Guest Blog, Author at Facilities Management Forum | Forum Events Ltd - Page 2 of 9
Posts By :

Guest Blog

How IoT enables smart Facility Management
By:

By akenza

The landscape of IoT connectivity technologies has undergone remarkable advancements. This progression has in turn paved the way for the emergence of IoT-enabled Smart Facility Management, reshaping the efficiency of facility maintenance processes.

The synergy of IoT and FM has been progressively gaining traction, which can be attributed to both the recent advancements in connectivity technology and lower sensor hardware costs, reducing the barriers to entry. This upwards trend has been expedited by the COVID-19 pandemic, which has propelled the necessity for innovative solutions in FM.

We see everyday objects now equipped with sensors. These sensors collect an array of data points such as temperature fluctuations, occupancy patterns, and equipment performance. This data offers comprehensive insights for better decision-making. With remote work becoming the norm, along with a heightened emphasis on limited occupancy and hygiene concerns, the demand for data-driven remote FM surged.

The scope of IoT extends beyond data collection and analysis. Modern buildings have transformed to accommodate a range of use cases, each optimized through IoT integration. This encompasses innovations like the following:

As IoT technology continues its rapid evolution, the future will bring a new era of efficiency, sustainability, and adaptability within FM. With the help of an IoT platform like akenza, all sensors can be connected to one place, making the collection and analysis of data simple and seamless.

Mul-T-Lock’s eCLIQ® is put through its paces at Barry’s studios throughout London
By:

Barry’s studios in London can now benefit from managed access rights across each of its eight London studios, thanks to Mul-T-Lock’s eCLIQ® access control solution.

Founded in 1998 in West Hollywood, Barry’s fitness classes have studios across North America, the Middle East and throughout Europe. Today, there are over 140,000 global members of Barry’s FitFam, with eight boutique studios in the UK.

London-based Astoria Fire and Security Ltd recommended Mul-T-Lock’s eCLIQ® access control solution to all eight of Barry’s studios throughout London, to help combat lost keys and achieve complex access requirements.

Fraser McNair, Contracts Manager at Astoria Fire and Security commented: “The benefits of eCLIQ, including convenience and cost saving to our customer, meant the product virtually sold itself! It gives them the control to manage their security directly from a mobile app that is both secure and easy to use. They can now reconfigure their security within minutes and lost keys can be cancelled immediately. They also have the added convenience of only granting access rights on certain days at certain times depending on the role of the key holder.”

With several employees requiring access to the studios at various times of the day/week and with confidential client data kept on file within each building, Barry’s required a solution that would offer a high level of physical security as well as data protection.

Mul-T-Lock’s eCLIQ® access control system allows end-users to both grant and remove access permissions remotely. This includes scheduling individual access permissions for each key and providing time-limited access. If a key is lost, access can be revoked using the eCLIQ® Go mobile app, all managed from a cloud-based system.

Jacques Vermeulen, Regional Sales Manager for Mul-T-Lock added: “Fitness studios and gyms have very complex access and security requirements, with 24-hour shift patterns for staff, deliveries throughout the day, and contractors needing one-time access. Plus, the management of visitors and their flow around a building, needs to be non-intrusive yet secure and reassuring.

“Security and access systems, such as eCLIQ® from Mul-T-Lock, not only improve safety and mitigate risks but also helps with business continuity, which is a valuable asset to the leisure industry.”

INDUSTRY SPOTLIGHT: eCLIQ master key system from Mul-T-Lock
By:

Mul-T-Lock is renowned for its innovative approach to patented master key systems, providing Facility Managers with enhanced security and protection for a wide range of applications.

Mul-T-Lock’s master key systems present comprehensive solutions for managing physical security across various sectors, including commercial, residential, and institutional settings.

These systems are tailor-made to meet the unique needs and security requirements of each environment, with their wide range of cylinder types and can seamlessly integrate with existing infrastructure and building management solutions.

The eCLIQ solution from Mul-T-Lock takes master keying to the next level by incorporating electronic features. It offers programmable keys and cylinders that communicate wirelessly, granting users greater control and flexibility.

With eCLIQ, access rights can be easily modified or revoked, enhancing security and simplifying key management.

One of the key advantages of Mul-T-Lock master key systems, including eCLIQ, is their scalability and flexibility. These systems can accommodate a wide range of applications, from small properties to large-scale complexes and grow and adapt as needs evolve. With the ability to create multiple levels of access, businesses can easily control and manage permissions, ensuring that the right individuals have access to the right areas.

