The decision to select one cabling option over another can often come down to a simple, bottomline selection. However, when factoring risk management into building management, there are many other factors that need to be considered aside from cost cutting.
A recent study from Deloitte indicates that risk management is now among the greatest concerns that property managers face. No matter if this is in one building, or a series of commercial properties, there are inherent risks to be considered and that seemingly innocuous choice of cable should be given more serious consideration.
Super Essex has found that our customers have most often selected our PowerWise® Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) cabling in their networked smart buildings. Through our mutually beneficial relationships with those builders, we found that they had six common safety and security benefits that were consistently part of their process.
One of the most commonly cited reasons for choosing PowerWise® was that is supports other advanced security features.
Specifically, it integrates well with power-hungry security equipment such as pan/tilt/zoom security cameras, electromagnetic door strikes, proximity sensors, associated lighting or other security devices. The advantage this pairing will have in a networked smart building is that PoE cabling can provide more comprehensive threat intelligence and defense. For example, smart security cameras deliver more accurate and useful information by offering better resolutions, image tracking and response and alert systems.
A fringe benefit of that pairing is that PowerWise® can help reduce risk as it enables real-time monitoring. A networked smart buildings will have the ability to uncover actionable data and analytics which can help building managers make decisions based specifically on where, when, and how building spaces are being used.
The safety and security advantages of this functionality are significant and through the use of PoE-enabled devices, building managers can control building access, communications and physical security technology. It will also allow for the most efficient and effective application of badge readers, entry barriers and turnstiles or aid in determining where best to place biometric door locks, voice and video communications, light features, sensors, and status signs. The ability to use data to determine how best to prepare for an emergency or to alert occupants of danger in the event of a security threat is tangible benefit.
The integrated nature of a PoE system means that building managers can respond to security threats and breaches more rapidly. Smart buildings with PoE cabling use Information and Communications Technologies (ICT) to connect all of the building’s systems, such as building access, communications, lighting and physical security technology through one integrated network. In practical terms, this means that building managers can more easily identify and respond to potential security threats.
PoE-enabled devices can also be managed remotely.
This functionality gives building managers the ability to access, manage and control power to devices that are placed in inaccessible or hard-to-reach areas. With remotely managed devices, functions such as camera resets and calibration of connected devices can be performed either at an internal management workstation or from an external web access point without the need to physically touch a device that is placed out of reach.
While smart buildings deliver a host of benefits, there are other considerations, too.
The increased power demands of smart buildings can lead to temperature rise in the structured cabling bundles in turn a long term risk of fire. According to most experts, it is best to stay below a 10% temperature rise to maintain long-term performance and safety. Some manufactures’ PoE cables (100 or more cables in a bundle) can reach a maximum temperature rise of 44%, but PowerWise® only reaches an 8.5% temperature increase.
Simply put: by choosing the right cabling, building managers are able to mitigate one of the most serious safety risks within a smart building.
PoE systems also help to ensure that during power interruptions your building’s security will not be interrupted. During local power interruptions, Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) units supporting PoE-powered network switches can provide seamless, reliable power for all connected surveillance cameras or applicable lighting. In doing so, PoE systems increase the reliability of security networks by providing cost-effective, centralized backup power to all connected IP surveillance devices and egress.
Many in the building market already know that smart buildings powered with PoE cabling offer a host of benefits – from energy efficiency and cost savings to enhanced controllability and responsiveness – but the safety and security benefits of PoE cabling are just as noteworthy.
By supporting the latest security technology, enabling remote management and real-time monitoring, networked smart buildings that utilize PoE cabling, like Superior Essex’s PowerWise® suite, offer building managers and occupants alike unmatched safety and security features and invaluable peace of mind.
Click here to learn more about how our PowerWise cabling suite can help you optimize, customize, and unify your enterprise space and here to learn more about how sustainable cabling from Superior Essex is enabling the next generation of smart buildings to be more adaptive and efficient than ever before.