This week’s Monday Live! the session continued the discussion on Software is Eating Buildings. It digs deeper into the exciting world of open software and its growing impact on the smart building industry. The conversation centered around how open software can unlock value for building owners, operators, and the industry as a whole.
“The open software is kind of a gateway to accomplishing all of the other goals… it also makes the development of new tools much more reasonable… you can spin up an amazing thing in a day and start testing.”
Key Takeaways:
- Open software is a gateway to integration and data exchange. This leads to cost savings, increased innovation, and greater flexibility for building owners.
- The industry is shifting from an IP-centric approach to an outcome-focused approach. This means prioritizing value creation and impact over simply owning proprietary software.
- Collaboration is key. Leveraging existing open-source tools and collaborating with other companies is essential for accelerating problem-solving and innovation. This collaborative approach fosters knowledge sharing, enables the development of open standards, and encourages partnerships that deliver more comprehensive solutions for building owners and occupants. Ultimately, embracing collaboration will unlock the full potential of open software and create a more efficient, sustainable, and user-friendly built environment.
- The procurement process needs to evolve. Traditional procurement processes, often built around rigid specifications and a focus on the lowest initial cost, are struggling to keep pace with the rapid advancements in open software and the evolving needs of the smart building industry. These outdated methods often favor established vendors and proprietary systems, making it difficult for newer, more agile companies offering open-source solutions to compete. This can stifle innovation and limit the adoption of technologies that offer long-term value, such as flexible integrations, data-driven insights, and scalable platforms. To fully realize the benefits of open software, the procurement process needs to evolve to prioritize factors like interoperability, adaptability, and long-term value over simply the lowest upfront cost.
- We need strong leaders with a financial commitment to explore the value of open software. By supporting pilot projects and partnering with innovative building owners, they can demonstrate the tangible benefits of open solutions, paving the way for wider adoption and a more integrated, efficient built environment.
Driving Forces Behind the Shift:
- The rise of cloud computing: Cloud platforms have made it easier to access and share data, fostering a more collaborative environment.
- The need for scalability: Building owners need systems that can adapt to their growing needs and integrate with new technologies.
- The demand for data-driven insights: Open systems enable better data collection and analysis, leading to improved building performance and decision-making.
- A new generation of tech-savvy professionals: Younger professionals entering the industry expect and demand open, flexible solutions.
Implications for the Future:
This shift towards an outcome-focused approach has significant implications for the smart building industry:
- Increased competition: Companies will need to differentiate themselves based on the value they deliver, not just their proprietary technology.
- New business models: Subscription-based services and outcome-based pricing will become more prevalent.
- Greater emphasis on user experience: Software will be designed with the end-user in mind, prioritizing ease of use and accessibility.
- Accelerated adoption of new technologies: Open systems will facilitate the integration of AI, machine learning, and other cutting-edge technologies.
This shift is ultimately beneficial for the industry, leading to more innovative, efficient, and user-friendly solutions that deliver real value to building owners and occupants.
Call to Action:
The industry needs a clear demonstration of the value of open software that will drive widespread adoption. We encourage building owners, operators, and technology providers to actively participate in defining the standards and best practices that will shape the future of the smart building industry.
This article was composed on Monday Live! Session from Nov 18, 2024, with the assistance of Google Gemini AI
