What is the internet of things?

Background

The Internet of Things (IoT) refers to a system of interconnected devices and equipment, each of which is able to be uniquely identified and to transmit data or information over a network without the need for human intervention. 

The Internet of Things has been much anticipated and often widely hyped and was perhaps most often cited in the case of the fridge that orders milk when it registers that you are running low. 

IoT has gone through the Gartner hype cycle of emerging technologies but is likely to play an instrumental and very valuable role in the delivery of facilities management services in the near future. 

How does Cleverly use the Internet of Things?

Cleverly shares our partners’ goal of maintaining the built environment in the most efficient manner possible and providing spaces optimised for purpose, whether this be manufacturing, retail, hospitality or residential. 

In balancing costs and quality control for our clients, we employ sensors to provide real time information on environmental or operational factors with regard to their assets. By using the computerised maintenance management system (CMMS) that we have developed as part of our broader space management offering, we (or our clients) are able to set automated workflows which create works orders, alerts or notifications based on parameters that are set in advance. 

There are many use cases for internet of things products and protocols which include Smart Buildings (and their impact on energy consumption), resource management as well as health and hygiene standards. 

What type of sensors does Cleverly work with?

Cleverly is happy to work with our clients’ supplier of choice with regard to sensors. Whilst we have proven integrations or configurations with suppliers such as Disruptive Technologies, Pressac, Pointgrab and Airthings, new technologies are always emerging and we are happy to work based on existing sensor infrastructure or consult with our clients in terms of who may be most appropriate in their situation.

Summary

At Cleverly, we really believe that the Internet of Things (IoT) will deliver a paradigmatic shift in how facilities management services are delivered to our clients. We believe it is critical in moving toward the ‘facilities management on demand’ idea that we are pursuing. 

With the amount of data that will be captured and processed, as well as the opportunities that this affords in terms of optimising maintenance the internet of things is just another example of technology’s propensity to change the ways in which industries operate. 

For more information, check out the Institute of Workplace and Facilities Management’s guidance note on ‘Internet of Things for Facilities Management’.