tion as intended is most valuable.
Without the proper integration of
open protocol systems, buildings will
remain stuck in decades past, even
despite having the most up-to-date
“smart” systems. Additionally, engi-
neering firms with a product-agnostic
stance and flexible capabilities can
best allow the integration to take
precedent over the product. Facility
stakeholders can therefore achieve
the goal of smooth and proper func-
tionality—all without being reliant on
one brand name, proprietary system
or specialty service provider.
Roles of service providers are con-
tinuing to blend as facilities become
smarter and more connected. The
blending of these roles further drives
the need for someone that can
“make sense of it all” and bring the
many moving (and traditionally inde-
pendent roles) together to work as
one. No longer does only the facili-
ties manager control the building.
The roles of HVAC service compa-
nies, electricians and facility service
providers are all evolving as well,
with each entity relying on data-
driven, connected systems. In many
cases, facility managers act as the
boots on the ground but don’t neces-
sarily know how to utilize the data
and analytics. Engineering firms with
these technology and analytical capa-
bilities can help with both pro- active
and reactive systems management
and optimization.
These firms bring significant value
by analyzing systems data to plan for
maintenance activities and direct the
boots on the ground to correct prob-
lems as they arise. This solution re-
lies on technologically sophisticated
engineers who can design, internal-
ize and leverage systems data
through remote monitoring. As this
capability becomes more
widespread, the value that these out-
side providers bring to on-site facility
and IT managers will continue to
grow. What are the skill sets?
The ability to bring fully function-
ing systems, simplicity and action-
able insights to end users requires a
unique blend of skill sets. These skill
sets span the facility life cycle from
Exhibit 1. Top Energy Efficiency Measures
United States
Global 68%
Building controls improvements
55% 65%
Heating, ventilation, and air
conditioning improvements
62% Energy focused behavioral or
educational programs
64% 55%
61% Integration of fire/life safety systems
49% 60%
Centralized building operations center
41% 59%
Integration of security systems
45% 58%
Fire/life safety system improvements
46% 57%
Onsite renewable energy
48% Source: “2018 Energy Efficiency Indicator Survey. United States.” Johnson Controls. 2018.
Opportunity abounds
The market is demanding increased technology capabilities across all facility service
providers, but the landscape of skilled providers as well as the underlying talent base
remains fragmented. Firms that recognize, develop and prioritize expertise in the initial
design of technology systems, system integration and ongoing technical services are
likely to benefit significantly. Capitalizing on this opportunity has greatly benefited early
movers in the industry and may benefit many additional firms as technologies continue
to advance and become further embedded in today’s facilities.
initial technology design to integra-
tion expertise and remote monitoring
of building systems.
Initial design for technology-
focused systems
Designing the data, voice, video,
network, energy management, secu-
rity and similar systems is a growing
skill set and key differentiator for de-
sign engineering firms working on
large vertical building projects. The
ability to sell these services sepa-
rately from more traditional MEP en-
gineering services also provides
inroads into new projects at an ear-
lier phase, where the technology
component of the project can lead to
an expanded role and future work.
Montgomery sums up the point,
“Technology engineering is now the
fourth utility in an industry tradition-
ally based around three (mechanical,
electrical and plumbing). It is also the
most rapidly changing building sys-
tem. Technology systems impact
workflow, efficiency, expectations,
safety, communication, connectivity
and so many other things.”
Systems integration expertise
Vendor-agnostic control system
expertise is key to solving problems
and delivering an optimized facility.
Control system engineering and the
ability to connect disparate systems
are important to bridging gaps
among the mechanical, electrical and
security contractors—ensuring
proper functionality of the various
systems. Control integrators are criti-
cal players in the facility landscape,
increasing their value beyond the ini-
tial project and ongoing maintenance
processes. “There are system integration op-
portunities that exist today that could
never successfully be realized in the
past,” Montgomery adds.
Florida Construction News — DECEMBER 2018 - JANAURY 2019 – 7