In today’s rapidly evolving commercial property landscape, simply connecting a building to the internet is no longer enough. As cyber-attacks quadruple and the green agenda climbs the C-level priority list, building operators must demand more from their connected building providers. InterAll’s approach is built around “interAll’s 5 Layers of Smart”; a comprehensive framework that ensures buildings are not just connected, but truly smart, secure, and sustainable.
1. Requirements and Goals
The journey to a smart building begins with a clear understanding of your specific needs and sustainability targets. This foundational layer is crucial for setting the direction and ensuring that all subsequent layers align with your long-term objectives. Unfortunately, many jump straight from here to focusing on systems and sensors for data capture, without considering the critical infrastructure these systems will run on. Given its mission-critical role in enabling buildings to operate efficiently and become more energy-efficient and smart, infrastructure cannot be overlooked or left to chance.
2. Network Infrastructure
While it may not be the most exciting part of the solution, network infrastructure is critical. This layer provides the backbone for all smart technologies, enabling seamless communication and integration. It’s about more than just installing high-speed internet; it’s about creating a resilient, future-proof foundation that supports all connected systems. Yet, too often, the focus remains solely on speed, neglecting the infrastructure’s role in overall building intelligence.
3. Hardware, Software & Integrations
This layer involves selecting and integrating the right physical devices and software solutions that work harmoniously to create a smart environment. This is where the magic happens—where smart systems like HVAC, lighting, and power management come together to drive efficiency and savings. However, many overlook the importance of seamless integration, leading to siloed systems that fail to deliver their full potential.
4. Physical & Cyber Security
With the rise of connected devices, securing both physical and digital assets is paramount. This layer involves comprehensive assessments and actionable insights to protect your building from threats. As a minimum, networks should be segregated and secured, as highlighted in our previous article on the 80/20 rule. Find this article here: .https://www.linkedin.com/posts/edd-davies-b8297556_landlords-cybersecurity-buildingmanagement-activity-7287771425749233667-GUse?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop
Solutions like interAll’s interSpect offer a deep dive into cybersecurity, equipping operators with the knowledge to enhance their defences. Yet, security is often an afterthought, leaving buildings vulnerable to attacks. Additionally, physical security measures, such as securing the comms room and restricting access, can prevent unwanted breaches or outages.
5. Knowledge, Education & Community
The final layer emphasizes the importance of educating all stakeholders—building operators, tenants, and service providers—about the benefits and operation of smart systems. This layer fosters a community that maximizes the potential of smart technologies, ensuring everyone is aligned and informed. Sadly, this crucial layer is frequently neglected, resulting in underutilized systems and missed opportunities.
Why Most Providers Fall Short
Most smart building providers focus primarily on the first and third layers, leaving landlords to navigate the complexities of cybersecurity, education, and community engagement on their own. At interAll, we believe it’s our responsibility to support landlords across all five layers, ensuring that smart systems are properly integrated, data is captured and protected, and education is rolled out effectively.
Seeing the 5 Layers of Smart in Action
Let’s explore how these layers come together to solve complex problems for a company:
Case Study: Revitalizing a London Workspace
A London workspace faced challenges with rising energy costs and inefficient building management systems, with no visibility of what they can do to improve the operations and cost management. By leveraging the “5 Layers of Smart” to transform their operations here are the outcomes:
- Requirements and Goals: Clear sustainability targets were set, focusing on reducing energy costs and enhancing tenant satisfaction.
- Network Infrastructure: Robust infrastructure was established to support seamless communication between smart systems, including HVAC and lighting.
- Hardware, Software & Integrations: Smart systems were integrated to optimize energy use, featuring occupancy-based controls and automated scheduling.
- Physical & Cyber Security: Comprehensive security measures were implemented to protect both physical and digital assets.
- Knowledge, Education & Community: Staff and tenants were educated on the benefits of smart technologies, fostering a community that maximizes system potential.
The Impact:
- 31% reduction in electricity consumption
- Enhanced tenant satisfaction and retention
- Streamlined building management
- Significant reduction in carbon footprint
Bringing It All Together with interAll
This is how interAll are setup to we help properties become truly smart-ready. Our interConnect V2.0 connects and protects buildings, their staff, their systems, and their tenants as standard. Our expertise guides you and your system providers through these steps, ensuring a seamless transition to a smart building. Our solution and approach mean we personally take care of 3 out of the 5 layers, and then we collaborate with your partners to ensure all 5 layers are covered. We understand the importance of every part being addressed.
By addressing all five layers, interAll helps buildings become Future-fast™, climate positive, and cyber-secure; at zero cost to the landlord*.
Is Your Building Truly Smart?
With the power and cost savings that making your building smart provides, the question isn’t whether to make your building smart-ready, but how to ensure it’s fully optimized across all layers. Reach out to us at InterAll to learn how we can help your building achieve its full potential.
*for buildings that meet the criteria. to find out more reach out to edward@interall.co.uk
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