IoT smart building safety systems

Many people may not realize that a lot of the security, cameras, and accessibility systems deployed in buildings today already use IoT technology. Continued development of newer solutions helps smart buildings not only expand their security and accessibility capabilities within their premises but also integrate directly with smart, city-wide security programs.

Security and cameras

Earlier in this chapter, we covered building access control systems and visitor registration systems, two highly important parts of an overall building security system. Other security systems components can include security cameras and video surveillance inside and outside of a building. Sensors and door alarm systems can activate loud noises to deter criminal activity while it's in progress. Buildings need to have emergency and fire systems to meet code requirements. Commercial cybersecurity systems protect buildings’ networks and typically include antivirus software, traffic monitoring, data encryption, and firewall protection.

IoT-driven smart building solutions and management systems not only deliver lower energy costs and improve operational efficiency but also enhance building security, such as in the following ways:

• Real-time security alerts: Sensors connected to surveillance cameras and integrated with an access control system can facilitate the issuance of security alerts to security personnel when a breach occurs. Immediate steps can then be taken or additional authorities are called in to assist.
• Geofencing: Mobile applications use geographical fences or barriers to select and define very specific areas. The facilities’ door locks, surveillance cameras, and other security sensors and devices can be connected and share information to create a geofence barrier around an area or entire building.
• Security audit trails: IoT sensors and devices collect useful data as a breach occurs, creating a historical log for authorities and insurance carriers to analyze. Building operators can use this data to enhance security procedures to prevent future breaches and possibly lower insurance premiums.
• Connected security: Exterior cameras and IoT sensors can provide real-time data and insight into city systems and departments, such as the police and fire departments.
• Unified view: When integrated with a building management system and other systems such as asset tracking, a single unified view of all a building’s assets and systems can be monitored, tracked, controlled, and managed together.

Building occupants have become more aware and concerned about the safety, security, and health aspects of the building they live or work in since the pandemic. Building owners and operators have aligned their priorities on prevention, access to real-time information, and fast reliable communications. Prevention efforts are focused on who and what enters a building with security access systems, visitor registration systems, and surveillance systems adding IoT sensors, actuators, controllers, cameras, and smart building technologies to connect these systems.

Accessibility

Nearly 20% of Americans have a disability that impacts their ability to see, hear, walk, climb stairs, or grasp an object. Local and state governments have developed accessibility standards to ensure barrier-free access to and within public spaces, buildings, and government facilities. Removing barriers, developing common accessibility features such as ramps, and adding IoT smart building technology can create user-friendly access and spaces.

IoT devices enhance the quality of life for those with disabilities. Digital assistant devices such as Amazon’s Alexa, smart lights, smart appliances, smart speakers, and other devices allow you to use voice-activated commands. Temperature and indoor air quality monitors, smartwatches, healthcare devices, and motion detectors can measure an occupant’s health.

Location-based technologies and beacons can assist the visually impaired to navigate a building using their smartphone to provide voice directions. Similarly, way-finding applications and solutions can help people navigate in large complex buildings. Smart devices and wearables can assist those with hearing aids by providing audio effects.

Rapidly advancing IoT technology implemented throughout a building benefits those with disabilities by reading the surroundings, providing them with access to information, and performing functions for them. This helps to bridge the disability gap and creates a more inclusive and safer environment.