for a building and its outputs; the more network capabilities can be maximised at the early design stage.
- Holistic Planning: Starting early allows architects, network engineers, and stakeholders to collaborate from the outset. This ensures that the network design aligns with the overall building architecture, infrastructure, and purpose.
- Cost Efficiency: By addressing network requirements during the initial planning stages, value engineering opportunities can be investigated, and unnecessary rework and retrofitting can be avoided. This reduces costs associated with modifications later in the construction process.
- Scalability and Futureproofing: Early engagement allows for scalability planning. Designing a network that accommodates future growth, additional services, and emerging technologies ensuring long-term viability.
- Security and Compliance: Integrating cyber security measures from the beginning enhances network security. Compliance with regulations (such as data privacy laws) can also be addressed proactively.
- Risk Mitigation: Identifying potential risks (e.g., network bottlenecks, compatibility issues) early allows for risk mitigation strategies. This minimises disruptions during building occupancy.
- Vendor Coordination: Engaging service partners and vendors early facilitates communication regarding equipment specifications, installation requirements, and compatibility. It streamlines procurement and deployment processes.
Integrating Building Systems
By maximising the opportunity to enable data gathering and operational efficiency, implementing secure visibility and communication between buildings systems. Securely integrating each function into the infrastructure whilst considering the individual requirements of the building systems both physically and logically is where the convergence of IT teams and Buildings or Facilities teams takes place.
Through the CNS, it is possible to integrate numerous buildings system to operate seamlessly together, allowing gathering and normalising system data into a single pool, and enabling analysis and automation across the building’s systems
Designed for Sustainability
By creating a single data pool in a building through design and technology, sustainable practices can be effectively implemented, leading to greater energy efficiency and reduced carbon emissions.
About Ideal
Ideal are one of the leading Secure Smart Building Network and Wireless services provider for Enterprise customers in the UK and beyond. Working with new and existing buildings, technology is used to enable better-connected, more energy efficient, thriving workplaces from large commercial buildings, to multi use master plans and arenas, our technology enables better-connected buildings and is more sustainable.
Ideal, design, build, deliver and manage the Converged Network Systems deployed in some of the UK’s smartest buildings and estates. By supporting the whole construction life cycle, including retrofit and managed services, Ideal deliver against the plans and requirements of the various stakeholders’ pre and post Practical Completion, supporting the entire building lifecycle.
With over 100 customers across all industries, Ideal deliver brilliant business outcomes through innovative, secure technologies and services. Our work is distinguished by excellence in communication and delivery, and by the width and depth of our in-house expertise.
