Monday, July 22nd Monday live was a discussion around integrating building silos, focusing on the difference between inter-silo (between different industries/domains) and intra-silo (within the same industry/domain) integration.
Key points:
- Terminology: The term “silo” was debated due to its negative connotations. Alternatives like “system,” “vertical,” and “industry” were suggested.
- Communication Protocols: Inter-silo integration often relies on generic IT standards (e.g., Ethernet), while intra-silo communication utilizes domain-specific protocols (e.g., BACnet for HVAC).
- Semantics: Understanding terminology is crucial for inter-silo integration. Domain-specific jargon can hinder communication. Tools like AI can help bridge this gap by parsing data and finding relevant information across systems.
- Security: Security levels may differ between intra-silo and inter-silo communication. Intra-silo might have lower barriers due to shared understanding, while inter-silo may require higher security due to the sensitive nature of data exchange.
- Future Discussion: The next meeting will explore tools and approaches for effective inter-silo integration, including demonstrating an AI-powered tool to facilitate communication between different domains.
Key Takeaways:
- The choice of terminology (silo vs. system vs. industry) impacts how we frame and approach integration challenges.
- Clear communication and understanding of domain-specific terms are essential for successful inter-silo integration.
- AI-powered tools can help bridge communication gaps and streamline information discovery across domains.
- Security considerations need to be adapted for both intra-silo and inter-silo communication scenarios.
Overall, the discussion highlighted the complexities and nuances of integrating building silos, emphasizing the importance of clear communication, standardized protocols, and innovative tools like AI to facilitate collaboration and information exchange across different domains.
