What are the benefits of using IoT in my facilities management?

Facilities management has always been an integral part of every organization. By keeping a close eye on your building’s efficiency, sustainability and safety, facilities management ensures a safe and comfortable work environment for all within the premises. Over the years, just as workplaces have changed in design and functionality, facilities management has also evolved to support the ever-changing trends and innovative technologies needed to drive business growth. 

Since the 2010s, workplaces have seen the rise of the Internet of Things or IoT as a leading solution. IoT has paved the way for improved facilities management and hence, enhanced business operations. Have you yet to reel in IoT for your business needs? Here is all you need to know about this smart technology and the benefits to reap with IoT as part of your facilities management solution.

What is IoT?

The Internet of Things (IoT) broadly refers to the network of devices that are lodged with sensors, processors, software, and other technologies that enable them to connect and exchange data over the Internet. In other words, IoT covers technologies that share data in a wired or wireless network. This makes it possible to establish connections between devices or systems – simplifying work and adding convenience. 

How has IoT found its way into the workplace?

The history of IoT in businesses can be traced back as early as the 1970s and 1980s when computers first became a must-have for every workstation. These modest computers were, in fact, the pioneering technology of the digital workplace. 

Soon enough, by the 1990s, a digital landscape which we now know as the World Wide Web, was established to better connect workplaces to technology. The World Wide Web was a breakthrough: it introduced leading tools frequently utilized today, including e-mail and e-commerce platforms. 

As more businesses realized the importance of collecting and storing data efficiently, trends in workplace technology also gradually shifted to the cloud. This meant digitalizing data – spreadsheets and file archives became commonplace. By the 2010s, workplace IoT exploded and gave way to innovative automation, enhanced workplace data collection, and improved interactions between workers and their environment.

What are the benefits of using IoT in my facilities management?

The coming of the Internet of Things (IoT) has now made Internet-enabled devices a highly proficient and necessary feature for any business. It has brought several IoT-powered solutions that have elevated facilities management across sectors such as hospitality and aviation. Let’s explore some of the top benefits of integrating IoT seamlessly into your facilities management solutions. 

1. Improves efficiency with real-time data

Offering automated data-gathering, IoT makes it possible to collect data in real time. As such, the collection of relevant data alerts building and facilities managers of any existing, inefficient processes in place. 

On top of current maintenance efforts, IoT building management tools offer an added edge with the real-time data they collect – enhancing this valuable information. In short, IoT solutions can help you manage buildings and facilities in a highly efficient manner, leading to better capital planning. 

2. Enhances building and data security

Not only can IoT increase facility efficiency, but it can also elevate both the physical and digital security aspects of your businesses. From a physical standpoint, IoT provides facilities managers with more real-time alerts of potential threats, such as the failure of a refrigeration fan. On the other hand, from a digital standpoint, an IoT smart building steers your digital assets away from potential hackers or other competitors.

3. Increases savings by reducing energy wastage

If you are looking for eco-friendly options, investing in IoT is an excellent idea. More than sensors that keep energy usage to a minimum, the real-time insights from IoT devices offer you a more accurate look into the areas where energy is not utilized efficiently. These smart devices provide a continuous stream of data that can reduce any day-to-day wastage, increasing financial savings in the bigger picture.  

Conclusion

There is no doubt that IoT solutions have improved business processes for organizations and corporations across their various sectors and industries. With the ever-increasing popularity of IoT in the corporate world, you can expect IoT management tools to evolve and continue leading in facilities management.