In 2015 every major security exhibition around the world demonstrated numerous products that integrated all the three different security services (Video Surveillance, Access Control, Intruder Alarms) and also connected with other building technical services.

Similarly when visiting Lighting, Building Environmental Controls, Fire detection & Safety exhibitions, integration was a major theme and this has gained further momentum in first quarter of 2016.

So given that integrated Building Automated Services (BAS) have been with us for more than two decades, why the renewed interest? With the advent of “Open Standards” and IP Networking communications, integration can deliver more benefits for less cost and building owners are now keen to investigate how it can both improve the performance of their buildings and the business enterprise within. Just as importantly it has opened up opportunities to go downstream to medium sized buildings and consequently this will create a much larger market.

None of this has been directly influenced, so far, by the Internet of Things in Buildings (BIoT). BIoT will eventually become the standard practice for connecting all the devices and sensors in buildings. Initially in prestige large buildings and multiple estates and make it possible for the whole building to deliver optimum performance without the need for human intervention. However this will require all the contractual procedures of the design and construction of buildings to be drastically changed and that is not going to happen over night. We cover this subject in-depth in our report - The Transformation of BAS into the Building Internet of Things 2015 to 2020.

So in the medium term of the next 10 years connecting BAS services for the most part will be carried out through the present supply routes to market given that the manufacturers and system integrators acquire the expertise to deliver. There are at least six major BAS services that could be fighting for this new business. Who is going to win and are there any technology requirements that could give preference to one or more of the BAS services?

There maybe a case for the System Integrators in the Video Surveillance and Access Control business to lead on delivering holistic solutions because many of these come from the IT business have strong relationships with the CIO and understand networking communication services. We expect them to be at least important players. Not least because this increased reliance on networked technology creates new security threats that must be effectively managed. Security managers must invest additional resources in ensuring that sensitive data is not exposed to threats, which becomes especially important when new devices are added to the network.

With the combination of medium sized buildings and retrofit opportunities taking centre stage in the growth of connectivity across the various BAS services, expect medium sized companies to successfully enter this business. A good example of this is Paxton Access who recently launched a building intelligence product.

net10 harnesses the connectivity and sharing of information between different technologies and devices to streamline the management of buildings within one intelligent system. With the use of conventional RFID tokens or Bluetooth SMART devices the system allows specific permissions to individuals and groups of people, such as gaining access to a building, automatically turning on/off the intruder alarm and controlling heating.

It works in conjunction with IP cameras in order to facilitate live viewing and the recording of video footage. It also provides building automation, interfacing with existing infrastructure for a high level of control over lighting, heating, air conditioning, intruder and fire alarms, ensuring maximum efficiency and bolstering cost and time savings.

We have seen equally attractive software based products in the lighting controls industry delivering integration capability across building environmental controls and blinds and lighting networks are in every room and therefore close to virtually all devices and sensors.

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