will spread as more organizations adopt it. “Certainly, no large companies or large Multi-Site Organizations will be without this kind of technology,” Gambill said. “I believe that connected buildings with connected devices will become the new standard.” “The benefits are quite clear: Digital solutions provide visibility, accessibility, operational excellence, risk mitigation, cost savings, talent attraction, effectiveness and customer satisfaction,” Alhelo said. “It is possible that while the value of digital solutions is clear — especially when looking at success stories — there might be a hesitation due to discomfort in breaking from past traditional processes. Thus, it’s very important FMs and companies continue to look at these benefits to stay competitive with the times.” AUTHORIZED PERSONNEL ONLY Mitie, a U.K.-based facilities management firm, conducted a survey that gathered interesting information from respondents as well as predictions for additional uses for IoT and AI. The report revealed that security and access control is one of the areas most likely to be highly impacted by digital transformation. Of course, security and access needs vary from building to building and business to business. For some, it simply means allowing individuals to walk in and out of the building at the proper times and locking up during off hours. For others, personal security could extend to all employees, visitors and even job recruits for both physical and digital access. An even more futuristic goal might be within reach. “Frictionless security” describes a scenario where building sensors can read an authorized individual’s security device as they approach the building, match it with facial recognition software and grant access without having to stop at a guard desk, turnstile or kiosk. Andy Rallings, Sales Director at Mitie Security, offered this vision of frictionless arrival: “As I progress [toward my office], building operatives are made aware. Personal greetings, coffee the way I like it and emergency exit routes based on my precise location — all because they know that I’m the right person in the right place at the right time.” 12 [ THE MULTI-SITE FACILITIES NETWORK [ connexfm.com iStock.com/pkline