For this week, I read the required article from Access Science and I also found an article on building security that discusses the introduction of Physical Access Control Systems (PACS) through the program BACnet that discusses how the program will integrate the PACS system into its building automation system. The article goes on to discuss the programmed logic of the system and how the software goes through a much more lengthy procedure than I thought to give a person access to a restricted area of a building and also how the program can store the information for security purposes and see who has been through the door and also who tried to get through the door. This type of security would be very useful for government buildings or companies with classified or sensitive materials.
I found it very interesting how much databases are being implemented in applications that I never thought of such as PACS. When I read the access science article, I immediately started thinking about the possibilities of a relational database for an HVAC system but it turns out that that is just the tip of the iceberg and it is being implemented in all facets of building systems from HVAC,electrical and lighting, water management, to building security. It makes sense that all of these systems have databases and that they can be managed by one main program such as BACnet or one of the programs from Delta such as ORCAweb. Even more interesting is that many companies are linking all of their buildings into one building automation system (BAS), which can be monitored by a team so that all buildings can be monitored and maintained, eliminating the need for additional employees that have to routinely go through each building and physically inspect them. The team monitoring the buildings in the BAS can serve as both maintenance and security personnel controlling the physical aspects of a building such as lighting, temperature, etc and also control building access during normal business hours and after closing time, meaning less security guards, which translates to more savings for the company.
It is great to read about the actual applications of relational databases in building design/management. I was looking for something like this when searching for my own articles. I was also able to find that the applications for databases in HVAC, and even structural programming are becoming more popular in use, due to the cost/time savings resulting from their use.
ReplyDeleteIt seems like this is the next step in intelligent buildings. Using monitoring and security systems decrease the need for actual people. These systems with the use of databases and sensors can manage a building independently. I believe that this kind of technology will become more prevalent in newer building, especially larger office buildings.
ReplyDeleteThe more I read about relational databases, the less I understand why this hasn't already taken off in the AEC industry, mostly for design and construction work. In other industries, databases such as the ones commercialized by Oracle have been implemented in everything from supply chain management, human resource management, and customer relationship management. It's only a matter of time before databases are the core component of things such as the Physical Access Control System that you discussed in your post.
ReplyDelete