Internet of Things: Data over Device
Customer Think, May 13, 2015. Image credit: See-ming Lee
The Building Internet of Things (BIoT)
Commercial buildings, manufacturing sites, and retail facilities have an internet of things of their own. Lighting systems, HVAC, computers, equipment, and many other devices power the building and the business within its walls. Again, the devices themselves may boast interesting technological advancements and innovations (like energy star ratings or CFL lighting), but it is the data gathered from monitoring these devices that’s truly powerful and enlightening for business.
It is the data that helps streamline processes and enables operational efficiencies that run buildings more intelligently and profitably.
To track and monitor the energy consumption of devices and systems, forward-thinking enterprises are installing wireless CT energy submeters at the device level. They track the power consumption of each device, aggregate the data in real time, and benchmark it against other devices at similar locations or industry standards. With this new advancement, these companies are ensuring equipment optimization and effectiveness by getting alerts of anomalies that can save them from costly equipment failures. They easily optimize consumption, infrastructure, and behavior.
Early detection of malfunctioning equipment
When The North Face needed to cut energy costs and improve operational efficiencies , they installed circuit-level energy sensors in four retail locations. These BIoT sensors sent the data they gathered into an intelligence engine that aggregated the data and computed it to deliver insightful operational optimizations.
For example, managers received a real-time alert when energy consumption data revealed that the AC fan system in one location was not working properly. This enabled the store to realize a 69,420 kWh/year ($10,500) savings and avoid an equipment failure.