Connected Smart Building Solution
The Challenge -The Background
Post liberalization of Indian economy and Indian dominance in IT software space, there has been spurt of upper middle class with high purchasing power. Real estate developers across Indian tier-1 cities have been building ultra luxury residential condominiums to cater to this segment. However, while building the brick & mortar buildings one vital link – Seamless Communication connectivity & Security had been given a short shrift by the developers.
Ironically their buyers – are either heavy tele-commuters (working from home or flexi workers) or heavy user of mobile devices and are quite concerned about the security and safety of their family.
Usually the developers due to lack of awareness and mindset leave the communication piece to the mercy of one service providers who offers them the infrastructure set up free . The service provider in turn invests on the cabling and communication infrastructure within the building and monopolises on the service and hence tariff on voice and data .The customers of the building will be at the mercy of the service provider on service quality like -Data plans, internet speed, voice connectivity, Service down time etc. Obviously the service provider wants to have their ROI as soon as possible as they had invested on the infrastructure. Eventually Customers suffer. Also they would not have adequate security infrastructure to ensure the peace of mind of safety and security of family members inside the building when they are away to work. Further both the networks – of communication and security would be different.
The Approach :-
The solution to this issue was approached 3 fold – a) Changing mindset of the developers b) work on a composite future proof service provider agnostic architecture with provision for multiple Service providers(SPs) c)convince the like minded service provider to give the connectivity to these building .
- To persuade the forward looking developers –especially the ones offering ultra luxury properties – to make integrated connected building solution (including communication & security) a part of their offering rather than outsourcing it to a service provider.
- Design a modular ,scalable intelligent building network architecture using Fiber – with provision for voice ,Data ,IP surveilance, Access control , Intrusion & Fire alarm , Public Address System ,satellite Television and gate automation ( Boom Barriers & Under vehicle Surveilance).The entire network was designed in a linear and structured way so that no wires and cables would be hanging around and all termination of cabling in the communication room are defined well .There was a provision for minimum of 3 SPs each for voice, data and satellite television .The architecture was brand/ISP agnostic and they have to provide the last mile connectivity only .
- The service providers –when understood – they will be saving on the infrastructure build-up cost ,will just have to give the last mile connectivity and they would rather get the high profile high bandwidth consuming clients agreed to sign –up the agreement with the developers for service connectivity
The Result :
- A world-class smart intelligent safe connectivity building infrastrure where all the stake-holders – the developer, the buyer/residents, the service provider - win!!!
- A well-defined neat and clean linear cabling structure – based on fiber which will run for 25 years – reducing the overall Opex.
- The developer could use this provision- smart Building Infrastrure - as an USP to attract the potential buyers .This helped in appreciation of the overall value of the property.
- The ISPs were happy as they saved their capital expenditure on laying the cabling and they had to give the connectivity as soon as customers occupied –thus increasing their ROI.
- The potential Buyers/customers were happy to see a robust, future proof communication and security infrastructure in place for their dream home in this community.
- ISP/ Service provider can deliver the committed bandwidth to their customers on high speed fiber.
Infact post the successful roll-out of the first project , we were awarded 2 more bigger projects .This clearly proves the value creation and uniqueness of this novel future proof concept of sustainable and secured living .
