Database Reading

            The required reading discusses databases and database management systems.  In the “Relational model” section, it describes how relational databases work.  In a relational database, each row of a table is an instance of the entity in question, identified by unique attributes called primary keys.  Foreign keys can be used to reference outside tables.   Relational algebra table operations retrieve specific data from the tables.  Relational databases are an efficient means of managing large quantities of data such as building data for facility management.

            The second article I read was “Predictions for Smart Buildings in 2012.”  This article, written at the beginning of this year, makes several predictions for advancement in intelligent buildings over the next year, including the use of databases.  The predictions of the article are: 

• The Upcoming Evolution in Building Management Systems (BMS) will be Software Platforms Similar to the IPhone and Android.
• Data and Metrics for Building Occupancy will Finally Move to the Top of the Agenda as Key Indicators in Building Performance.
• The IT and Facility Management Departments will Sort Things Out.
• Energy Procurement will Become as Important as Managing Energy Demand for Building Owners.
• The Use of Building System Technology will Finally Play a Part in Green Building Certifications.
• A New Benchmark for the Integration of Building Systems will Occur in 2012
• The Automation Campaign in 2012 will be about Open Source Programming Languages, and Standards for Naming Conventions, Building Systems and Integration.
• Nascent Initiatives Outside the Realm of Facility Management will Eventually have a Significant Impact on Building Systems.

The author predicts that software will be developed to standardize data in “meta databases” for more efficient facilities management.  Sensors and control systems will be more sophisticated, providing better data about occupancy and building systems.  IT companies and departments will play a greater role in facility management because of the greater amount of data.

            The predictions in this article are very optimistic about improvements in the intelligent buildings sector.  I do not believe that all of these predictions will be fully realized by the end of the year, but steps will be taken towards making them a reality.  Particularly interesting, are the predictions for the integration of building systems.  A smart building of the future will compile data from each building system into a “meta database” where it can be analyzed or viewed using different software applications.  The author says the technology to make this integration happen has been available, it just requires the initiative of building owners.  In 2012, the smart building industry will move towards integration of building systems using relational databases.