During the late 1990s, as networks formed the backbone of businesses and Web browsers became the default means of accessing new applications, it quickly became clear that system “convergence” was the wave of the future. For facility and security managers used to operating systems that resided on proprietary buses and dedicated cabling, the move looked daunting.

FIGURE 1: Click image to see full-size

Today, the convergence of building-automation systems (BAS) and information technology (IT) is an everyday reality (Figure 1). New Web-based technologies are driving open standards (e.g., XML) that are improving ease-of-use by delivering information to those who need it when and how they want it, whether via a desktop computer or a mobile device (Figure 2). The rapidly decreasing cost of connectivity has delivered a number of benefits to facility managers and their organizations, including:

• More money to spend on functionality, rather than dedicated wiring and phone lines.

• Increased revenue from higher-quality environments and services.

• Reduced energy consumption through increased local control.

• Improved occupant comfort through immediate mobile access to assess and resolve issues.

• Improved staff and occupant productivity.

• Reduced operational costs through systems consolidation.

• Reduced liability and risk through centralized management tools.

FIGURE 2: Convergence provides the ability to aggregate, evaluate, and deliver actionable information to anyone anywhere in any format.

But despite the many advantages, integrating lighting, HVAC, power, video, access-control, fire-safety, and other systems into an IT network is not yet a matter of “plugging and playing.” Planning, collaboration, and a well-defined architecture are the keys to a successful transition. Organizations must adopt an all-encompassing approach to fully seize opportunities and benefits and ultimately improve their bottom lines.

BUILDING A COMMON VISION

Successful convergence hinges on developing a unified strategy among traditionally separate groups: facility management, security, and IT. Fostering collaboration and building partnerships among those groups poses several challenges because each group has separate (and sometimes conflicting) priorities and budgets. Establishing common goals, such as combating rising energy costs or protecting intellectual property, helps to drive collaboration. Thus, maintaining clear lines of communication and establishing strong relationships among the groups is essential for success.