Technology trends to watch in commercial construction

My role within Aptitude is to lead product design and development. This means that I continually research the products and trends that impact our clients, their needs and wants, and how we can deliver smarter built environments. Recently, a handful of themes regularly rise to the top: control, cybersecurity, efficiency, and automation. Below is a brief overview of these themes and how they are affecting our work.

1. Smart building technology: The integration of low-voltage systems with smart building technology, such as building automation systems and the Internet of Things (IoT), is becoming more popular. This allows for greater control and automation of building systems, as well as the ability to collect and analyze data to improve building performance.
2. Cybersecurity: As low-voltage systems become increasingly connected and integrated with other systems, the need for robust cybersecurity measures is more important. It’s critical for a company like Aptitude to stay up-to-date on the latest security threats and best practices to protect the systems we design and install.
3. Energy efficiency: Low-voltage systems are often used to control lighting, HVAC, and other building systems, so they play an important role in reducing energy consumption and costs. Our ability to familiarize and adapt with energy-efficient technologies and design systems that optimize energy efficiency will put us ahead of the traditional low-voltage integrator model.
4. Cloud and Remote Monitoring: Cloud-based solutions and remote monitoring are becoming increasingly important for integrators because they allow for greater flexibility and control over low voltage systems.
   • Remote Access: Cloud-based solutions and remote monitoring allow integrators to access and control low-voltage systems from anywhere, using a web browser or mobile device. This makes it possible to troubleshoot and make changes to systems without having to be physically present on-site.
   • Real-time Data: Cloud-based solutions and remote monitoring can provide real-time data about the performance and status of low-voltage systems. This information can be used to optimize performance and to identify and address issues before they become major problems.
   • Data Analytics: Cloud-based solutions and remote monitoring can provide a wealth of data that can be analyzed to identify trends and patterns. This can be used to improve energy efficiency, enhance security, and optimize the performance of low-voltage systems.
   • Automation: Remote monitoring can also enable the automation of low-voltage systems, allowing for greater energy efficiency, improved comfort and convenience, and enhanced security. For example, lighting systems can be automated to turn on and off based on occupancy and time of day, or security systems can be programmed to notify security personnel or local authorities in case of emergency.
   • Cost Savings: Remote monitoring and cloud-based solutions can also save costs by reducing the need for on-site support and maintenance. This can be done by identifying issues and resolving them remotely, reducing the need for site visits and on-site maintenance.
   • Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning: AI and machine learning are quickly growing in popularity and being used to improve the performance and functionality of low-voltage systems. AI and machine learning are typically paired with cloud and remote monitoring given the amount of data that can be collected and processed. There are a variety of value propositions when using these advanced technologies such as:
     • Predictive maintenance: AI/Machine learning algorithms can be used to predict when equipment is likely to fail, allowing integrators to schedule maintenance before a failure occurs.
     • Energy management: AI/Machine learning algorithms can be used to optimize energy usage in buildings and other facilities, helping integrators reduce energy costs.
     • Quality control: Machine learning algorithms can be used to analyze sensor data and detect defects in products or equipment, allowing integrators to improve the quality of their products and services.
     • Automation: AI/Machine learning algorithms can be used to automate processes and tasks, such as image recognition and natural language processing, allowing integrators to improve efficiency and reduce labor costs.
     • Smart Building: AI/Machine learning algorithms can be used in building management systems to improve the overall performance, security and comfort of the building.
     • Data Analysis: AI/Machine learning algorithms can be used to extract insights and trends from large data sets, allowing integrators to make better decisions throughout the project lifecycle, improve their operations, identify the best valued opportunities, save costs, and maintain compliance.