#edge analytics sensor

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Edge Analytics and Building Automation Systems

The move away from a centralized control of the Building Automation System or Building Management System (BMS) is one of the primary differences between the old BMS and contemporary BMS. The old system was highly dependent on the control room for actionable analytics, while the new BMS makes use of edge technology and transfers most of the vital controls within the automation network to the edges of the automation system. This edge technology definitely makes the building automation system more efficient and effective.

The IoT, M2M, and Edge Technology

The main characteristics of the contemporary building management system include the utilization of innovative technologies like those of the edge technology, Internet of things (IoT), Machine-to-Machine (M2M) technology, powerful sensors, powerful microprocessors, far-reaching networks, and people-counting cameras. The edge technology, for one, allows the production of actionable data at the very edges of the automation networks and the immediate actualization of these actionable data in real-time within the edges of the network.

The IoT, on the other hand, is the technology that makes possible the communication among the different things within the network. The IoT concept is a concept that conceives of a network of smart devices that are capable of smartly communicating with each other without the help of human intervention. Hence, with the IoT technology at hand, the washing machine, for example, can readily communicate with the computer, and the computer can readily communicate with the refrigerator if the refrigerator is smart enough.

The enabling concept behind M2M technology is similar to the IoT. With M2M technology, each machine within the network can readily communicate with other machines. Moreover, each machine in the network is assigned a specific name and IP address, and is equipped with powerful microprocessors that can process data quickly.

Powerful Sensors, Microprocessors, and People-counting Cameras

The contemporary BMS will never look like what it is now if there are no powerful sensors. It is a good thing that, nowadays, sensors have become very powerful and can readily sense anything within any part of the building. Moreover, an edge analytics sensor is configured to recognize some forms of gestures. Some pioneering companies are now working hard to produce the best software that could enable people to engage in gesture-controlled processes. A building automation company would surely need the help of these pioneering companies in enhancing and innovating contemporary BMS. Although gesture control is still in its incipient stage, it will surely become an integral part of the BMS in the years to come.  

The old processors which once dominated the old BMS have already evolved, and now we have powerful microprocessors that could process data within a millionth of a second. These powerful microprocessors likewise makes possible edge analytics and the development of the IoT and M2M technologies.

Another technological innovation that works hand-in-hand with powerful sensors and microprocessors is that of the people-counting cameras. The cameras of the past could not count people. Nowadays, however, some companies have manufactured people-counting cameras. With the help of these people-counting cameras, the sensors and the microprocessors can produce actionable analytics that could be acted upon within the edges of the BMS. The combination of all these contemporary technological innovations have definitely paved the way for the present building automation systems.

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Edge Technology Revolutionizing Building Management System

A world wherein everything can be controlled is a nice world to live in. Similarly, a home wherein everything is automated and can be remotely controlled is a home that is definitely nearer to the idea of a sanctuary or a legitimate bastion that is impregnable to the juggernaut of outside forces.

The idea of a smart building or home was only a figment of imagination several decades ago for some people. Sans the technology that can make a home fully automated, it will be impossible to realize and actualize such a home. However, with the onset of Information Technology, and the unabated progress in the fields of software and hardware development, it is now a possibility to create a home that is truly smart and capable of handling itself on its own.

Building and Home Automation

When cloud technology was introduced several years ago, many among us rejoiced because it enabled huge companies and enterprise to store their important information somewhere out there in the cloud. Computations and analytics started to be done in the cloud, allowing huge amount of data to be processed and stored without a hitch. Nowadays, however, there seems to be a move away from cloud technology. With the introduction of the Internet of Things (IoT) and Machine to Machine (M2M) technology, there seem to be growing emphasis on edge technology as opposed to relying heavily on the cloud computing.

The concept of the IoT is not possible if there are no processors that can quickly process a huge amount of data. Likewise, M2M will be impossible if processors are not powerful enough to think on its own and communicate on its own. Equipped with powerful processors and sensors, devices and machines can now process huge amount of information without necessary relying on cloud technology or computing.

The Implications of IoT and M2M on Home and Building Automation

There are many building automation companies that specialize in creating a fully automated network within a home or a building. They are definitely working on developing more reliable edge analytics that would allow devices and machines to do the analysis of the situation on their own and act on their analysis of the situation. Edge analytics, as opposed to cloud analytics, pushes the analysis and computing of data away from the central computing nodes. This means that those building automation companies are working hard to improve the computing capabilities of the network’s edges or extremes. The logical end-results of these endeavors will surely be the developments of smart things, capable of mega-computation on their own. These end-results will surely pave the way for smart communications among the different parts of a building. Hence, using edge analytics, a room, for example, can surely be a smart one, wherein the sensors and cameras within that room can communicate with one another. If these devices, for example, sense that there are no person inside a room, they would communicate with the air-conditioning unit and the lighting system to turn themselves off.

