Smart sensor-based technology implementation for a global business services company
A global business services giant works with JLL to implement smart sensors in critical engineering equipment rooms to remotely monitor temperature and eliminate manual inefficiencies from the system.
Background:
This technology-enabled global business services company is one of JLL’s most valued clients. We have been managing 33 offices for the organization spanning across North, East, West and South regions of India. Most of their sites have critical rooms like Server rooms, Hub rooms and UPS rooms etc., necessitating constant and continued monitoring. Apart from this, we also have an Annual Maintenance contract with them, managed by the Mobile Engineering Services team (MES).
As a process, our technicians were required to visit respective critical rooms every two hours to monitor and record temperature. But there were certain drawbacks of this traditional system, such as:
- There was always a risk of human error through incorrect/inaccurate temperature readings.
- In case technicians were busy with other activities, they could possibly skip visits to critical rooms sometimes.
- Use of paper for checklists, was not an environment friendly methodology.
With an objective to bring efficiencies into the system, we implemented a tech-enabled solution and installed SmartSense temperature sensors in each of the critical rooms to monitor temperature remotely/online. This implementation accrued the following visible benefits:
- No physical visits to critical rooms
- Eliminated the chances of human error
- Alerts as per the required temperature set points
- Availability of customised dashboard for ease
Our involvement
The installation of sensors at all critical rooms of the sites was implemented by JLL, though MES which bore the cost of the material and provided this as a value addition to the client. The facilities technical resources provided for access and installation support. Post the installation, the task of monitoring online and ensuring maintenance of temperature within the prescribed limits were undertaken.
Challenges
Client had concerns of data confidentiality which were addressed by the team during the planning phase.
Result
This has resulted in obviating of technicians visiting every two hours to check temperature and permitted them to focus on other maintenance activities. The temperature however continues to be recorded and monitored remotely. The closer monitoring of temperatures and the facility of low/high temperature alarm provided for energy saving on one and reduced the risk to equipment at higher temperatures on the other.
Key Learning
We can achieve notable energy savings by monitoring temperature and ensure long equipment health. It has also opened the possibility of technical manpower optimisation through ‘Tech on Demand’ initiatives.