This audio was created using Microsoft Azure Speech Services
My building is so old; I can’t implement a smart solution. My building is so new; I don’t need maintenance. Smart solutions will expose gaps in my buildings operations and I’ll be held accountable. These types of solutions are a gateway for bad actors. Have any of these thoughts run through your mind when considering adding Intelligent Preventative Maintenance (IPM) to your operations? I’m here to bust these myths.
In a previous post, I walked you through the basic benefits of IPM:
- Buildings operate at a higher level of performance
- OPEX budgets are more predictable
- System data collected with diagnostic analysis
- Technicians are more prepared for on-site visits
But even after engineers, buildings and facilities managers understand the advantages, there are few common qualms.
Myth: I can’t use IPM in my older building.
Reality: If you have a Schneider Electric building management system like StruxureWare, our IPM solution fully integrates. If you are running another BMS and have interface protocols like BACnet or Modbus are in place, as well as web services, you are a candidate for IPM. It’s of particular advantage, helping to overcome the inefficiencies created by ageing equipment running on original programming.
Myth: I have a new building; I don’t need IPM.
Reality: Within one year, equipment ages and, as it does so, may not run as intended. Think about your new building like a new car that needs regular tune-ups and oil changes or else you’ll eventually break down on the side of the road. IPM tells you when there’s an issue in your building before breakdown. Take compressors, for example; they run best at a constant temperature. But if there are irregularities and the compressor cycles on and off, it will wear down much faster. Valves also have finite life span. If they are constantly opening and closing to try and maintain the set temperature, you’ll soon have a maintenance issue.
Myth: IPM will show the boss everything we are doing wrong.
Reality: IPM will help prioritize the team to focus on the most important systems first and also align budget resources to get the most bang for the buck. With a more accurate view of operational issues, you’ll actually be able to better calculate cost versus ROI and maybe even justify a budget increase. For instance, if IPM helps you identify $1,550 of wasted energy per month and the cost to repair is only $2,000, you’ll be a buildings management super hero.
Myth: IPM is a security risk.
Reality: For one, basic IPM is one-way communication only. So as part of your service plan, we receive and analyze the data for you. The solution is run on the Microsoft Azure cloud, which has protection built in from the ground up. When remote services are added and we connect into your systems, it’s done via the secure Bomgar platform and each transmission is encrypted.
Are there other features of IPM that are unclear? Any other myths that need busting? Let me know in the comments section below.