The edge analytics, as well as IoT and M2M, may still be in their incipient stage, but surely, with the feverish development in software and hardware technology, IoT, M2M, and edge analytics will surely reach their full potential applications in the near future.

For more information about building management system, visit: http://www.pointgrab.com/about.

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Top Things To Look For In A Building Automation Company

If you want to hire a building automation company then there are many aspects to consider here. Remember that you should seek a firm that offers innovative solutions for making life more comfortable and easier. The idea is to get something that spells luxury with state-of-the-art designs with a blend of common sense and automation solutions. These include use of the latest devices and sensors to exhilarate the user experience along with implementing advance data analytics and converting them into business solutions to meet client requirements. Other aspects include mobile connectivity and control and secure cloud connections.

 Though the idea of a building automation has been around for quite some time, it is with the advent of the Internet that they have actually become quite a rage and provide features that make everything controllable with a touch of a button. Here’s what you should seek for your building automation company-

 · The first aspect to consider here is experience. It is true that someone with more than 2-3 decades of experience would have an insight or knack for identifying problems and fixing them up but a newer company might have more of technical tools and solutions. It is best to evaluate the benefits that you get and find the most innovative and intuitive guidance for your home or office.

 · Also, you should check if all aspects of intelligent buildings are being provided. Some of these include heating, cooling, ventilation, HVAC, security setup, etc. In many contemporary facilities, the building automation company also takes care of refrigeration and lighting inside the home. So on the whole, your entire building is a smart building and your home a smart home.

 · The building automation company should also try and fill in the gap between new and older buildings. In some cases, if you are renovating the building, many newer aspects can’t be implemented due to restrictions of the plumbing limitations, wiring limitations, etc. However, the intelligent buildings company focuses on how to overcome these limitations and make the best of what is available.

 · Cost and budget are another aspects. Remember that in most cases, you would also need a service contract and a caretaker for maintaining these problems. No matter how self-sufficient and technically advanced solutions your intelligent building company provides you, without regular maintenance and care, there is always a risk involved. So when you are working out the budget, do consider this aspect too.

 Overall, your building automation company should have an integrated approach to combine simple features and benefits with complicated networking to create viable solutions and conditions for living. For instance, some buildings use a blend of electrical and solar heating systems to balance this out. Hence, energy efficiency is another vital aspect that should be considered here because it will help in reducing overall costs in the long run.

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Why Modern Workplaces Rely On The Edge Analytics Sensor

In order for a company to be a success, it is important for them to maintain a happy and motivated workforce.  While there are several aspects to be taken into account, some of which may be unique to one or a handful of employees, there are 4 which must be satisfied in order to keep employees engaged – all of which can be controlled through an edge-computing platform.

  The Air Temperature

How hot or how cool your office space is has a major impact on how productive your employees are.  Staff need to be comfortable in order to do their job. They should not be left sweating or freezing, which means that the values of humidity, air movement and air temperature must be automatically set within a specific range and constantly monitored.

 But air temperature is not only a “comfort thing”. Having it properly regulated through an edge analytics sensor will have a tremendous impact on the mood of your employees and their safety.  If you have stressed out employees in the workplace, then having uncomfortable conditions will have an even more significant impact as they will be more prone to make more mistakes and do less work.

  The Air Quality

For years indoor air quality has been blamed for employee illness and discomfort in modern offices.  The air quality not only impacts productivity, but it can have a major impact on their health and overall well-being.

 “Smart sensors” not only have the ability to assess the air quality, but they will automatically take action as soon as the quality falls below a certain range.  This means healthier employees, a reduction in absenteeism, and increased staff productivity.

  The Lighting

Only recently has natural lighting been recognized as being important in the workplace.  The human eye is designed to be able to work with shifting levels of sunlight.  What it is not designed to do is try to accommodate the harsh beam of light produced by the classic fluorescent office lighting.

 A smart sensor system is able to detect natural light and adjust the lighting of a room as necessary.  This helps organizations save money on their lighting expenses, but there are a number of other benefits including:

 ·       Improved sleep (meaning better rested employees in the morning)

·       Reduced occurrence of headaches

·       Reduced occurrence of eye fatigue

·       Increased sense of well-being

  The Office Layout

Studies have proven what we have all known for a long while: the further employees are from one another, the less likely they are to communicate.  Companies of the 21st Century are moving towards a more innovative and network-driven way of working and are focusing on creating more flexible workspaces for their employees.

 Rather than take the blinded approach and base your office design on what is the most “trendy”, you can use the data produced by smart sensors to determine which areas are frequented most often, which are seldom used, and what paths employees are taking when traversing through the office.  This will enable you to create a layout that will keep the workflow flowing and the employees collaborating and working together.

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