Security and comfort through innovative solutions – today and tomorrow

While building automation and security solutions have already attained a high standard of quality, various key technologies will continue to drive their development further in the near future. As one of the leading suppliers in these sectors, Siemens Building Technologies is also playing a significant role in this trend and sees improved functional features in the field of individual comfort as well as efficient and secure building operation as the advantages for building users and operators.

Modern commercial buildings already offer users a high standard of security and comfort today. This is based on advanced architectural concepts, energy-efficient construction methods, high-quality mechanical equipment combined with electronic control systems and state-of-the-art communications networks. The technical components (e.g. sensors/actuators) that ensure the comfort and security of the buildings are based on modern electronics and software technologies which have proved their reliability over many years.

Siemens Building Technologies (SBT) has played a significant role in establishing the high standards for commercial buildings and infrastructure facilities with a comprehensive offering in the fields of building automation, fire detection and security systems. For example, the use of Direct Digital Controls (DDC) is now standard for efficient primary supply and room automation solutions in HVAC (heating, ventilating, air conditioning) applications. In the fire detection field, multisensor technology and intelligent signal processing methods result in higher detection reliability with a significant reduction in the number of false alarms. Nowadays access control systems can be networked company-wide via a central server and control the access authorization of personnel in globally organized corporate groups uniformly and efficiently. Digital CCTV surveillance systems also open up a wide range of new applications in terms of intelligent image analysis and storage that were hardly possible previously, or only by investing greater personnel and material resources.

Is there any further room for improving comfort and security in buildings for operators, users or visitors, and what further technological developments are to be expected in the near future?

"The new technologies enable improvements to be achieved primarily with regard to functionality and the adaptability of the systems to the individual needs of users", commented Helmut Macht, Chief Technology Officer of Siemens Building Technologies at the International Trade Press Forum in Zug, Switzerland. Open, global standards are, however, the prerequisite for the integration of different disciplines and the smooth interaction of the relevant functions. Key technologies that will be decisive for further development and will enhance the degree of security include video over IP (video functions via IP-based networks), secure data networks (IT security), networked services (remote services) and consistent management of building data (efficient collection, analysis, etc.). Miniaturized sensor arrays, adaptive control systems and wireless technology are key factors for providing higher individual room comfort and efficient energy consumption. In the fire protection sector, in addition to the high level of detection reliability already achieved, combined methods can be used in the event of fire to provide systematic support for evacuation as well as controlling the proper interaction of smoke clearance and ventilation.

The use of these new technologies in building automation and security solutions enables different functional features to be combined and integrated into Total Building Solutions (TBS) and is at the same time the key to enhanced comfort, security and efficient energy management. Alongside of the benefits for users, SBT's TBS concept also meets the expectations of investors and building operators for ecological and economic optimization of technical systems throughout the building's life cycle.

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