Companies today are sitting on a wealth of data from existing building systems.
With tightening budgets and growing pressure to demonstrate ROI, the trend is clear: it’s time to maximize the value of what you already have.
In this blog post, we explain how businesses can unlock the full potential of their building data – and why this is a game-changer.
What data already exists in your building?
Before considering new hardware, companies should take a look at the data their current systems can provide. Common sources include:
1. Meeting room hardware
Devices from companies like Cisco, Poly, Neat, Logitech, and Microsoft can provide data on meeting room occupancy and indoor air quality – all without the need for new installations.
2. Network access points
Occupancy and indoor air quality data can be gathered from connected devices through network access points, providing insights into building usage and health.
3. Access control systems
Access control systems, including badge data and some CCTV devices, can provide people count data, helping track building traffic.
4. Booking systems
Tools like ServiceNow or Appspace provide room and desk reservation data, which can be compared with occupancy data to analyze booking patterns versus actual usage.
5. Building systems
Building management systems (BMS) and HVAC systems offer a wealth of data on building operations, which can be optimized to respond to actual usage when combined with real-time data from other systems.
Why use existing data?
Maximizing your current building data offers a lot of benefits, including:
- Cost savings: Using existing systems means you don’t need to invest in additional sensors, cutting down on upfront costs
- Faster implementation: Connecting to existing data sources is quicker than installing new hardware, allowing for faster access to actionable insights
- Enhanced cybersecurity: Relying on trusted, existing systems reduces security risks and simplifies device management
- Smarter investment decisions: By using current data, you can test the accuracy of insights before deciding to invest in new technology
- Building a stronger business case: Demonstrating ROI with existing data helps justify future investments in technologies that meet specific needs
As we’ve already mentioned, you might decide to install additional devices – like IoT sensors – for more accurate data. However, starting with data from your existing systems is a great way to get an overall picture of your space and create a long-term plan to drive value.
How to unlock value from your data?
The key to unlocking value from your data is integration.
Often, building data is siloed across various systems, making it difficult for stakeholders to access the information they need.
By using a platform like Metrikus, you can bring all your data together in consistent, normalized formats.
This makes the data easily accessible, allowing key stakeholders to make more informed decisions and drive greater value for their business.
What can you achieve with aggregated data?
Accessing and analyzing your building’s data can completely change the way your building is operated – improving efficiency and reducing costs.
1. Optimize space utilization
With occupancy and people count data, you can identify underutilized areas, make informed decisions about closing floors or downsizing, and help employees find available desks.
You can also automatically release unused spaces and tailor office layouts to suit different work styles, from quiet zones to collaborative areas.
2. Boost employee wellbeing and productivity
Access to indoor air quality data allows you to set custom thresholds and alerts to keep key parameters within optimal levels.
Poor air quality – especially high CO2 levels – can reduce decision-making by 23% and productivity by 11%, so making changes to optimize your environment can have a big impact on your bottom line.
3. Drive building efficiency
Around 30% of the energy used in commercial buildings is wasted, so there’s a huge opportunity to improve efficiency.
Collecting energy and utility data gives you insight into when, where, and how energy is used. This helps you detect inefficiencies, make automatic adjustments, reduce consumption – preparing you for upcoming sustainability regulations.
4. Improve employee experience
With access to building data, employees can choose spaces that suit their needs and preferences for factors like light, temperature and noise.
This boosts workplace satisfaction and encourages employees to come to the office, knowing they can find a space to do their best work.
5. Reduce maintenance costs
With building data readily available, you can be more proactive about maintenance.
By giving engineers accurate, real-time data, you can increase first-time fix rates, keep things running smoothly and efficiently, and reduce maintenance costs by 25-30%.
How to get started?
To get the most out of your building data:
- Define clear goals: Start with a specific problem or outcome, such as reducing energy costs or improving space utilization
- Start small: Focus on one use case to demonstrate ROI, then expand as you see success
- Collaborate across teams: Involve key stakeholders from finance, facilities, HR, and other departments to ensure alignment
- Leverage expertise: Consider partnering with data providers, consultants, or specialized platforms to simplify implementation
- Keep iterating: Regularly check progress, make adjustments, and ensure data is being used to drive action
For more information on turning data into value, watch the latest episode of Michael Squared.
The bottom line
Your building already has the data you need to improve health, efficiency and sustainability – all while reducing costs.
By connecting your existing sources and systems into one platform, you can achieve faster results and see a big ROI.
Ready to make the most of your building’s data? Contact us today.
