Smart Buildings - Now or Never?
|
In the world of residential AV, we routinely integrate all sorts of building sub-systems. Often called Smart Homes, this new generation of residence involves a high level of coordination and automation among entertainment, climate, lighting, security and more exotic systems such as fountains and driveway heaters. And it's being driven by entertainment system installers. Yes, custom AV people.
In commercial AV, however, we touch only a handful of non-AV sub-systems, and then rarely and peripherally. There is virtually no movement towards a similar scale of building system automation from the commercial AV community. Why? There is a dramatic difference in the perception of opportunity.
In the home, the dealer/integrator is free to discuss and explore the homeowner's needs and desires as a trusted advisor, then suggest options that cover as broad a spectrum as their imaginations allows. Early on, AV dealers saw the potential opportunity and went after it, becoming the leaders in home automation services.
On the other hand, commercial AV dealers/integrators typically see only the projects in front of them. We also have a robust design consulting community, which is absent in residential situations. Moreover, the design community works within a construction culture that demands a bidding process in which integration services are often commoditized. This leaves the task of "automation imagineering" to the design consultants, who are usually more focused - and budgeted - to address technical audio and video challenges and keep the project under control.
What to do about it? At the InfoComm100 meeting in early April, former InfoComm International President and LEED AP Scott Walker publicly suggested that the AV industry should step up and take ownership of the inevitable Smart Building revolution. Unlike the residential world though, we already have some commercial competition. Building Management System (BMS) companies have assumed the task of automating lighting and HVAC to optimize energy consumption. Access control companies have joined forces with network security and asset management players. Still, fully unified solutions don't yet exist.
Who is better positioned to take on that role than those who manufacture, specify, install and program AV control systems? Today we see only room management solutions. But tomorrow, with a little imagination and the ability to perceive a good opportunity, we could see a distributed building management architecture: the backbone of Smart Building solutions. But the AV community has to take the initiative. We have to open the dialog with high-level corporate and institutional leaders, with building management companies, and with architects. It's up to us to take on the role of Trusted Advisor in the Smart Building opportunity. Carpe diem!
-Howard
As always, I welcome your comments and perspectives.
hnunes@pepperdash.com
|
| PepperDash Profile: Ari Gnepp
|
 Title:Crestron Control Systems Programmer, CTS
Tell us about your job:I write the 1's and 0's. My focus is Crestron programming on the commercial side of PepperDash. What aspect of your job interests you the most? Why?I really enjoy working with the new technology. This field affords the opportunity to play with new gear almost every day. Also I enjoy the problem-solving aspects of my job. How does AV personally affect you?
I enjoy a good referral of a new band. I work much better with music playing. What's the most high tech gadget that you own?It's not really high tech but I just picked up a Mac Mini to integrate with my TV. I have lots of plans for that little box. Favorite bar:One within walking distance of my bed. 3 Songs currently on your playlist:
I generally keep my iPod on an all song shuffle but if I had to choose 3 that I've listened to lately, they are: Man Man - Top Drawer Vampire Weekend - Cape Cod Kwassa Mountain Goats - No Children Best Advice: Put it on the calendar. You can reach Ari by email: agnepp@pepperdash.com or his direct line: 617.206.9806. |
|
Quick Contacts
|
Quotes and change requests:
Myles O'Brien, Sales Engineer
mobrien@pepperdash.com | 617.206.9814
Project scheduling:
Christina Friskey, Project Coordinator
cfriskey@pepperdash.com | 617.206.9805
Not sure? info@pepperdash.com | 800.377.9112
Visit PepperDash at www.pepperdash.com
|
