This week’s Monday Live discussion centered around the concept of “who controls the cheese?” in the rapidly evolving smart building industry. The conversation, inspired by the book “Who Moved My Cheese?”, explored the challenges and opportunities that arise when change is the only constant.
Key takeaways from the discussion:
1. The Cheese is Moving Faster Than Ever:
- AI is more than just hype: The conversation moved past the fear-mongering around AI, recognizing its potential to revolutionize building operations. This includes everything from optimizing chiller plant sequences to automating fault detection and diagnostics.
- Open Source is gaining momentum: The Linux Foundation’s entry into the building automation space signals a shift towards community-driven solutions and composable systems. This empowers users to break free from vendor lock-in and build customized solutions.
- The “Edge” is becoming more intelligent: Advancements in edge computing are enabling more data processing and decision-making to happen at the device level. This means smarter equipment and more responsive systems.
2. The “Who” is Changing:
- “Nintendo Kids” are now in charge: A new generation of building professionals who grew up with technology are taking over. They bring a fresh perspective and are less tolerant of closed, proprietary systems.
- They value flexibility and control: This new generation prioritizes open systems, composability, and the ability to customize their solutions to meet specific needs.
- They’re not afraid to challenge the status quo: As Keith’s anecdote about Brian illustrated, these young professionals are willing to question traditional practices and push for more efficient and sustainable solutions.
3. Control is Key:
- Open systems empower users: By adopting open protocols and platforms, building owners and operators can avoid vendor lock-in and gain greater control over their systems.
- Composability enables customization: Composable systems allow users to mix and match components from different vendors to create tailored solutions.
- AI can enhance control: AI can be used to automate tasks, optimize performance, and provide valuable insights into building operations.
4. The People Problem:
- The skills gap is widening: The industry is facing a shortage of skilled workers, particularly in the areas of controls and automation.
- Training and development are crucial: Investing in training programs and apprenticeships is essential to attract and retain talent.
- Embrace the next generation: Companies need to create a work environment that appeals to the values and expectations of the younger generation.
5. Procurement Remains a Hurdle:
- The traditional model is slow to change: The construction industry’s procurement processes are often complex and resistant to innovation.
- Exploring new approaches is essential: Selling automation as a service directly to building owners could be a way to bypass traditional procurement channels and accelerate adoption.
- Reframing the conversation: Shifting the focus from “automation as a service” to “automation as intelligence” could help to better communicate the value proposition of these solutions.
The conversation emphasized the need to be proactive and anticipate future trends. We need to “throw the ball where the receiver will be.” This means understanding the needs of the next generation, embracing open systems, and finding creative solutions to address the challenges of a rapidly changing industry.
This blog post is based on the January 13th, 2025, Monday Live! discussion and with the assistance of Gemini AI.
Referenced: Johnson, Spencer, M.D. Who Moved My Cheese? An Amazing Way to Deal with Change in Your Work and in Your Life. Putnam Adult, 1998.
here’s last weeks discussion
Automatedbuildings.com is returning to the AHR Expo on February 10-12, 2025, to host Free Industry Seminar Education Sessions on all three days. Join us as we explore the transformative trends shaping the future of building automation as the industry accelerates toward smarter, more scalable, and sustainable systems.
