Smart Buildings Systems for Architects, Owners and Builders

One of the main roles of facility managers is to decide what level of system
integration is cost effective for their facility. While building technology systems
and the level of system integration may occur in the design phase of a new
building and many decisions will be left to the architect and engineers, it is
the facility manager who eventually will monitor and manage the building’s
performance. The facility manager must be actively involved in building design
and the systems integration effort for it to succeed.
Design of the building and its systems should begin with answering ques-
tions regarding how the building should be operated and what services need
to be provided. The facility manager in this regard may take on the following
tasks:

n Identify the need for systems integration and the levels of integration

needed

n Evaluate costs and benefits of various approaches

n Present options to decision makers in a way they can understand

n Remain part of the integration process during installation

n Be involved in commissioning and maintenance of the new systems

Figure 12.4 Web access to work order information.

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