Automated buildings are buildings that use different types of automated processes and systems to control various building functions like heating, ventilation, air conditioning, lighting and security. As buildings become more technologically advanced, automation is playing a larger role and providing numerous benefits. In this blog post, we will explore some of the key benefits of having an automated building. And we will also discuss that where you will get best building automation systems companies.
Increased Energy Efficiency
One of the biggest benefits of automated buildings is increased energy efficiency. Building automation systems companies can install sensors, controls and software that optimize building systems like HVAC to use energy more efficiently. For example, automated lighting can turn lights on only when a space is occupied and turn them off when empty to reduce wasted energy. Automated HVAC systems can adjust temperature settings based on occupancy levels and outdoor weather conditions. This intelligent control and monitoring of building systems leads to significant energy savings over manually operated buildings. Research shows that automated buildings can reduce energy use by 20-30% on average.
Lower Operating Costs
The energy savings that result from increased efficiency in automated buildings directly translates to lower operating costs. Not only is less electricity, gas or other fuels needed to power the building, but automatic control of systems also reduces maintenance and repair expenses long term. For example, automated temperature regulation helps HVAC equipment last longer when not overloaded. Automated lighting control prevents premature bulb burnouts. Overall facilities management and maintenance costs tend to be 10-15% lower in automated buildings versus conventional buildings without these integrated systems. The return on investment for building automation systems pays off within 3-5 years on average through ongoing utility and maintenance savings.
Improved Occupant Comfort
Building occupants have higher satisfaction and comfort levels in automated buildings compared to manually controlled environments. Automated controls allow precise and responsive regulation of factors like temperature, lighting, air quality according to specific needs and preferences. For example, individual occupant workstations can have automated light, fan and shading controls tailored for each person's visual and thermal comfort needs. Centralized automated systems also ensure consistent, optimized performance of building operations. This results in fewer occupant complaints about thermal, visual or air quality issues compared to conventional buildings where manual adjustments may not happen promptly or appropriately. Higher occupant satisfaction translates to increased productivity, retention and overall experience.
Enhanced Health and Safety
Building automation brings health and safety benefits as well. Automatic detection and response systems improve indoor air quality through pollutant monitoring and ventilation adjustments. Automated control of moistures levels, fresh air intake, filtration etc. helps reduce airborne pathogens and create a healthier indoor environment. Automated security features like keycard access, CCTV monitoring and alarms also enhance building safety. In emergencies, features like automated fire alarms that contact authorities immediately and control things like lighting and elevators help evacuations go smoothly. The ability to centrally monitor and control every system aspect from a single location makes building issues easier to detect and resolve before becoming serious problems. Overall, automation results in buildings that are safer and support better health outcomes for occupants.
Improved Management and Flexibility
Building automation gives property managers and owners much more control and oversight compared to manual building operations. Centralized automation systems provided by leading building automation systems companies allow remote access and monitoring of all building functions from any internet-connected device. Issues can be detected immediately and addressed remotely without on-site intervention most of the time. This results in higher uptime of building systems and less disruptions for occupants. Automated data collection also provides detailed analytics to optimize performance and spot inefficiencies. Facilities can also be reconfigured or reused more flexibly as different automation scenarios can be programmed according to changing space needs over time.
Remote Access and Control
One of the main advantages of management is the ability to remotely access and control building systems using centralized automation software interfaces. Managers no longer need to be on-site to adjust temperatures, open building entrances, reset alarms etc. Everything can be monitored and operated securely online. This allows issues to be addressed 24/7 without being constrained by working hours. It also means that buildings with multiple sites can have uniform, centralized oversight reducing discrepancies. Remote access even allows facilities teams to pre-program automated scenarios in advance like holiday schedules when buildings may have different usage patterns.
Data Analytics and Reporting
Automation also provides a wealth of collected data on building performance metrics that enhances management. Using analytics dashboards in automation software, managers can view detailed data on areas like energy use, equipment runtimes, temperature trends, security events and more. This level of transparent performance insight allows targeted improvements to cut costs and optimize efficiency. Automated reports help comply with sustainability mandates by tracking metrics like carbon emissions reductions over time too. The data also helps verify that automated control strategies are indeed delivering promised benefits in reality.
Greater Flexibility and Dynamic Control
Automated buildings have advantages in terms of flexibility too. Systems can be programmed to automatically adjust according to planned or unplanned changes in activities or space usage scenarios. For example, lighting and temperature setpoints in a multi-use facility can change automatically based on whether its being used for an event, office work or evening classes on a given day. Automation also makes it easy to reconfigure zones or repurpose areas. Sensors ensure automated control strategies seamlessly adapt to new layouts without disrupting building functions or occupant experience. This dynamic, responsive control enabled through automation helps facilities remain Agile to changing business needs over their lifespan more cost-effectively than manual alternatives.
Value Enhancement for Property Owners
Automating a building provides numerous long term benefits that ultimately enhance its property value as well. Potential buyers or tenants value features like improved air quality, security, comfort and around the clock manageability that automation offers. Properties with these intelligent, sustainable systems in place can command higher rents or sale prices. Automation also minimizes disruptions from unexpected issues helping maintain building ratings, certifications and balance-sheet performance long term. Less deferred maintenance backlogs further protect residual value at end of ownership cycles. Overall, automated buildings tend to hold their worth and exit investment yields better due to long term cost and operational advantages as recognized by the real estate industry today.
Conclusion
In summary, building automation delivers clear and significant benefits across major areas like energy efficiency, cost reduction, occupant experience, manageability and value retention. Lead building automation systems companies provide solutions tailored for various building types and scales to realize these returns on investment within short payback periods. As technologies advance, fully automated, intelligent buildings will become more mainstream, pushing sustainability and performance to new levels. Automation offers building owners and managers powerful tools to maximize value from real estate portfolios in both financial and experiential ways.
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