8 Benefits of System Integration: Efficient Facilities Management
System integration is a hot topic these days due to the increasing advances in building automation technology. Software such as BAS (Building Automation Systems), CMMS (Computerized Maintenance Management Systems), security software, and building performance visualization software can now be integrated into one seamless system.
barbara van der Walt
Eagle Technology, Inc.
Tel: 262-241-3845
System integration is a hot topic these days due to the increasing advances in building automation technology. Software such as BAS (Building Automation Systems), CMMS (Computerized Maintenance Management Systems),security software, and building performance visualization software can now be integrated into one seamless system. An integrated system promotes efficiency and reduces costs, but without integration, facilities management can be very cumbersome.
When individual systems are not integrated, facilities staff has to learn how to operate each element separately. For example, the fire alarm system triggers the HVAC system to control smoke and ventilation, the access control system provides an exit for evacuation, and the elevator system bringst he cabs to the floor. These separate elements have to be manually adjusted at different times, and does not promote efficiency. When it comes to better facilities management and truly efficient methods, system integration needs to be established. Read about the following 8 benefits of system integration tosee how it makes facilities management more efficient:
BENEFIT #1: SINGLE WORK STATION
System integration allows facilities managers to work from asingle work station. Problems can be solved and changes can be made with a few clicks rather than visiting multiple computer systems. It simplifies the process and makes it easy to manage.
BENEFIT #2: ENERGY SAVINGS
Integration can reduce energy consumption and bring significant energy savings. Tying together and monitoring temperature fluctuations as well as making necessary adjustments or repairs to equipment can produce energy savings almost immediately.
BENEFIT #3: LOWER LABOR COSTS AND IMPROVE OPERATIONS
Reduced energy consumption isn’t the only benefit, companies seereduced labor costs through streamlined operations.
BENEFIT #4: IMPROVE RESPONSE TIME
When integration is done properly, real-time alerts will be sentvia work orders or alarm systems. Many software companies now offer mobilecapabilities, so management can get alerts through their mobile phone or otherdevice.
BENEFIT #5: PERFORMANCE
Integrated systems perform well. Most users of integrated systemsare satisfied with how the technology operates, which demonstrates that ingeneral, system integration meets expectations and is easy to use.
BENEFIT #6: DATA COLLECTION
The wealth of data that is collected by systems integration willlead to better decision making. Data ranges from the temperature fluctuation,routine maintenance, to power outages and underperforming facilities.
BENEFIT #7: SOFTWARE AND DEVICE COMPATIBILITY
Most modern vendors make software products that are compatiblewith each other. For example CMMS software can integrate with several BASsystems such as Honeywell, Johnson Controls and Tridium. In fact, increasinglymore compatible devices and software are available on the market today.
BENEFIT #8: MULTIPLE SITES
Integration can include multiple buildings on multiple sites, andis not limited to one individual building.
