Five Considerations in Selecting a Smart Lighting System 

Options, options, options galore. If you’re in the market to upgrade your lighting system or design your smart building, you’ll be bombarded with terminology, technical details, and diagrams that might leave you feeling confused. This blog will help you navigate the world of smart lighting for property management and smart buildings. Whether you’re working on a new build or a retrofit project, a small or large commercial space, read on for five considerations when selecting a smart lighting and IoT system.  

Distributed vs. Centralized Processing  

Distributed processing within the context of smart lighting refers to a system’s ability to process data at the sensor level. Also known as edge sensing, distributed processing systems feature an embedded processor within the sensor that enables local sensor data processing and lighting profile storage. This enables the smart lighting system to continue operating despite connectivity issues, resulting in higher system robustness and reliability, improved network communication, high performance, and increased system uptime.  

Conversely, centralized processing means all sensor data is processed at a centralized server. Centralized processing systems are simpler and better suited for those looking for the lowest-cost solution with minimal operational requirements.  

Data Driven Insights  

Data driven insights are the gold standard of smart buildings. In the 1980s, smart buildings were those that incorporated BACNet. Since the 2000s, smart buildings have been those that incorporate networked IoT devices. Today, the most advanced smart buildings are those that enhance operational efficiencies by providing data-based insights to building owners and operators.  Data-driven insights are already transforming how buildings are designed and used— enhanced energy savings, occupant comfort, predictive maintenance, and AI-delivered insights. 

AI-enabled buildings are the future. The quality of an AI system is largely determined by the quality and quantity of data it is fed. A building that aims to leverage AI must have the necessary technological foundation to enable it. That means, the IoT and lighting control sensors that are the backbone of a smart lighting system must frequently generate high-quality data. These sensors must be able to provide the granularity and variety of data required to power AI algorithms.  

Budget  

No smart lighting project can be evaluated without considering budgetary constraints. State of Facilities Management Technology Report by JLL highlighted that 75% of facility managers cited decreasing budgets as their top concerns. This limits their ability to implement advanced lighting control systems, which are essential for maximising energy efficiency and operational performance. The ideal solution is one that can start small and scale, in size and technology, on-demand.   

Another budgetary consideration is understanding the total cost of ownership. Total ownership cost not only incorporates the hardware but also the installation and maintenance cost. Wired lighting control systems tend to have lower hardware cost but higher installation and maintenance costs. In contrast, wireless systems require fewer wires and less drilling, resulting in significantly lower labor costs —up to 80% less. Similarly, maintenance is easier too.  

Scalability & Upgradability

Scalability requires a solution that can be implemented even after a building has been built. This means selecting a system that supports retrofitting. Once wired lighting controls are installed, they cannot be modified easily creating obstacles for customers who want to upscale in the future. Wired systems pose many challenges for retrofitting, such as rewiring, space constraints, undesired downtime, disruptions for the end-user, and higher installation costs. On the other hand, wireless systems remove the need for drilling new holes or running conduit through places with existing utilities, making expansion much simpler. 

Upgradability enables a customer to derive even more value from their smart lighting and IoT solution by having the technical sensor foundation that can be upgraded easily, using only software. This empowers you to unlock additional capabilities and features, through over-the-air capabilities, as you become better acquainted with the system and as budget allows.  

Over-the-air wireless capabilities

Over-the-air (OTA) upgrade capability is crucial for maintaining and enhancing smart lighting systems. It enables seamless software updates without requiring physical access to devices, reducing downtime and minimizing disruption. This capability ensures that systems can quickly adapt to new features, security patches, and performance improvements, keeping them aligned with the latest technological advancements. By facilitating easy maintenance and upgrades, OTA capability not only extends the lifespan of the equipment but also maximizes the return on investment for facility managers and building operators. 

Wrap-Up 

Upgrading your lighting system or designing a smart building can feel overwhelming with the myriad of options and technical jargon. This blog outlines five key considerations to help you make informed decisions: choose between distributed and centralized processing, leverage data capabilities, account for budget constraints, ensure scalability and upgradability, and prioritize over-the-air (OTA) upgrade capabilities. Distributed processing enhances system reliability and performance, while data-driven insights can transform energy efficiency and occupant comfort. Budget wisely, considering total ownership costs, and opt for scalable wireless solutions that allow for easy upgrades. With these insights, you’ll be better equipped to navigate the smart lighting landscape.