I have reiterated how facility managers can use IoT and technology -in general- to create a more sustainable built environment.

However, as sustainability is still a bit of a new term for facility managers, it may not relate to all facility managers as a motive to start using IoT in their facilities!

In this article, I will give you three reasons to start using IoT today and how to start using it.

WHAT IS IOT (INTERNET OF THINGS)?

First, let’s understand what IoT is. IoT is “the Internet of Things.” A network of devices (like smartphones, appliances, and sensors), that are connected to the internet and can collect and share data.

IoT allows these devices to communicate with each other, and be controlled remotely, which can make many aspects of our daily lives more convenient and efficient.

And IoT sensors are not rocket science!

WHY SHOULD FACILITY MANAGERS START USING IOT?

1. Save cost and increase margins

In simple words, IoT is being used for everything that consumes energy.

You can start using IoT to save energy by first measuring and tracking energy use; for instance, an energy clamp meter costs a fraction of a traditional energy analyzer and can provide you with live data on your computer screen, visualizing energy consumption at load levels. So, you can understand what consumes energy, how much, how, and when this energy is consumed.

Centralized AI-Driven platform that connects all IoT devices and building equipment

You can make it even better by connecting all your energy consumers to a centralized platform where you can monitor and predict your load demand through machine learning and control supply or storage through AI. Such centralized platforms use a multi-layer intelligent ecosystem of controllers, modules, sensors, gateways, and open-configurable software tools with a layer of digital twins enabling real-time visualizations & KPIs monitoring.

In short, after installing your IoT sensors, you can put your equipment on auto-pilot mode and let a smart platform do the work for you!

2. Improve the quality of life and customer experience

I have always tried to bend the understanding facility managers have about our role. Most facility managers' understanding is that our job is to take care of the building!

That is wrong !

Our job starts with people, and the purpose of facility management is to improve quality of life first, then business productivity! Yes, we take care of buildings to achieve that, not just for the sake of taking care of buildings or assets.

If we understood this and started thinking with the end goal in mind, we could do a lot! Such understanding should happen on an organizational level, top management level, and FM department level as well. And only when this understanding happens will organizations achieve their objectives, and FM organization will be fully aligned with organizational strategy

How can you use IoT for this purpose? There are many solutions, and my favorite is IAQ sensors.

IAQ monitoring dashboard

 Measuring air quality using a smart, simple, wireless IAQ sensor connected to a live dashboard and to your HVAC equipment as well will help you improve your quality of life, reduce energy consumption, and achieve your organization's objectives by putting people’s health first, and customers on top of your priorities.

Now it is worth mentioning that solutions are endless, and they cost almost nothing compared to traditional BMS or field devices and require no special installation requirements or wiring! What you need to do is start learning about those solutions, pilot a project or two, take a free demo, or install a couple of devices and start finding your way.

Now, I left the best reason for last.

3. Grow your career as a facility manager

Yes, you read it right…

IoT is one of two ways to help you stay relevant & competitive in this changing job market.

It took our fathers 50 years to see a phone change from a landline to the 5G smartphone we have in our hands today, but, “It took me three years only to see everything I used to do energy management the hard way at my job being done with an almost free SaaS or a 200$ IoT device!”

Do you want to feel “irrelevant” like previous generations felt when they hold a smartphone and navigate through the Apps on it? I’m sure not!

Learning how to use IoT to bring efficiency to your business and align your FM function with your organization strategy is a key to helping you grow in your organization - not only at your organization, but it also makes you more competitive in front of head hunters and hiring managers, as organizations now are looking for people who understand the technology and how to use it to achieve sustainability, and to increase efficiency and margins.

About the author:

Jawad Altamimi is a distinguished Built Environment professional. As a Facility and Community Management Director, Jawad has exceptional skills in business strategy, and operations excellence. He is committed to making a positive impact, adeptly incorporates technology to achieve sustainability in the built environment.

Jawad is a highly respected expert in the industry, being on IFMA FMCC board as the regional director for middle east, and actively contributing to the facility management industry across the region. As a dedicated mentor and thought leader, Jawad is passionate about helping both organizations and professionals reach their full potential in the Built Environment sectors.