Mul-T-Lock’s master key systems are designed for durability and resistance against tampering or forced entry attempts. They utilise specialist locking technology and advanced engineering techniques to provide exceptional security. eCLIQ incorporates advanced encryption protocols and authentication mechanisms to protect against unauthorised key duplication and ensure data integrity.

Ultimately, Mul-T-Lock master key systems offer operational benefits. Streamlining key management processes, reducing the need for carrying multiple keys and simplifying the task of granting or revoking access. This improves operational efficiency, saves time, and minimises the risk of key-related errors.

Mul-T-Lock master key systems, including the eCLIQ system, are a testament to the security specialist’s commitment to safeguarding, innovation, and integrity. With their advanced technology, scalability, and robust construction, they provide organisations with reliable and effective solutions.

So whether it’s securing a single property or managing access across multiple sites, using mechanical or electromechanical security (or a mixture of both,) Mul-T-Lock’s master key systems offer the peace of mind and operational efficiency that businesses and institutions seek in today’s dynamic security landscape.

INDUSTRY SPOTLIGHT: Mul-T-Lock Master Key Systems – The innovative solution to bespoke security
By:

With the rapid advancement of technology and the emergence of new threats, organisations are looking for innovative physical security solutions to ensure the protection of their assets, people, and premises.

Suresh Peri, Head of Commercial and Technical and Mul-T-Lock UK identifies how the security specialist is staying one step ahead with the evolution of its Master Key Systems. The aim is to support Facility Managers on their journey to embrace modern and intelligent security measures…

As our world keeps changing, we have a duty of care to advance with the latest physical security measures and ensure we can offer bespoke solutions for our customers.

One way we achieve this is through our renowned master key systems, which operate on the basis of key hierarchy.

Master Key Systems are designed to create a categorised structure, where individual keys can only access specific locks assigned to them, while the ‘master key’ retains access to all locks in the system. This enables controlled access across a facility, granting permitted workers access to their authorised areas while restricting unauthorised individuals from entering.

Mul-T-Lock’s Master Key Systems offer a combined solution, incorporating electromechanical systems such as eCLIQ.  This allows Facility Managers to benefit from features such as audit trails, time-based access limitations and remote access control.

Operating with the assurance of Mul-T-Lock’s reputation for high security, master key systems can be designed for a modern office building or a multi-site complex.  The solution can be tailored to embrace electromechanical or mechanical systems to meet the specific needs of every institution.

Mul-T-Lock will work with Facility Managers – incorporating technical assistance and the support of its UK network of authorised approved partners – right from the specification process.  We will develop a bespoke design that corresponds with security demands, taking into consideration various zones, departments, and user responsibilities.

And considering the diverse needs of businesses and institutions, Mul-T-Lock UK will offer a suitable platform to base a master key system.  From a premium level eCLIQ, MTL800 (most recently fitted at the MLA Headquarters,) MTL600, MTL500, MTL400, MTL300 to MTL200, all offer unparalleled flexibility, scalability, enhanced security and efficient key management as standard.

IoT and the road to long-term water security
By:

Climate instability combined with an expanding population and escalating levels of per capita consumption are creating unsustainable pressure both on water resources and an overstretched supply network. Yet, without any insight into where leaks occur or how consumer behaviour affects consumption, how can water companies meet the government’s ambitious plans to reduce usage? Alex Barter, Manging Director, B4T, and Gareth Mitchell, Key Account Manager UK, Heliot explain why smart metering is key to creating a water secure future.

Urgent Change

The UK has a serious water problem. 3 billion litres of water – over a fifth of the total supply – are lost to leakage every single day. Not only is this a terrible waste of a valuable resource, but when 3% of the UK’s energy consumption is required to move water around the country, the full environmental impact of leakage is even more significant.

Nonetheless, water awareness remains low. People rail against the hosepipe bans and complain about the abstraction that depletes rivers across the country. However, consumers are a key contributor to wasted water. From dripping taps and faulty ballcocks to more serious leaks between the home and the street supply, 25% of UK homes are affected by leakage of a litre per hour.

Furthermore, at 140 litres per day, the UK’s per capita water usage figures are far higher than in more water conscious countries, such as the Netherlands, where usage is 107 litres per day. Be that as it may, without any insight into how much water they are using and no understanding of the financial or environmental cost, consumer behaviour will not change.

