3 steps to using your building data correctly

It's no longer a secret! Where other sectors, such as marketing or human resources, are making the most of big data, the building sector is still immature on this subject.

With the incremental use of technologies such as IoT, next generation BMS, BIM, etc., the data retrieved from buildings is constantly increasing.

And yet, only a tiny percentage of this data is actually used to improve the efficiency of buildings.

So how do we deal with this huge volume of data? How do you make the most of so much information?

Data analysis is a complex process that requires continuous monitoring and the involvement of all stakeholders. So we've put together a list to help you avoid drowning in this mass of information.‍

1. Define your objectives and needs

The more time you waste on poor data management, the more you risk getting lost in a sea of data you can't use. If you don't have a solid foundation, if you don't know what to collect and analyse accurately, your costs will increase dramatically.

Start by defining your needs by asking yourself the following questions: "What are the issues in my building? What do I want to put in place to solve them?"

Identifying and addressing the data that really matters is key to informing your decision-making processes. You need to know why you want to make better use of your data and what is stopping you from doing so.

For instance:

• Do you want to implement an environmental policy in your buildings to reduce their energy consumption and comply with regulations?
• You want to create a safer and healthier environment in your buildings to increase occupant productivity
• Do you want to acquire certifications or labels, such as BREEAM, to enhance your buildings and contribute to the social responsibility of buildings?

Only then will you have all the tools to create a framework that will help you to manage data optimally and set goals.

Once you have defined your needs and objectives, you will have less difficulty in finding your way around and sorting through your data.

2. Collect and analyse data with an open solution

Fortunately, by automating their collection and centralising them on a single platform, innovative solutions now exist to help you easily and automatically retrieve data that is usually stored in silos. No more tedious tasks imposed by complex integration of heterogeneous data.

By correlating all relevant data sources across multiple buildings and unifying them using a single data model, you'll be able to compare your sites to identify which buildings should be benchmarked and which should not. Differentiate between the different types of data that exist in your buildings to get a comprehensive view of your assets:

• Service provider data: CMMS, BIM, Building Management System
• Energy data: Supplier invoices, energy audits and contracts or consumption monitoring from meter readings
• External data: Weather forecast
• Technical data: List of interfaced equipment and their characteristics
• Activity data: Wh/m², occupancy rate in offices, opening/closing hours

What about after the data collection?

3. Implement an action plan to optimise day-to-day operational management

When you are not familiar with these issues around data analysis and exploitation, being well supported throughout the building's life cycle is essential.

By implementing a tool that will provide you with clear and precise results, you will have in your hands a solution that will be your ally in democratising data management, opening up access to data at all levels of the organisation to play the card of transparency and communication with your stakeholders.

But that's not all! With a platform that facilitates access to data, you'll have the information you need to make decisions, prioritise actions to meet the goals you've set and, most importantly, save money. For example:

• With displays on the status of your equipment, you will be able to anticipate breakdowns, future-proof your equipment and gain insight into future investments. In general, access to historical data will allow you to find out what happened and why. It is this data that will allow you to predict what scenarios will be created.

• In terms of energy efficiency, you will receive real-time alerts to inform you of anomalies and take the necessary measures in time to avoid unnecessary consumption.

• Or, you will realise that your electricity bill is much higher than your actual needs, and you will subscribe to the most suitable contract.

Surrounding yourself with experts and technology partners who can guide you is the key to getting the most out of data. Remember, data opens the door to creating services in your buildings.

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Sensinov offers to apply your own strategy to your buildings. Our solutions meet the challenges of openness, interoperability and are 100% in line with the new standards (R2S label, BACS decree, tertiary decree). BOS Sensinov supports building professionals in their daily work on several subjects, particularly in the areas of Hypervision and building supervision, equipment control and energy consumption optimisation.