Mike Hook, Executive Director of United Kingdom based master systems integrator LMG, says MSIs play a valuable role in smart building projects.
The purpose of a smart building is to provide essential day-to-day services for occupants in a way that is efficient, convenient, reliable, and safe.
However, the reality is that very few organisations have the knowledge of what it takes to make smart buildings a reality.
The main challenge of delivering a building that offers multiple smart features and is environmentally efficient is that it involves a host of technologies and systems that traditionally have been delivered in isolation.
The first step towards achieving truly smart buildings is to acknowledge the complexity of fitting out a smart building and the importance of having a technology ‘central nervous system’ in place that controls all of the smart activity around the building.
Once the complexity involved in fitting out a smart building correctly is understood, property developers will be able to take the measures needed to provide a true smart experience for its occupants.
Understanding the challenge and the solution
The main challenge of delivering a building that offers multiple smart features and is environmentally efficient is that it involves a host of technologies and systems that traditionally have been delivered in isolation.
But to achieve a true smart building developers need a different approach.
Master Systems Integrators (MSIs) are the perfect solution.
An MSI is able to offer the unique combination of knowledge and experience of both the physical devices, the actual construction of the building, the physical connectivity, the supporting software – replacing many disparate technology partners with one.
Crucially, this means that the MSI can be involved in a project from day one – ensuring that the technical expertise and the tricky process of designing the physical connectivity can be ‘baked in’ to the design of a building from the outset.
However, the lack of understanding of the power of MSIs and the world of benefits they bring is massively hindering progression in the industry.
A breakdown of what an MSI can do
Where an MSI is not in place from the very beginning to oversee the early stages of the construction process, the likelihood of issues and cost overruns increases.
Primarily because it can force property developers to stretch their budgets to re-construct parts of the building that need to be built differently to allow for the desired smart features and outcomes.
In contrast, with an MSI in place from day one, it will be able to closely work with the project’s Digital Building Consultant (DBC).
The key systems and services will be optimised and integrated from the outset of the project.
The MSI will also take on full responsibility of delivery of each system.
Doing this will also allow the MSI to optimise the design of the technology infrastructure in accordance with the ever-changing smart building regulations and to deliver a solution to meet specific industry standards such as SmartScore.
Working hand in hand with the DBC is the best way to benefit from the MSI as they will be able to provide a unique tailor-made plan that ticks every box and ensures the building is truly smart and running as efficiently as possible.
This combination of delivery and technological expertise significantly de-risks smart building projects and ensures quality in the final build as well as timely delivery.
This is why handing over ownership to an MSI is crucial in order for the final product to meet all of the desired smart outcomes.
Smart buildings are nothing without an MSI
While the concept of smart buildings is hugely in demand, the fact of the matter is that buildings will never become as technologically advanced as we imagine and hope unless the importance of MSIs is acknowledged by all parties across the real estate ecosystem.
An MSI ensures the smart features in a building work harmoniously within a framework and controlled by a single pane of glass.
It also ensures that the building is as energy efficient as possible, meets environmental regulations and is able to provide the optimum user experience.
Where an MSI is not in place from the very beginning to oversee the early stages of the construction process, the likelihood of issues and cost overruns increases.
Without MSIs, smart buildings are not smart, and developers will continue to throw money away trying to achieve the desired result without making use of the correct help.
