Driving Efficiency and Innovation with Remote Monitoring
As we continue to be faced with the increasing skills gap, a question we must ask ourselves is "How do we maintain buildings when there is a lack of technicians?" One component of the answer is: remote monitoring.
Remote monitoring consists of sensors connected to a central controls system, known as a Building Automation System, which a remote technical staff can tap into virtually anywhere in the world. Implementation of this strategy can substantially impact efficiency and promote cost-effectiveness. These devices offer the ability to monitor a building's systems from a central, remote location and substantially impact efficiency and promote cost-effectiveness.
"Sodexo's remote monitoring approach provides its clients with valuable support by remotely handling tasks like validating the need for human intervention, managing schedules, alarm responses and driving operational efficiencies"
Streamlining Operations with Data
Remote monitoring empowers facility managers by providing real-time data of the conditions of various rooms and spaces within a building. When a problem arises, a highly skilled remote technical team is alerted and quickly assesses the situation. This team can then collaborate with on-site facility staff, or vendors to validate the issue and decide what additional actions may be required.
“One of the many benefits of remote monitoring is how it can be used to leverage remote inspections that previously required manual labor."
By leveraging remote monitoring and setpoint adjustments, facility managers can repurpose their existing technical staff to work that requires on-site service. The remote monitoring team can also validate conditions before dispatching on-site technicians, minimizing unnecessary visits and ultimately decreasing costs. Remote monitoring enables facility managers to be proactive problem solvers with the ability to identify HVAC equipment that may be failing, for example. With this valuable information, those managers are well-equipped with the knowledge that they need to act before major problems arise.
Filling Employee Skill Gaps
Sodexo’s remote monitoring team has experience with many different Building Automation System platforms, which helps them provide exemplary service and insights to the facilities team.
Remote monitoring can augment existing staff, or provide BAS expertise to remote locations without dedicated personnel. It has also shown impressive efficiency and sustainability impact, up to 30% reduction in energy consumption through effective schedule and setpoint management. If a building is unoccupied — during nights and weekends, for example — the heating and cooling system would be adjusted to higher set points in the summer and lower set points in the winter to conserve energy. Lighting is also set to match occupancy schedules.
The Future Is Now
Remote monitoring has emerged as a beacon of efficiency and innovation in the facilities management space, as well as across many other industries. By providing real-time insights, optimizing manual labor and addressing skill gaps, remote monitoring is revolutionizing how FM is conducted. As the landscape continues to evolve, embracing remote monitoring is a step toward a more efficient, sustainable and effective future for facilities management.
Get in touch with us to learn how Sodexo’s remote monitoring expertise can enhance your FM strategies. Ask us how.