IoT Sensors & Real Estate: Why automation actually means increased flexibility

This is not meant to be a hype article … automation has been a ‘trend’ since the production line of Henry Ford. Like with all cycles there are periods of rapid progress and some of broader adoption (less progress).

This seems to be a period of rapid progress.?

And in this period of digital transformation, of course the real estate industry will not be left untouched.?

This is a great thing … and how can property managers, facilities managers, operations managers adapt??

Well, one way is through increasing automation, and one way of doing this is via the use of Internet of Things (IoT) sensors, which are set to redefine the way we interact with our built environments.?

By leveraging the capabilities of these smart devices, real estate will be reimagined as a more flexible, efficient, and adaptive asset … suited to the changing needs of inhabitants and managers alike.

Automation brings dynamism to the built environment.?

Cycles will shorten, productivity will increase, amenity values will rise. All good things.??

On a granular level, the role of IoT sensors in real estate will be underpinned by their ability to collect and analyse data in real-time. They can provide detailed insights into the operation and utilisation of buildings, whether these are residential or commercial.?

This information is then used to optimise various aspects of the built environment - utilisation, energy usage, temperature levels, cleaning cycles etc. - making spaces more flexible to meet evolving demands.

Space Utilisation and Efficiency

One way in which IoT sensors are making real estate more flexible is by improving space utilisation and efficiency. Sensors embedded in furniture, walls, or floors can monitor how space is used throughout the day.?

They track parameters like occupancy levels, movement patterns, and usage durations of different areas within a building. These data inform property managers and residents about underutilised areas, or can automatically divert resources to areas of most intense usage, as well as helping them to reconfigure the layout or function of these spaces for optimal use.

Take the case of flexible workspaces. As the trend for remote and hybrid working continues to grow, companies are looking for ways to make their office spaces more adaptable.?

IoT sensors can provide data on which spaces are frequently used and at what times. This can lead to more dynamic office layouts, such as converting rarely used conference rooms into individual workspaces or communal areas during peak usage times.

Energy Efficiency and Sustainability

IoT sensors are instrumental in enhancing energy efficiency, another dimension of flexibility in real estate. By monitoring environmental conditions like temperature, humidity, and light levels, these sensors enable real-time control of HVAC, lighting, and other energy-consuming systems. This not only results in significant cost savings but also contributes to the building's sustainability goals.

Furthermore, the predictive capabilities of IoT systems can help prevent costly repairs and downtime. Sensors can detect anomalies in system performance, allowing for predictive maintenance and reducing the chances of sudden system failures. These insights make building management more proactive rather than reactive.

Notice how these first two points emphasise increased efficiency … this is one of the critical benefits of automating processes and having them be a function of real world inputs.?

Tenant Comfort and Satisfaction

For residential properties, IoT sensors can enhance tenant comfort and satisfaction, making the living space more adaptable to individual preferences. Smart thermostats can learn from occupants' behaviour, adjusting the temperature based on their daily routines.?

Similarly, smart lighting systems can adapt to personal preferences and natural light conditions (a little more intelligent than simple time-based settings). By personalising living environments, real estate properties can retain tenants longer and increase their value proposition.

Security and Safety

IoT sensors also play a pivotal role in the flexible management of security and safety within properties. Smart security systems can adapt to the behaviours of inhabitants, adjusting security protocols accordingly. For instance, they can automatically lock doors when occupants leave or alert homeowners of unusual activity. We are already using sensors that alert users to a door being left open or a leak is detected. Similarly, smoke and carbon monoxide detectors can send immediate alerts to occupants or emergency services in case of an incident, preventing potential disasters.

The flexibility offered by IoT sensors extends to remote management as well. Property managers can monitor and control various building parameters from anywhere in the world, making property management more efficient and less time-consuming.

In conclusion, IoT sensors are a game-changer for the real estate industry, offering unprecedented flexibility in how we utilise and manage our built environments. They provide data-driven insights that lead to more efficient use of space, enhanced energy conservation, improved tenant satisfaction, and proactive safety and security management.?

By fully embracing this technology, the real estate industry can stay ahead of the curve, offering adaptable spaces that meet the dynamic needs of modern society.

The future is here. And that’s really exciting!