Page 20 - RC19 RealcommEDGE 2019 Fall Issue

This is just one example. Placing the Metasys Building for the architect’s artistic vison, so as not to compromise
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Automation System in Bee’ah enables building operators the design. The challenge was then finding the right set of
to work smarter to make the most of BAS investments, hardware systems that could fit into the building without
including air, fire, security and access control. For these being visually obtrusive. Instead of using regular security
integrations, JCI is developing connectors or API level cameras that stick out, smaller cameras were deployed—
integrations with each system to communicate directly but now the number of cameras needed doubled because
to the systems themselves. From a facilities standpoint, their range of coverage was smaller. Having the expertise
managers will have access to mobile applications and/ to solve these issues and make the use cases real for the
or dashboards that provide information. The building can building was imperative to support the various ideas and
also send a text message alert; there are many options for customer requests.
notification and control.
Much of this process is educating customers and negoti-
Challenges ating on what the requirement or scope should be. From a
All large building projects have their challenges, with learning perspective, being involved in the beginning phase
deadlines to coordinate and meet. Bee’ah had logistical is the best place to be, especially if a company isn’t in the
challenges perhaps unique to its design and location. A technological space like the Digital Solutions group. It is
lot of environmental testing was done on electronics and an education on exactly what it means to enable a smart
equipment because of the climate; all had to withstand building, because this type of project gets very specific
high heat and desert sand. Many design and building customizations to achieve desired outcomes. Use cases
elements were custom built for Bee’ah, so it was not can vary, so the digital transformation process will always
simply a matter of purchasing and delivering elements go through a similar journey with the customer. This is the
that already existed. big advantage of working closely with the construction
management company; as you gather data they can under-
For this office of the future, a very famous architect was stand how to utilize and visualize it in applications. The
hired—one famous for having no straight lines in the customer is learning more about what IoT really is, how
building. A curved wall may be aesthetically beautiful, these systems interrelate and connect at a very base level.
but placing cameras in a building with no corners is a It’s a great educational experience for smart buildings as
problem not easily solved. All parties held great respect they continue to grow.

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