Feature Article:

Building Automation and Integration:
Facilities Are Poised To Become New Sources of Business Information
contributed by Gridlogix
 

Each day many systems in buildings malfunction.  Some building systems function okay, but aren’t running as efficiently as they could.  Still other systems are working as designed but aren’t helping to improve the tenant experience.  Property managers understand that broken equipment and inefficient building systems waste money - lots of money. Even worse, managers understand these systems have a negative impact on tenants.  The facility itself represents one of the most important business systems in the enterprise, and yet property managers don’t have timely information from that system available at their fingertips. 

Today, there are many different automation systems installed inside every facility.  One of the challenges for buildings owners, property managers, and real estate IT departments is that there has never been cost effective, standards-based integration connecting the facility sub-systems to each other and to the company’s business applications. Another significant problem and maybe an even greater challenge is translating the technical language of mechanical and electrical systems into a common language that exposes the facility’s real-time operational world to the analytical world -- the world of improving the tenant experience and improving the company’s financial bottom-line.  Ideally, properties need a system that will transform the facility itself into a data source that property managers can use to find hidden market advantages. 

Building automation and controls manufacturers recognize the unique needs of property managers and are beginning to acknowledge the power of XML Web Services to provide seamless, open interoperability between automation systems and corporate business applications.  XML Web Services, the same powerful integration framework that has been embraced by software providers and IT departments everywhere, is also perfectly suited to transform facility sub-systems into valuable sources of new business information. 
(Link to FULL ARTICLE)
 

About Our Sponsor:  Gridlogix supplies enterprise-class solutions delivering application integration to the enterprise.  The core of every Gridlogix integration solution is the EnNET integration framework.  Built from the ground up using XML Web Services technology, EnNET provides unified standards-based integration framework that enables companies to leverage existing monitoring and control systems, rapidly integrate them with other automation technologies, streamline the R2B integration processes, and connect with strategic business partners.  Visit www.gridlogix.com.

 -- Tenant Survey.  First, you must determine the needs of your tenants.  Conduct a comprehensive tenant survey to determine their current technology applications and telecommunications services, and identify their future needs.  Consult an industry expert to make sure you are asking the right questions.

 -- Review Existing Providers.  Chances are you don’t know all of the companies providing services in your building.  Conduct a comprehensive physical and paper audit of existing providers in the building, including surveying telecom closets, rooftop space, and risers.  Review access and license agreements for compliance.

 -- Research New Service Providers.  Research various service providers who specialize in the types services that your tenants are using now or may be interested in using in the future.  Make sure you include new technologies such as voice over IP and WiFi. 

 -- Risk Analysis.  Last, but certainly not least, before you implement any new technology, software application, or telecommunications service, conduct a thorough risk analysis to assure that what you are proposing is in the best interest of your building and your business.  What is your ROI?

 For more information on conducting tenant surveys, telecommunications audits, and risk analysis contact
 CRE Partners.
 

Upcoming Industry Events                                                               Mark your calendars!

• CREW 2003 Annual Convention, October 15-18, 2003, San Francisco http://www.crewnetwork.org
• NAIOP Annual Conference and Marketplace, October 15-17, Boston http://www.naiop.org
• World Workplace 2003 Conference & Expo, October 19-21, Dallas www.worldworkplace.org
• Tower Summit and Trade Show, October 28-29, Las Vegas, NV http://www.scievents.com
• BOMA Winter Business Meeting, January 11-14, 2004, Tucson, AZ http://www.boma.org
• IREM Commercial Real Estate 2004, Feb 19-21, 2004, Tucson, AZ http://www.irem.org
*NEW* • Realcomm 2004, June 3-4, 2004, San Francisco, CA  http://www.realcomm.com

Please notify us at info@crepartners.com if you have a relevant real estate or
telecommunications event you would like to add to CRE Partners calendar of events.