Identifying Leaks

While the highly regulated water industry is under pressure to address leakage – and, because meters are in place for just a fraction of the UK’s residential and smaller commercial properties, water companies are blind to the locations of leaks. What is customer side? What is network side? Where should investment be prioritised? How can consumers be encouraged to change their water consumption behaviour?

If the industry is to achieve the leakage reduction goals proposed by OFWAT, metering is imperative. How else will companies identify the 20% of houses that use 80% of water? Or target the 1% of worse performing properties responsible for 80% of all leakage? The ability to identify and address the biggest problem areas will deliver a very rapid improvement in leakage performance.

Yet today just a fraction of the UK’s business and consumer premises are metered. Even then these meters are typically not smart, requiring manual data collection. The problem has been the cost and complexity associated with deploying proprietary metering technologies at scale. How can companies deploy meters to millions of households? How can the sensors pick up information when the meters are buried underground, typically beneath metal covers which can block access to 4G, 5G or Wi-Fi? How can the information be collected, collated and analysed to deliver immediate, usable insight?

IoT Value Proposition

Proprietary technology has constrained smart metering not only in the UK. In both Slovenia and Switzerland, where water companies have a smaller customer base, meters are ubiquitous – but not smart. Every company relies on a fleet of engineers to drive around and manually take water readings. In addition to the cost, companies lack the real time insight into water usage required to quickly identify and repair leaking pipes.

The arrival of the Internet of Things (IoT) and highly reliable, low power networks such as SigFox, have fundamentally transformed the cost/ benefit model for smart water metering. Sensors can collect water usage in real-time. Data can be transmitted and transformed using machine learning to provide unprecedented insight – from highlighting the biggest areas of leakage to supporting predictive maintenance.

There is also no need to rip out and replace the existing infrastructure. Current metering solutions can be upcycled into connected assets at a fraction of the cost to replace and without creating any landfill. With batteries that last up to 15 years, companies can deploy once and gain long term benefit. For water companies in Slovenia and Switzerland, this approach is already proving compelling.  Engineers can be redeployed from meter reading to added value activities, and the existing asset estate can be reused to create an intelligent, smart meter network that delivers real-time alerts into leakage incidents.

Conclusion

No one is underestimating the scale of the challenge facing UK companies. Over 260,000 miles of water mains – many ancient. A population with limited awareness of the value of water. But if further action is not taken, between 2025 and 2050 the UK will need more than 3.4 billion additional litres per day to meet future demand for public water supply – and that is not financially or environmentally sustainable.

For water companies, the ability to identify the sources of leaks in real time is amazingly powerful. It will enable rapid response to problems, minimising the amount of wasted water and support far more targeted investment. For consumers, better understanding of their water usage habits will be vital to encourage individuals to change their behaviour and reduce day to day consumption. Together, these changes will be essential to achieving a secure water future.

Save Water, Save Money and reduce risks to operations, by gaining more data and seeking out the experts
By:

Looking closer at water use at a site during the year can have a range of benefits for organisations – large and small.

Being more aware of water that’s used helps organisations reduce water waste and risks to supply interruptions on site water pipes too.

Tracking water use throughout a year can also provide more benefits – with more than 45 sites alerted to water issues spotted by data loggers on water meters in just one day, after a rise in temperatures following colder weather in December 2022.

The Water Plus Advanced Services team was closely monitoring the data feeds to alert organisations too and issues included a manufacturer that saw water use increase from 200 litres an hour – to 2,000 litres an hour, tracked by a data logger through the Water Plus online smart portal. They acted immediately when the Advanced Services team made contact and isolated the issue on a site pipe.

Water know-how, to keep in mind, for your sites

Along with knowing what water you’re using where, at sites, it’s also important to cut out any water waste to not only reduce costs but reduce the chance a pipe issue causes the flow to stop.

Cutting out any water waste, like drips or leaks, also helps reduce impacts on the environment – along with reducing the carbon emissions linked to water, which is under Scope 3.

If less water needs to be moved around by pumps at a site, or if less is used overall, for example across an industrial or manufacturing facility, then there’s an energy saving there too.

And organisations say looking closer at their water use has saved them energy, saved water and helped them budget*.

Having a plan in place pays off

Having a water action plan, so you and staff on-site know what to do in a water emergency, is essential to save time and money if the worst should happen.

Do you have clear channels staff can report water issues quickly and easily – to prevent any issues affecting a building, or its water supplies?

