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dormakaba Capital Markets Day 2024: Simplify Access Control Software, Streamline Hardware
December 3rd, 2024#Podcast 35: Why are Smart Homes so Dumb?
November 29th, 2024
Meet The ‘Cool’ Kids Heating Up AI HVAC Optimization
A new wave of technology companies is transforming how commercial buildings manage their heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems. These startups are applying artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms to tackle the complexities of HVAC optimization, moving beyond traditional control methods to achieve significant energy savings. According to Memoori’s research report, “Energy Management Software for HVAC Optimization in Commercial Buildings,” these companies are gaining traction by demonstrating consistent, measurable improvements in building performance. The intersection of artificial intelligence and building systems has created opportunities for innovative approaches to energy management. While established building automation companies maintain a significant market presence, these newer entrants are leveraging advanced algorithms, predictive analytics, and autonomous control systems to deliver enhanced results. HVAC Optimization Startups BrainBox AI, established in Montreal in 2017, has expanded its machine learning technology deployment to 100 million square feet of commercial real estate across five continents. The company’s growth from 12 employees in 2019 to […]
Wagner Fire Protection Business & 2024 Financials Examined
In this Research Note, we examine Wagner Group GmbH, the German fire protection solutions provider, based on their 2023/2024 results, and the group’s recent expansion strategy. This updates our previous coverage of Wagner Fire from October 2023. Wagner Fire Product Portfolio & Target Markets The group, headquartered in Langenhagen, Germany is one of the technology leaders in the fire detection and fire prevention market for commercial and industrial facilities, with more than 700 patents. The company focuses on solutions for warehouses & logistics, data centers and libraries & archives, including: TITANUS aspirating smoke detectors for early fire detection. OxyReduct preventive oxygen reduction system. FirExting fire extinguishing systems with chemical gases, inert gases and water fog for special applications. VisuLAN organization/hazard management. The OxyReduct system offers optimal protection, especially in closed storage rooms, archives, and data centers that are rarely entered by people. The targeted supply of nitrogen reduces the oxygen content in the protected area […]
SwiftConnect Mobile Access Tech Gains More Investment & Market Traction
This Research Note takes an in-depth look at SwiftConnect, a US mobile access control startup offering a software-first approach to physical access credentials and permissions. We examine their market traction, external funding, strategic partners, deployments, acquisitions, and headcount growth. Founded in 2020, SwiftConnect is a Stamford, Connecticut-based access control software platform provider using NFC-based mobile credential technologies that automate the provisioning of access credentials across different buildings and office spaces for both tenants and visitors. Founders include Matt Kopel, who had previously established Waltz in 2015 which was acquired by WeWork in 2019. Waltz aimed to tackle seamless access control in the workplace with hardware. Kopel and others from the Waltz team emerged from the WeWork turbulence to form SwiftConnect. SwiftConnect digitizes and automates the physical workplace, beginning with providing conditional universal access across any location. Their SaaS solution grants companies the power of flexible space usage. A hardware-agnostic approach allows them to integrate with existing […]
Mapping the Strategic Direction of CBRE in Smart Buildings 2024
This Research Note examines the emerging strategic priorities of CBRE, one of the largest real estate service providers in the smart buildings space. We have mapped acquisitions, strategic partnerships, and investment activity to ascertain the growth ambitions of the group, by categorizing the various business relationships by technology and investment type. This article is intended as a non-exhaustive indicator of CBRE’s strategic direction between December 2022 and October 2024, updating our previous December 2022 analysis. This analysis covers selective business relationships by CBRE Group and the Global Workplace Solutions business (acquired from Johnson Controls in 2015 for $1.475 Billion) in the operations and maintenance phase of the Commercial Real Estate lifecycle. Strategy Mapping of CBRE Smart Buildings Business Sustainability, ESG Reporting, Energy Efficiency In October 2024, as part of its drive to accelerate decarbonization and improve energy efficiency, CBRE partnered with Johnson Controls to expand access to turnkey efficiency upgrades and retrofit opportunities that do […]
How AI Transforms Grid-Interactive Buildings Management
Grid-Interactive Buildings are the inevitable next step in the evolution of energy management for commercial real estate. As urbanization accelerates and energy demands grow, the goal of optimizing energy use now extends beyond cost savings. Grid-Interactive Efficient Buildings (GEBs) integration plays a critical role in helping commercial buildings achieve sustainability, improve resource efficiency, and comply with increasingly strict regulatory standards. Our latest research demonstrates how the shift towards GEBs is now being accelerated by Artificial Intelligence (AI). “AI plays an increasingly critical role in GEBs, by integrating and optimizing the various technologies,” explains our new research. “While each individual system will typically have its own mechanisms, AI enhances their ability to work in a more synchronized, optimized “system of systems” approach, with advanced data processing and decision-making algorithms that enable buildings to respond dynamically to changing grid conditions while maintaining operational efficiency.” The implementation of AI systems in Grid-Interactive Buildings can lead to annual energy […]
Siemens Buildings Business & FY 2024 Financials Examined
In this Research Note, we examine the buildings business of Siemens, which operates within the Smart Infrastructure (SI) division, based on their Q4 earnings release and investor presentations of 14th November 2024. This article focuses on the latest financial results, divisional revenue mix, senior management appointments, and acquisitions. Siemens Smart Infrastructure Q4 FY 2024 Financials SI revenue growth of 9% was led by strength in the Electrification business, which reported a 12% growth, and Electrical Products, which was up 10%. The Buildings business revenue grew more modestly at 6%, driven by solutions and services. Smart Infrastructure increased profit and profitability in all its businesses on higher revenue, increased capacity utilization, and ongoing productivity improvements. Siemens Annual Press Conference Presentation, 14th November 2024 Smart Infrastructure FY 2024 Financials Smart Infrastructure (SI) achieved FY 2024 revenues of €21.4 billion, a comparable revenue growth of 9% versus prior year and a record 17.3% profit margin. Siemens CEO, Roland […]
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