`Convergence` has become a fairly common term, recognised as the collapsing of traditionally dedicated networks - data, voice, video - into one. The result is a simplified and more cost-effective infrastructure for businesses.
Within the traditional business environment, much has been written around voice over IP (VOIP), IP telephony and video over IP, as well as the emergence of Power over Ethernet. However, by leveraging the advantages of a single network, convergence also delivers significant benefits in another area - building automation.
Smart buildings
Most corporate buildings feature security alarms that make use of passive infrareds (PIR), CCTV, fire and smoke detection, access control, time and attendance (T&A), and energy savings systems. These solutions generally require their own infrastructure and operate in isolation, resulting in islands of disparate data and lacking a single view of the enterprise.
Integrating all these functions onto a single network delivers enhanced functionality and a vast simplification of infrastructure - delivering a truly `intelligent building`.
Not having had a choice, implementing these disparate solutions in the past used to make sense. But consider harnessing all of these technologies and making them work collectively...
There are clear advantages that emerge from creating a `smart` building through a building management system (BMS) and the various components that make use of a converged network: automated intelligent decisions rather than pre-programmed decisions resulting in energy efficiency, improved security and the simplified management of the collective systems.
Thinking laterally
In the past, a PIR would trigger an alarm and notify an outsourced armed response centre when movement is detected. In an intelligent `converged` environment, these same PIRs can be used to deliver a lot more functionality and benefits. During working hours, the PIR can be used to detect activity in a room and automatically switch on lights, air-conditioning or heating. With the alarm security system activated and integrated, this same PIR will be used to detect movement and trigger an alarm.
Not having had a choice, implementing disparate solutions in the past used to make sense.
Andre Maree, MD of KSS
In addition, this alarm signal with significant supporting information, such as the date, time and exact location of activation, can be distributed electronically via e-mail and/or SMS to a multitude of parties, in addition to delivering the original alarm activation to the armed response centre. The ability to detect movement in a room can be leveraged to intelligently turn off lights and air-conditioning if no movement is detected for a preset period.
Taking this concept a bit further, the replacement of PIRs with intelligent IP cameras allows the camera to perform all the functions of the original PIR. In addition, in an alarm situation, the IP camera can also capture and relay live or still video images via e-mail, SMS or any other IP communication to a variety of parties.
T&A systems, sometimes linked to access control, also benefit from a single network. To further tighten up the validity and accuracy of data that resides within a T&A system, the T&A function of the BMS can be integrated with intelligent IP cameras to also capture and store a video stream or still image with each T&A record. This will allow the enterprise to manage and minimise the fraudulent practice of employees clocking in for one another.
Vertical and horizontal benefits
These benefits might appear largely targeted to the corporate market yet vertical industries stand to gain. Take the refrigeration management requirements within a retail environment. In property that is not monitored, an increase or drop in temperature can result in the costly loss of perishables. Temperature control is therefore a key consideration to maintain profits. A BMS that resides on an IP network is able to detect changes from the thermostat in a refrigerator and send an e-mail or SMS to management, alerting them of this potential disaster and ensuring a faster reaction.
All this might sound prohibitively expensive, but BMS solutions are making an entry into the mid-range market. These solutions have even `leapfrogged` the SME arena to become established in the residential market. Upmarket homes are increasingly featuring BMS solutions with some residential estates including `intelligent and automated homes` as part of the property offering.
This uptake is largely due to the emergence of cost-effective and affordable solutions that provide functionality that equals the high-end BMS solutions. This reduction in price is driven by the commoditisation of components such as processors and mass manufacturing capabilities, consequently benefiting the mid-range market.
Leveraging BMS systems via a converged network further extends the functionality and benefits of VOIP, IP telephony, IP video and power over Ethernet. In the world of tomorrow, converged networks in building automation will make `intelligent buildings` and communities a reality, easing the burden of managing a variety of applications and enhancing the working environment.
* Andre Maree is MD of KSS.
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