Take time to:

  • Understand your water system and monitor use throughout a year. A survey found 92% of people, from public sector and private sector organisations, said they wouldn’t know if there was an underground leak at their organisation.**
  • Know where the stop taps are, and make sure staff and facility managers can find them – and turn them off, when needed. It’s worth checking during a year – as part of maintenance routines – that stops taps are in working order and haven’t seized up.
  • Check what your insurance covers – know who has financial responsibility.
  • Know who to call in the event of an emergency – have numbers ready, so you can respond to leaks or water emergencies quickly and effectively.
  • Consider a plan for emergency water delivery to your site, in case of a supply interruption.
  • Insulate exposed pipework, tanks and cisterns – plus, it’s worth checking your site, if it’s left empty at times – and keeping an eye on the weather for additional surface water or icy conditions.

Water Plus provides water and wastewater billing and customer service, along with a range of technical water services and information around water efficiency, for organisations of all sizes across England and Scotland.

It’s been shortlisted for two UK Customer Satisfaction awards in 2023 and a Green World Award in 2023. It was also shortlisted for three Water Industry Awards in 2022, including Water Retailer of the Year and Water Efficiency Project of the Year.

To request data loggers, or additional water efficiency services, contact the Water Plus team at: hello@water-plus.co.uk .

More tips to #BeWiseOnWater can be found here.

* Survey in February 2022 of customers contacted to encourage more water meter readings to track their use closer and submit more reads to Water Plus during a year. More than 43% of respondents to the survey had seen a benefit of reading their water meter more often out of 65 who completed the survey. Of those who saw a benefit, 41% said they had saved water (with the example on the question of saving water helping to spot a leak or a dripping tap), and 20% had saved energy (with the example on the question of using less hot water).

** Online poll in January 2022, during presentation, with 26 responses on survey question.

Take the FMJ Recycling And Waste Management Survey
By:

As an FM Professional, please share your views, experiences and opinions on waste management and help shape the industry by filling in this short survey.

As we return to normal, there is a real opportunity for FMs to reappraise their waste and recycling operations and look at new, smarter waste management strategies. For this, the sixth year running for our annual waste management and compliance survey we’d like to hear how you’re preparing for the waste management challenges ahead.

Please take part to help us gauge your experiences and requirements and chart the major changes, plans and successes in this key area of facilities management and look at new, smarter waste management strategies which help you meet your ESG requirements.

Take The Survey Here!

It will take just five minutes to complete and offers the chance to win an Amazon Gift Card Worth £50.

ESOS Phase 3: 1 Year To Go – Here’s what you need to know
By:

By Delta-Simons Ltd

Attention Facilities and Compliance Managers! If your business qualifies for the Energy Savings Opportunity Scheme (ESOS), there is only 1 year left until the Phase 3 deadline on December 5th, 2023.

ESOS is a UK government program that requires certain large organisations to conduct energy audits on their buildings and industrial processes. The audits are designed to identify opportunities for energy savings and to help organisations become more energy efficient. The program is administered by the UK Department of Energy and Climate Change. Don’t miss this opportunity to conduct energy audits on your buildings and industrial processes to identify opportunities for energy savings, reduce your energy consumption, and become more energy efficient. In addition to the benefits of energy efficiency, participating in ESOS can also help to engage your workforce and avoid financial penalties for non-compliance.

In July 2022, the government announced key changes to ESOS phase 3 in a bid to engage more companies in the scheme including Medium-Sized Enterprises (MSEs), as well as deliver clearer guidance for ESOS requirements and enforce and elevate higher standards for energy data reporting. These changes to Phase 3, including the reduction of the de Minimis allowance from 10% to 5%, have a substantial impact on many UK businesses.

You can read about these changes in Delta-Simons Ltd latest blog: https://deltasimons.link/va3

As the deadline for submission approaches, demand for audits will increase and the number of available ESOS Lead Assessors and Auditors will decrease, so it’s important to start preparing early. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to improve your organisation’s energy efficiency and make a positive impact on the environment.

Could you recognise a sudden cardiac arrest?
By:

By ZOLL Medical

When someone suffers sudden cardiac arrest (SCA), their chance of survival decreases 7 to 10% for every minute without CPR and defibrillation. Early recognition of the signs of SCA is critical to helping save more lives. According to the latest European Resuscitation Council Guidelines, immediate initiation of CPR and defibrillation can double or triple survival rates.

Learn about the signs and symptoms of sudden cardiac arrest, so you’re prepared to help save a life. Download the poster, “Do You Know the Signs and Symptoms of Sudden Cardiac Arrest?” to learn more.

DOWNLOAD THE POSTER:

Could you recognise a sudden cardiac arrest? | ZOLL Medical