How to make the most of your existing building data

Welcome back to Straight Talking PropTech.

One of the biggest trends we are seeing right now is customers looking to make the most of the systems, software and data they already have in their buildings.

It is a big shift, and an exciting one, so I thought I would use this month’s newsletter to dive into this topic in more detail.

What has changed?

A few years ago, customers would come to us and for advice about which IoT devices they should install. Now, they are coming to us asking if they can connect data from systems they already use, and investments they have already made. Which makes a lot of sense, as companies spend a lot of money with the likes of Cisco.

Companies are realising they don’t necessarily need to invest in a load of new sensors to start getting insights, they can leverage what is already in place.

Several factors are driving this trend, but the biggest is financial. With tighter budgets and pressure to demonstrate ROI, customers are keen to prove the value of existing data.

What building data is available?

A lot of companies we work with already have meeting room hardware from providers like Cisco, Poly, Neat, Logitech and Microsoft which can provide data on meeting room occupancy and indoor air quality without new installations.

You can also get occupancy data from wireless network access points, and people count data from access control systems (more to come on this painful point soon), badge data, and some CCTV devices.

Room and desk booking systems like ServiceNow and Appspace can also provide usage data. This is very valuable, especially when paired with occupancy data, as it allows companies to compare reservations with actual usage.

Why use what you already have?

As I have already mentioned, there are a lot of reasons for companies to use existing building data, but here are the top five benefits.

1. Reduce costs

Instead of spending on new sensors, companies are finding massive cost savings by making use of existing hardware.

2. Limit cybersecurity concerns

Using trusted systems means fewer security concerns and easier device management.

3. Lower implementation time?

Connecting to existing data sources is often faster than installing new ones, making it quicker to get from data to action.

4. Test before investing

Companies can use existing data to decide the fidelity of data they actually need to achieve their goals.

5. Build a business case

Using current data sources is an effective way to build and test a solid business case for future investment.

Why is this so valuable?

It is great to see companies tapping into the hidden potential of their existing building data.

With the Metrikus API, customers and partners can bring all this data together in one place, where it is accessible in normalised, consistent formats. This allows them to cross-compare data to understand what is really happening in their buildings and spaces, driving faster ROI and helping them to reinvest and do more with less.

To get a better idea of what you could do with the Metrikus API, have a look at our new page. And if you are ready to get the most out of your building data, let’s chat.