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TECH READY BUILDINGS
Smart Building Journey:
Existing Assets
When approaching the Smart Building journey for an existing commercial asset, ensuring it has the necessary connectivity infrastructure to support smart building technology presents several challenges and requires thoughtful solutions. Obtaining a technology assessment to understand what you have to determine where you’re going is an essential component. A complete inventory of all components and a full assessment of the infrastructure provides the clarity needed to determine the best course of action. Once inventory is taken and analyzed, a thorough evaluation of the data is needed to determine the existing condition of the ICT infrastructure and what steps are needed to implement new Smart Building technology.

Due Diligence Process
Inventory
During the due diligence process, it's important to conduct a thorough inventory of all technology infrastructure, hardware, and components within the asset using a structured approach. Use checklists, inventory tools, and input from IT professionals and facility managers to document everything, including servers, networking equipment, and building systems.
Organize and Interpret Data
Once all components have been inventoried and assessed, compile the collected data into a comprehensive inventory report that includes detailed information about each component's specifications, condition, and location. Analyze this data to identify potential risks, required upgrades, or any areas that need immediate attention. Develop a strategic plan for addressing any deficiencies or necessary improvements, prioritizing tasks based on operational impact and budget constraints.
Assessment
Next is the two-fold assessment process: the Digital Readiness Assessment and the Physical Layer Assessment. The Digital Readiness Assessment ensures that the digital infrastructure can support current and future smart technologies. The Physical Layer Assessment focuses on the condition, capacity, and layout of physical components.
Changes, Upgrades, and Risk Management
Work with your team to consider the potential costs of upgrading or replacing outdated components and evaluate the scalability to ensure the technology can accommodate anticipated growth. Engaging with IT professionals or consultants can provide insights into potential risks and help identify necessary improvements to ensure a seamless and efficient technology environment for future tenants. Below are common initial changes ownership groups make to future-proof their existing commercial asset in preparation for Smart Building technology.

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Initial Upgrades and Changes Needed
Closet and Pathway Cleanup
Existing buildings might have limited space for installing new technology infrastructure, such as network cabling and server racks. There will typically be core holes jammed with oversized or decommissioned cabling and riser rooms full of unorganized equipment. While daunting to look at, these clean ups are a good place to start when revamping a network infrastructure. This gives building owners a good baseline to explore solutions such as utilizing existing conduit pathways, repurposing storage areas, or employing compact, high-density networking equipment. Plan for smart space management to accommodate new infrastructure without disrupting the building’s functionality.
Network Infrastructure
Upgrading the network infrastructure is crucial to support modern Smart Building technology demands. This includes replacing outdated routers, switches, and cabling with high-performance, scalable components capable of handling increased data traffic and supporting advanced technologies. Implementing gigabit or multi-gigabit Ethernet switches and upgrading to high-speed fiber-optic cabling can significantly enhance network performance and reliability.
Wireless Connectivity
The biggest reason for updating the infrastructure is to successfully support reliable wireless connectivity throughout the building. Enhancing wireless connectivity is essential for supporting a growing number of mobile and IoT devices. Upgrading to a modern Wi-Fi 6 or Wi-Fi 6E system can provide faster speeds, better coverage, and improved capacity to handle multiple devices simultaneously. This includes deploying additional access points to ensure comprehensive coverage throughout the building and optimizing the wireless network for performance and security.
Data/Main Telecom Room Enhancements
The main DEMARC of a building often requires modernization to ensure it meets current standards for power, cooling, and security. Upgrades might include installing advanced cooling systems, uninterruptible power supplies (UPS), and energy-efficient servers. Additionally, organizing and optimizing server racks and ensuring adequate physical security measures, such as a riser manager and controlled access, can improve both operational efficiency and data protection.
A Strong Foundation
These upgrades lay the foundation for a robust, efficient ICT infrastructure capable of supporting advanced technologies and meeting the evolving needs of tenants. Addressing these challenges with targeted solutions can help transform an existing commercial office building into a modern, smart-enabled space while managing costs, minimizing disruptions, and ensuring long-term functionality.
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Implementing new building technology is a great way to ensure a building’s marketability and to improve tenant experience. It can also help reduce carbon emissions, become more energy efficient, and reduce operating costs. Before all this though, ownership and property management need to establish a plan. This all starts with an inventory and assessment of the current infrastructure within the building. Once completed, ownership can then start the implementation process, working with technology experts to ensure the best possible outcome for their Tech Ready Building.

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