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AV networking has long been a key part of the installation process of any new building, but in today's environment, it could have an even more important role to play as connectivity becomes more central to the way locations are designed and automation and other smart technologies become the norm.
But smart buildings are about much more than simply taking tedious maintenance tasks out of the hands of building managers. They collate data from hundreds of variables and sensors across the location to make the running of the building smoother and more efficient; this naturally requires a huge infrastructure network to connect all these and keep track of where data is coming from and going to.
An integrated environment
AV tools will have a significant role to play in managing these networks. Being able to fuse AV and IT networks will be essential in paving the ways to connect building environments onto a single, network-focused platform, which will allow for responsive systems that work together and provide actionable insight to building operators and occupants.
Indeed, a key factor for building developers to take into account is that AV is no longer a separate consideration that must be worked into existing locations. In the age of smart buildings, AV will need to be woven into the networking solution right from the very start of development in order to integrate effectively with data networks and Internet of Things (IoT) devices.
By 2020, around two-thirds of enterprises are set to incorporate IoT into their networks, up from less than one in three last year, and even in residential properties, integrated smart data networks are set to be increasingly important in the design phase to ensure effective integration.
All these various systems will be required to communicate effectively with each other if smart buildings are to fulfil their potential. AV will naturally have a role to play in this, with Keith Jones, a partner at system design and documentation services company designflow, telling Installation International: "IP-based systems for AV, control and pretty much everything else are now more or less the norm, and should definitely be the standard to design towards."
Ensuring sustainability
Another factor to consider in the development of new smart buildings is sustainability. The green credentials of a space are increasingly important to many tenants when it comes to choosing their locations, so building managers must be able to demonstrate they are making efforts to improve the efficiency of spaces and are working to reduce carbon footprints.
AV equipment will be a key focus within this, as it will often be one of a building's biggest users of power. Therefore, the ability to intelligently shut these down when not in use will be an important aspect of any smart building.
Sam Woodward, customer education leader at Lutron, told Installation International that while AV practitioners have been controlling lighting, audio and visual equipment in integrated systems for years, there has not been a great deal of awareness among building industries, service providers and people who manage heavy services.
However, this is now changing, and Mr Woodward noted: "When we point out to them that all these devices have the ability to be managed remotely and integrated into wider control systems they become interested and are keen to adopt these ideas."
He explained that integrating these offerings with other infrastructure is the key to success. Properties that are able to identify which rooms are not in use, then switch devices off accordingly without any human intervention, will be the key to ensuring sustainability in the era of the smart building.
