How Digitalization and Technology are Changing the Way We Connect
Maria Marks and Brian Donovan
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Digitalization and technology are changing how we connect and the environment in which we live. It has become a part of our lives in ways we may not realize. Our world continues to change from using QR codes to access a building to using our phones for digital driver’s licenses. The foundation of fire safety is to protect lives and assets and to maintain business continuity. However, with the advent of smart buildings and the increasing role of IoT-enabled fire safety solutions, the method to achieve this goal is changing. According to Peter Nebiker with Siemens Smart Infrastructure, “From detection and evacuation to extinguishing and danger management, the potential afforded by ever-increasing digitalization and cloud connectivity has never been greater.” What does the future of building systems, specifically fire alarm systems look like with the advent of technological changes?
Paradigm Shifts
We see several paradigm shifts in the industry due to the digitalization of fire safety systems. These include a shift from reactive to predictive maintenance. Additionally, there is a trend to migrate from prescriptive to performance-based fire safety. The science and engineering used in life safety systems design identify the risks and potential fire scenarios of a specific location. This can be tailored to meet unique requirements rather than generalized minimum requirements.
As we look at a fire alarm system through the different phases, from concept to building occupancy and after, we see the impact of digitalization. Many projects start with digitalization. The specifying engineers use digital specification tools. Using these tools, the consulting engineer can customize the specification to the project's individual needs, jurisdictional requirements, client-specific requirements, etc. Using BIM, associated system/ device details can minimize design clashes between the system and fixtures. For example, having the anticipated wall and finish details will help the fire protection engineer ensure that visual and audible requirements are met. BIM and other computer-aided design (CAD) digital tools are often used to create system designs, submittal drawings, and “as built” wiring diagrams. Another digital tool is a system builder tool. This creates the bill of material for the fire alarm system based on input from the floor plans and specifications. The contractor or manufacturer reps can easily estimate the material and wire needed for a project.
Installation & Commissioning
During the installation and commissioning phases, digitalization can be used in several ways. We see the use of remote inspections gaining momentum. NFPA has a new standard in development -- NFPA 915, Standard for Remote Inspections. While the testing mechanisms are based on each system’s specific requirements, this standard focuses on the data collection and transmission for inspections. As we look at the proposed requirements for remote inspections, it’s obvious that the cloud is increasingly a central feature in our daily lives. In fire safety, it provides solutions that take protection to the next level. Web portals provide a secure connection with the cloud. Mobile apps are also gaining ground in ensuring smoother commissioning and configuration of systems. Strict built-in cybersecurity measures and requirements provide the peace of mind to use the apps to connect fire protection systems to the cloud. They are crucial in preserving data confidentiality, integrity, and availability. NFPA 72,® National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code,®, 2022 edition addresses cybersecurity requirements with the addition of chapter 11.
Cloud Connectivity
Digitalization and connectivity breeds efficiency. And unlike hardware designs that marginally change over time, digital applications constantly evolve to meet the needs of the customer or end user. It’s important to look at cloud connectivity from several key perspectives: the system technician/installer, the building maintenance manager, the business owner, and first responders. Digitalization allows these key personnel to have transparency into their life safety systems and access critical data in real time.
For a fire alarm technician who may need to conduct annual inspections or service a system, Cloud applications can help to reduce their onsite time and provide maintenance data for system components (such as the sensitivity level of a smoke detector). It increases the efficiency of a service call when the technician knows exactly what needs to be replaced when it needs to be replaced, and what other issues there could be.
The building maintenance team may not always be within arm’s reach of the fire panel to monitor events within their building or network of connected buildings (college campuses, hospitals, etc.). With a cloud-connected mobile app, event monitoring is accessible from your pocket. Depending upon the system setup, one could have a real-time view of multiple sites and fire alarm panels at your fingertips. This access can be shared with First Responders to ensure they have the critical data they need in case of an event.
When considering the building owner’s perspective on life safety systems, small to medium size business operations may not have maintenance personnel that can monitor the status of their alarm system 24/7. The building owner will be concerned with ensuring life safety systems are operating properly, that their staff is working in a safe environment, and that they can save on long-term service/maintenance costs. Cloud-connected apps can offer a small upfront investment but a considerable long-term savings.
Data
With digitalization, your system data is available in one location. It can be automatically updated to ensure that the latest copy of the software or revision of devices is stored in one place. And it eliminates the need to update system data manually, minimizing the re-entry or duplicative tasks.
“The digitalization of fire safety is ultimately a chance to change the status quo and move towards a more contemporary, competent, and rigorous approach to ensure year-round fire safety while sustaining undisturbed spaces, according to Nebiker. “That’s why Smarter Protection Matters in fire safety.”
Maria Marks and Brian Donovan are with Siemens