Exploring The Cloud-Based, Connected Future Of Building Life Safety And Security
For decades, building safety was limited to security guards, cameras and alarm networks, all working independently to alert owners and authorities of a fire or break-in. These on-site systems had vast limitations and required countless workers on-site to constantly monitor them.
Today, with the introduction of the cloud and artificial intelligence offerings, things have changed. Building operators can monitor their buildings in real time, from anywhere, thanks to new innovative technologies.
“Cloud-based solutions are leading the charge when it comes to innovation in building life safety,” said Honeywell Fire Systems National Account Manager Jim McGowan. “Traditionally, solutions were based on-site and relied on hard-copy paperwork. But in the last few years, cloud-based solutions have enabled a wealth of data gathering, information and notification technologies that are making properties safer and keeping owners more informed.”
McGowan and Honeywell Senior Director of Portfolio Management Dhivagar Palanisamy spoke with Bisnow about how migration to the cloud and AI tools have enhanced the connectivity and usability of building safety systems, making buildings safer and improving day-to-day operations.
Bisnow: What are some innovations in building life safety and security that are shaping the future of the industry, and what has been driving these innovations?
McGowan: As a by-product of cloud-based solutions, companies like Honeywell can manufacture self-testing detection equipment. In the past, annual testing and inspections of life safety systems would be very expensive and labor-intensive. Now, Honeywell is providing self-testing technology that is done through our cloud-based solution, resulting in a significant reduction in operational expenses for our clients. The cloud-based systems, such as self-test, work with additional fire and life safety infrastructure but do not replace the core code-compliant hardwired fire detection system.
Palanisamy: Artificial intelligence is also transforming the industry right now, with companies exploring how to make day-to-day life easier for building managers through AI. While large-scale industries have been slow to migrate all of their enterprise systems to the cloud, it has been faster to migrate video because once it's in the cloud, you no longer have to worry about the maintenance of the server or have an IT person there physically monitoring it.
Bisnow: What is the role of cloud-connected offerings in fire and life safety?
McGowan: The key is really in the data that this technology can collect. These systems can enable bidirectional communication that allows service providers to access customer sites and do pre-site evaluations and troubleshooting without having to send out a technician, and allow customers to gain access to the data being collected in the cloud.
They can see any issues that arise in real time and see the results of any troubleshooting done by service providers. This enables customers to address issues faster and keep their buildings safer, all while monitoring their properties remotely.
Bisnow: How has building security evolved to both enhance safety/security and convenience for users? How has Honeywell's acquisition of Lenel enhanced its security offerings?
Palanisamy: There are a lot of mergers and consolidations happening with the goal of making a more seamless experience for users and overall enhancing convenience. One example of this is our acquisition of security solutions firm LenelS2, which has OnGuard, the world’s leading access control provider. It provides reliability and innovation and is constantly improving, but on top of that, it is an open system. This means it can work with the Honeywell building solutions portfolio, including our camera, intrusion detection and Building Management software, to create a complete security solution that customers can control all from one place.
Bisnow: How have building fire safety tools and strategies evolved?
McGowan: The safety and testing tools that we have designed and released not only provide customers with continuity of life safety but also financial savings. This is why we offer on-site testing, programming and utility database conversion tools, all focused on compiling raw data and generating savings for our customers.
As for the tools we’ve developed to better keep properties safe, VESDA, our very early smoke detecting apparatus, provides very, very early detection of imminent life safety issues. Additionally, Lion Tamer, our lithium battery off-gas detection system, enables the early detection of thermal runaway to mitigate the loss of life and property where electric vehicles are manufactured.
Bisnow: How do these tools work as part of broader connected building systems? What are some other key features of these systems?
Palanisamy: OnGuard is an open system, which means it can be integrated with multiple products and keep them all connected. Its OpenAccess Alliance Program provides 200-plus integrations — anything is possible because it creates an open channel that never existed before. Honeywell already had a complete building safety portfolio. Lenel’s access control system complements it perfectly and connects everything to create one comprehensive solution.
This article was produced in collaboration between Honeywell and Studio B. Bisnow news staff was not involved in the production of this content.
Studio B is Bisnow’s in-house content and design studio. To learn more about how Studio B can help your team, reach out to studio@bisnow.com.
