Secure Entry and Smart Building Solutions
Secure Entry and Smart Building
IOT systems are now being widely deployed in buildings, with a diverse set of solutions tacking a multiple problem domains. These include:-
- Secure Access – controlling entry to the building and to different areas within it.
- Environmental Control – monitoring and controlling HVAC systems
- Smart Lighting Systems
- Monitoring and Control
Secure access has traditional been controlled by physical keys, simple card access, or by security personnel and ID badges. However these methods had significant security flaws; keys and simple cards were relatively easy to copy, and monitoring of key holders difficult to maintain.
IOT technology offers a variety of methods to offer more flexible secure access – electronic credentials can provide access for a defined time (either of day or period), be easily revoked, and can be issued remotely to a user. They can be stored on a phone (with further security offered by the built in security of features such as fingerprint recognition), and easily communicated securely. UWB technology offers a secure method to open doors/barriers without contact, which can be valuable in certain settings, for example a hospital or warehouse. Insight SIP offers solutions based on the principal technologies of BLE, UWB, Wi-FI and LoRa
Environmental Control and Monitoring.
Conventional systems to control the environment have been based on normally been based on a simple thermostat, which may cover a large area across which conditions are quite variable. IOT technology offers the possibility of finer control of the environment, improving both comfort and energy efficiency. Multifunction sensors measuring not just temperature but humidity, pressure and air quality are low cost. Via the use of low power radio technology, battery powered devices can be cheaply installed and still have extended lifetimes. Furthermore, occupancy sensing can be used to control when systems do (or do not) need to be engaged, saving power. Systems can be automatic, but also easily overridden via manual control from a Smartphone. Passive temperature control measures, such as blinds or even transparency controlled windows can be engaged, further reducing energy usage.
IOT technology is rapidly changing the way we manage our buildings – for the better.
Smart Lighting Systems
Intelligent lighting control is a further way in which IOT can be deployed in buildings to manage both comfort and power consumption. Low voltage and dimmable lights are a ideal companion to low powered radio; this means that lighting can be controlled via wireless means, and installation and reconfiguration of lighting only needs to be concerned with the availability of a low voltage power supply – complex mains voltage switch gear is not required.
Lighting can be controlled to match both the presence of people, and the level of ambient light at a particular time, meaning that lights only need be on when required. The fact that lighting tends to be ubiquitous in a building means mesh-type protocols can be deployed, further simplifying deployment. Industry standard protocols, such as DALI+ allow users to select systems from a variety of providers, giving flexibility of choice, and allowing ongoing upgrade of systems without completely reinstalling them.
IOT is making the future of lighting brighter!