The Internet of Things (IoT) is a technology and set of devices that can sense information and communicate with the internet, and it has been used in various ways in recent years. According to Oracle, these uses include making electronics and even buildings “smart”—that is, connecting them to the internet—helping manufacturers and warehouses work more efficiently, and transmitting data via the cloud.
The Internet of Things (IoT) also helps make commercial buildings safer places to work, eat, and visit. Whether it's sending alerts about unsafe building conditions, monitoring air quality, or helping first responders communicate more easily in emergencies, the IoT can play a significant role in making buildings safer.
Here are four ways the Internet of Things (IoT) can make buildings safer.
The Internet of Things ensures the structural integrity of buildings and surrounding areas.
According to Security magazine, the Internet of Things (IoT) can help officials prevent disasters such as building and structural collapses. City officials can use data generated by IoT sensors to drive artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning algorithms to gain a clearer understanding of the city's infrastructure and identify any damaged structures to prevent further deterioration. Officials can then mandate preventative maintenance to avoid future disasters.
For example, IoT sensors connected to bridges operate around the clock, constantly monitoring for damage. The sensors can detect growing cracks or strain in the structure and alert stakeholders so they can take steps to repair it before it collapses and harms surrounding buildings and people.
The Internet of Things (IoT) helps improve building safety.
With the help of the Internet of Things (IoT), property owners can track people entering and leaving their buildings in a variety of ways. These measures include biometric scanners, fingerprint readers, and digital security codes. Demand for smart locks is also increasing worldwide due to growing concerns about security and a greater awareness of IoT and other technological solutions. The smart lock market is projected to grow to $8 billion by 2026.
The Internet of Things (IoT) can help improve indoor air quality.
When someone spends eight hours a day indoors, they want to know if the air they're breathing is healthy. When it comes to air quality, IoT devices can eliminate all guesswork. Sensors not only monitor air quality but also provide accurate results to IoT applications in real time. According to market research reports, increasing environmental pollution has created greater demand for air quality sensors. Government regulations have also led to air quality monitors becoming increasingly common in commercial buildings.
For many returning to the office after the COVID-19 pandemic, indoor air quality will be a top concern. According to Strategy of Things, IoT and smart building technologies are crucial for indoor air quality levels and for adhering to CDC guidelines.
The Internet of Things (IoT) helps improve employee safety.
The Internet of Things (IoT) can provide a safer working environment for employees in a variety of ways. This technology can analyze data to develop occupational health and safety measures for employees. For example, in factories, IoT tools work in conjunction with human resources and workforce solutions to create schedules that limit worker exposure levels or ensure equitable staffing for each shift.
Companies can provide employees with wearable devices to monitor their health. These wearable devices will connect to IoT servers and provide data that helps employees and the company make safety and health decisions.
From a building and employee safety perspective, IoT fire safety sensors can detect rising temperatures, which may indicate that a fire is spreading. Detecting temperature increases can minimize damage, give employees more time to evacuate the building, or prevent fires from occurring in the first place.
