INTERVIEW

CONNECTED/TECHNOLOGY

New construction projects are deploying connected software technology, as a mandatory budgeted item, from their commencement: Prabhu Ramachandran, CEO and Founder of Facilio Inc.

Building automation, and connected technology, were once thought of as only being relevant to the postconstruction phase of a building’s lifecycle. But with convenience, efficiency, and sustainability, becoming core concerns; the real estate landscape is evolving to smart buildings becoming the norm. And a large proportion of projects are now embedding automation and connected tech, right from the construction phase.

More and more consultants are mandating that vendor-neutral, and connected operations & maintenance (O&M) platforms, which extract realtime insights from system data, be incorporated when properties become functional and are ready for launch. Much like mid-segment SUVs/cars today, which are all entering the market with connected-car capabilities - such as the ability to provide driver stats, unlock through phone, emergency assistance, etc. - so that owners can better run and operate their vehicles, we’re seeing new construction buildings open with a connected platform as a default tech infrastructure, to manage and operate properties. The perception around connected tech has evolved from a “nice-to-have” feature, which only a few progressive builders implemented in landmark buildings, to a default pre-requisite for any large construction project. This technology has become so essential to creating modern infrastructure that it is now a ‘musthave’. Integrating connected tech early not only ensures that the construction phase is efficient and produces high-quality results, but it also helps FM Teams - and actual facilities management - integrate with operations right from the start, to deliver more value and efficiency, postconstruction.

Prabhu Ramachandran, CEO, and Founder of Facilio Inc., the AI-based property operations platform, sat down with CBNME, to share his insights into the growing trend of construction projects deploying connected technology and automation, as a mandatory item. >>>

“The O&M teams are now able to leverage the power of cloud-based centralized software platforms, to integrate multiple building systems such as HVAC, fire response, security, etc.— under a single command and control mechanism.”

WHAT SORT OF INTEREST ARE SOFTWARE SOLUTIONS LIKE FACILIO’S GETTING FROM BUILDING DESIGN AND TECH CONSULTANTS? “We have attracted considerable attention from building design and tech consultants. We have had some success with new building projects where the smart building consultants specified connected operations platforms such as Facilio, which can integrate with other automation systems, give teams access to a unified view of O&M, and centralize building operations.

Smart building consultants and designers are playing an increasingly crucial role in the post-construction operations of buildings. And these professionals are now some of the strongest advocates in the industry, for the digitization of facilities management, tech-led sustainability management, workflow automation, mobile apps, data-driven predictive maintenance, and tenant engagement; as a default critical need for buildings to deliver longterm and sustained outcomes, through and beyond the construction phase.

The industry, as a whole, has become aware and stresses the importance of enhanced asset lifecycle, improved operational agility, and seamless, uninterrupted occupant experiences.” CAN YOU SHARE AN EXAMPLE OF A BUILDING PROJECT, IN WHICH FACILIO’S SOFTWARE WAS DEPLOYED TO LEVERAGE TECHNOLOGYENABLED DIGITAL OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE? “One striking example that springs to mind is our involvement in the ICD Brookfield Place project, at Dubai’s Commercial Business District. Facilio was selected by ICD Brookfield as the centralized operations management platform, to deliver real-time intelligence and optimize building performance, for the luxury lifestyle project. The property officially opened its doors and welcomed tenants with a clearly defined O&M strategy, and a unified technology stack in place.

The O&M teams are now able to leverage the power of cloud-based centralized software platforms, to integrate multiple building systems such as HVAC, fire response, security, etc.—under a single command and control mechanism. Such platforms help implement IoT, AI analytics, and Cloud connectivity, in conjunction; allowing building operators to collate real-time operational intelligence, and use it to continuously optimize asset performance, and enhance the occupant experience.” WHAT GROWTH PROSPECTS DO YOU SEE, FOR THE USE OF AUTOMATION AND CONNECTED TECHNOLOGIES, FROM AN EARLY STAGE IN THE BUILDING LIFECYCLE? “With the recent trends of post-pandemic real estate operations, I see the model as an evolution that will become the default for the industry. It’s an approach that gets the O&M team, and facilities management processes involved right from the post-construction phase. It allows asset owners, building operators, and FM teams to extract the maximum value, in terms of operational efficiency, as well as to maintain and enhance the value of the properties.

New building projects are embedding IoT and AI-enabled software-driven operations; remote monitoring and control; predictive maintenance capabilities; and cloud-enabled mobile apps; for better engagement with occupants. The benefits range from enhanced efficiency, sustainability, and profitability, as well as outstanding tenant experiences – in other words, positives that impact all stakeholders across the board. So, rather than simply seeing growth prospects, I sense that we will see an industry-wide transformation, which will make these capabilities standard features for all new building projects, in the future.”