The Rosetta Stone of Intelligent Buildings
Does your organization struggle with internal projects because teams aren’t on the same page?
Traditionally, in Building Operations, different stakeholder groups have had their own ways of working, with unique terms, goals, and processes. This siloed approach has worked because teams didn’t need to collaborate or understand each other’s technical or business perspectives.
Today, building stakeholders need to make decisions using data from the entire building, which requires input from multiple groups. However, the lack of a common language between departments often makes collaboration difficult.
With the rise of Intelligent Buildings, effective communication and collaboration are essential for strategic initiatives affecting the building's infrastructure.
Problems with the Siloed Approach:
In the past, each stakeholder group installed their own devices to collect the data they needed. This led to two main problems:
1. Duplicate Data Collection: Stakeholders often install sensors to gather data that’s already being collected by another group. For instance, Workplace Planning might install occupancy sensors in a room where Facilities is already tracking occupancy.
2. Inconsistent data collection systems: Different stakeholders in various buildings may buy similar tools from different vendors, making it challenging to compare and analyze data across the entire portfolio.
Stakeholders are multiplying their costs and efforts.
Breaking Down Silos
Organizations need a unified approach to work and communicate effectively. However, siloed communication remains a major obstacle.
To overcome this, organizations require a “Rosetta Stone” to align their goals with the unique perspectives of each stakeholder group. They also need standardized processes to foster collaboration and streamline workflows.
Rosetta Stone in Practice
Our Intelligent Buildings team helped a global banking client tackle these challenges successfully. Their Facilities department was under pressure from two main issues.
- Other teams relied on Facilities to set up networked devices, many of which weren’t facility-related (e.g., connected gym equipment).
- Facilities struggled with complex IT processes, causing frequent project changes and delays.
We identified the need for formal processes to onboard network-connected devices, which was an opportunity to improve organizational practices.
To address this:
- We formed a cross-departmental steering committee with members from Facilities, IT, and other groups.
- The committee worked together to review processes, recommend policies, and evaluate projects.
- We collaborated with the committee to create a shared playbook outlining solution selection, onboarding, and lifecycle management.
By establishing a common language, the previously disconnected teams became a unified, integrated operations group.
Let us help your organization overcome these obstacles and create a unified operations group. Contact us today to learn how we can streamline your workflows, reduce costs, and drive better outcomes.
Intelligent Buildings Studio Director
T (404)730-8528
E mshirley@newcomb-boyd.com