_______________________________________________________________________________________________ Smart Buildings
Smart technology is becoming a standard expectation within many commercial and public sector environments now, especially as we strive for a‘ frictionless’ user experience, and convenience. This is changing how buildings are being specified and at the same time, ESG priorities are driving the use of smart sensors and automated energy management systems designed to optimise performance and sustainability.
However, the IBM X-Force Threat Intelligence Index highlights how operational technology and connected infrastructure environments are becoming increasingly attractive targets because of the disruption attackers can cause through them. Likewise, many smart buildings still rely on legacy operational technology and outdated software environments, creating additional vulnerabilities when integrated with newer connected platforms.
The challenge here for architects and developers is one of convenience and connectivity over resilience. Namely, are buildings being designed around operational efficiency without sufficient consideration of recovery, fallback, and system segregation?
Personally, I think we’ ve moved way past this and have much greater focus upon the holistic approach, which incorporates operations, and security across all layers.
Why architects and specifiers are now central to resilience
Today, architects and specifiers are playing a much more influential role in shaping how resilient buildings become. Decisions around integration platforms, infrastructure pathways, connectivity, access flows and operational technology now directly influence long-term security.
This is particularly relevant in commercial real estate, healthcare, transport, energy, data centres, and critical infrastructure environments where continuity is absolutely vital, and has become just as important as physical protection.
The goal is to create buildings that are both intelligent and resilient- environments where security is embedded into design from the outset, rather than retrofitted later in response to emerging threats. From what I hear in my everyday conversations with prospects and suppliers, that is very much the case. We are ahead of the curve, and we need to be, because the curve will always be where the threat, the criminal mind, is.
The future of smart buildings will not be defined solely by how connected they become, how easy it is for people to move around, or how technology has forged forwards like a reconnaissance mission ensuring everything is ready when a visitor or member of staff arrives. I believe they will be defined by how resilient they are designed to be, and as buildings continue to evolve into interconnected digital ecosystems, physical and cyber security will become increasingly intertwined.
This also means resilience, access governance and security need to be considered alongside sustainability, efficiency and user experience from the earliest stages of design. Because the smart buildings of the future, those that haven’ t even entered the mind let alone the drawing board, will undoubtedly be more intelligent, more automated and more connected than ever before. ■
Richard Hilson Director of Sales & Marketing
www. parkingfacilities. co. uk
PFL- Access Management manufactures a range of access management products and accessories designed to deliver the highest standard of security, convenience and automation, all with support from a passionate, experienced team who exist to ensure that products are delivered on time and to spec, every time.
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