Courtesy of Zach Haverty
A panel at the 2023 BOMA International Conference & Expo examined the growth of smart building technology and the concept of Tech Ready Buildings. From left, panelists Steve Yapsuga, CEO of WorkForceG; Jennifer Burns, executive vice president of Monday Properties; and Dennis Mazaris, CEO of Concert Technologies; and moderator Robert Nieminen, Chief Content Director with Endeavor Business Media.

Tech Ready Buildings: Maintaining and Upgrading Smart Buildings

July 21, 2023
Integrating smart building technologies in modern commercial real estate has the potential to attract forward-thinking tenants. Learn more.

The integration of smart building technology in modern CRE buildings brings the potential of attracting forward-thinking tenants who prioritize sustainability and cutting-edge amenities, leading to increased leases/renewals, property value, and competitive advantage for owners and developers in the commercial real estate market.

As smart buildings continue to evolve, their transformative impact on the industry is undeniable, constantly evolving and revolutionizing the way buildings are designed, managed, and experienced.

From automated lighting and climate control systems to smart security and predictive maintenance, these buildings seamlessly integrate various systems and sensors, enabling real-time monitoring and control. The benefits are multifold: reduced energy consumption, lower operational costs, streamlined facility management, and improved tenant experience.

While smart buildings offer a wide range of benefits, maintaining this technology presents a unique set of challenges for building owners and operators. The complexity of the technology that makes these buildings intelligent requires specialized knowledge and expertise to ensure their smooth operation. Regular updates and patches are necessary to keep the systems secure and up to date, requiring constant monitoring and maintenance. The integration of numerous devices, sensors and software platforms also poses interoperability issues, as different technologies may not always seamlessly communicate with one another.

As technology rapidly advances, there is a risk of certain components becoming outdated or obsolete, requiring upgrades and replacements. Balancing the need for cutting-edge technology with long-term sustainability and affordability of maintenance can be a delicate task. Nonetheless, with proactive planning, ongoing training and strategic partnerships with technology providers, the challenges can be effectively mitigated, ensuring their continued success and performance of your tech ready smart building.

Tech Ready Buildings: How Documentation Leads to Better Connectivity and Operational Efficiency

Active maintenance and documentation of the infrastructure within smart buildings plays a pivotal role in reducing operational and maintenance costs while ensuring reliable connectivity. By consistently updating and documenting the network infrastructure, owners and operators can gain a comprehensive understanding of the network usage, device connectivity, and data flow within the building.

This documentation becomes a valuable resource for troubleshooting, diagnosing issues and optimizing system performance. It enables swift identification and resolution of connectivity issues, reducing downtime and associated costs.

Additionally, detailed documentation facilitates future expansion and upgrades by providing insights into the existing infrastructure, making it easier to integrate new technologies and devices seamlessly. By actively maintaining and updating documentation, building operators can proactively identify opportunities for improvement and implement smart solutions, leading to enhanced operational efficiency and cost savings.

Comprehensive documentation enables knowledge transfer and collaboration among different stakeholders and vendors allowing for effective decision-making, implementation and fostering a culture of continuous improvement. As a result, actively maintaining network infrastructure documentation empowers buildings to evolve intelligently over time, ensuring they remain at the forefront of smart building technology while optimizing operational and maintenance costs.

Redefining Smart Buildings

In the quest for smarter buildings, the concept of a Tech Ready Building emerges as a compelling solution. Tech Ready Buildings actively embrace the integration of new digital technologies and leverage ongoing and actively managed connectivity maintenance to enhance building performance and elevate the occupant experience. These buildings are designed to be agile and adaptable, constantly evolving to meet the ever-changing demands of the digital era.

By prioritizing the active maintenance and documentation of the building’s connectivity infrastructure, Tech Ready Buildings enable the seamless integration of popular smart building technologies that both building owners and tenants desire.

Tenants in the commercial real estate market are undergoing a paradigm shift in their expectations of office spaces. They are seeking dynamic work environments that go beyond traditional layouts and offer seamless technology integrations.

From advanced energy management systems and smart lighting controls to intelligent security and occupant wellness platforms, these technologies enhance efficiency, comfort, and sustainability. Tech Ready Buildings empower building ownership and tenants to effortlessly implement and customize smart solutions, making their buildings smarter today than they were yesterday.

With the growing emphasis on health and safety, tenants prioritize features such as touchless entry systems that enhance security. These technologies not only provide a sense of reassurance but also contribute to the overall efficiency and convenience of the workspace. They are also demanding flexible spaces that can adapt to their evolving needs, incorporating smart building technologies that enable personalized experiences and foster collaboration.

By embracing these changes and creating Tech Ready Buildings that can seamlessly integrate new technologies as the building’s occupants demand it, building owners can attract and retain forward-thinking tenants who value innovative workspaces that anticipate and prioritize their technological needs.

Tech Ready Buildings are reshaping the commercial real estate industry’s idea of what a Smart Building is, ushering in a new era of efficiency, sustainability, and tenant satisfaction. These intelligent structures leverage advanced technologies such as Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI), and data analytics to optimize building operations, enhance energy management, and deliver personalized experiences to all occupants.

By embracing the Tech Ready Building concept, the commercial real estate industry can unlock the true potential of smart buildings, creating dynamic environments that drive innovation, productivity, and satisfaction for all stakeholders involved.

About the Author

Zach Haverty

Zach Haverty is the director of sales and marketing for Concert Technologies.

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