Building operators are under increased pressure to make their facilities safer, more comfortable and more efficient, while reducing operating costs, according to Honeywell, a global player in building automation software and smart building technologies. In order to achieve this, building operators in the Middle East and around the world are turning to the Internet of Things (IoT) to help deliver these results. This was the message at Honeywell’s latest industry roadshow held in the UAE this week, with future stops scheduled in Turkey and Russia.
“Integrating building systems and connecting them with the people that use them creates data. What’s exciting is that data allows us to understand what’s happening right now, rather than when it’s too late and the building is experiencing downtime – a preventable scenario. We are pleased to have the opportunity to demonstrate the positive impact the digital revolution is having in order to make buildings greener, safer and more productive, and to deliver lower operating costs, happier occupants and smarter buildings,” said Global Director of Innovation for Honeywell Building Solutions, Himanshu Khurana.
In the UAE alone, total IoT market spend will almost double by 2019 to USD 762 million, up from USD 343 million in 2015, according to global market intelligence firm IDC. With the shift to software-based solutions hosted in the cloud, there is a wealth of new opportunities to improve building efficiencies as well as the experience of building users.
The Honeywell ‘smart building’ roadshows come shortly after the release of an update to Honeywell’s leading building management system, Enterprise Buildings Integrator (EBI), to support the region’s smart building and smart cities ambitions. EBI R500 leverages the connectivity of today’s buildings to help make them more strategic assets that are green, safe and productive. The new features help facility managers better streamline management and decision-making, promoting improved business efficiencies and providing greater control over operations.
At the UAE roadshow, Mr Khurana discussed the company’s answer to market changes, and how technology is driving innovation and shaping business outcomes. He was joined by Paul Black, IDC research director, who spoke about how IoT will change the real estate sector in the Middle East. Pete Costa, Vice President for Honeywell Building Solutions, High Growth Regions, also spoke on the role of integrated technology in smart cities. Honeywell’s leading technology offer was also demonstrated at the event.
Mr Black commented, “IoT is rapidly changing the way in which Middle Eastern businesses operate and the benefits to be reaped are monumental. IoT has the power to significantly alter the real estate market in the Middle East. Those that grasp it and make use of the connectivity and the valuable data it provides will ultimately improve business efficiency, allow for greater control, enable faster decision making as well as ensuring better connected building occupants.”
Technology and apps are rapidly allowing building owners and facilities management to streamline operations by automating systems that flag up faults that may arise or when assets are coming to the end of their lifecycles. These technologies ensure that users stay connected to their buildings at all times.
