IoT Adoption: Challenges & Strategies To Overcome Them

Smart buildings are the way of the future. They use the Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI), and other technologies to anticipate and meet users’ needs, from temperature control to building access. So, why isn’t every building already smart, you ask? 

IoT adoption challenges can hinder attempts to make buildings smarter — but they don’t have to. In this post, we break down common IoT adoption challenges and show how you can overcome them to successfully upgrade your building. 

4 Common Internet of Things Adoption Challenges

Several factors can stand in the way of turning your building into marvels straight out of “The Jetsons.” Below are the four most common problems when building IoT solutions. 

Legacy Systems Compatibility

Whether you’re operating a multifamily apartment complex or an industrial factory, you’re likely using legacy technologies in your building.

For example, you might be using video surveillance and access control systems to keep your occupants safe. Physical devices such as smoke detectors, HVAC, and other climate monitoring and air quality technologies probably run on another system. Understanding the role of IoT on indoor air quality will help you determine which existing systems to evaluate. 

Legacy systems might not be able to connect to your new smart systems, and smart buildings work best when all your connected devices communicate and work together. 

Watch Our Webinar: IoT-Enabled Energy Star: The Value and the Future of ENERGY STAR® Portfolio Manager

Implementation Costs

Smart technology is amazing. It cuts down on your energy usage and makes your building more hospitable. But, it can also be costly, requiring you to prep the infrastructure and buy the equipment. 

If you’re adopting AI and IoT tech in your building, you’ll need high-speed data capacity to handle the volume of data being transmitted between devices. Network cables and reliable Wi-Fi are essential. Buildings that lack the bandwidth to manage your smart systems won’t be as efficient, and you’ll likely experience lag. 

For example, a smart building can automatically unlock doors when it detects authorized personnel nearby. If your network is lagging, however, a person trying to access your building will have to wait for sensors instead of just walking through the doors. 

Along with network costs, you’ll have to pay for connected devices and data monitoring platforms. Depending on your building’s size and complexity, a building automation system could set you back $1.50 to $7.00 per square foot, but IoT energy management benefits outweigh the upfront costs. 

Data Management Issues

IoT technology makes a building smart because connected devices interact with one another. And, because IoT systems are interconnected, your data should be standardized to the same format so it can be analyzed correctly.

Security and Privacy Concerns

Having multiple access points in your system can leave your building vulnerable to cybercriminals, who can use IoT devices to attack your financial data and other critical systems. Although smart system attacks aren’t as disruptive as cyberattacks, it is important to understand the privacy and security issues that accompany smart systems. 

While your smart devices gossip back and forth, they transmit various volumes of data. Many states have laws in place to protect data, but your building’s occupants still might be concerned about their privacy. Implement your own protocols to control data access and to share what kind of data you’re collecting. 

How To Overcome IoT Adoption Challenges

Thankfully, you can address these concerns and safely add IoT technology to your building. 

Phased Implementation

Instead of trying to make your whole building smarter in one fell swoop, use a phased approach. Install smart technology in one area and gradually expand it across your building. Start with the area you need to improve most, such as energy consumption or building security. That way, you can spread out your costs over time.

This will also give your building managers and other staff time to adjust to new technologies and processes. They will be able to identify potential issues and fix them before you roll out smart systems throughout the building. 

Cybersecurity Measures

Protect your and your building occupants’ data by fortifying your smart system’s security. Use tools like multifactor authentication to restrict access to your building’s security and other sensitive systems. Continually monitor and update your system to detect anomalies and mitigate security threats. 

Comprehensive Planning and Strategy

Before gutting your building and installing smart technology, make a plan. Start by determining your goals for the project. Do you want to save money on utility costs? Are you interested in making your building more secure? Answering these kinds of questions will help you set your priorities. 

Next, analyze your legacy systems so you know what kinds of changes you’ll need to make. Assess your current processes to identify where you can improve them. IoT systems can give you valuable insights into your building operations, so figure out what you want to measure. Are you interested in metrics that can help you with predictive maintenance? Do you want to know how your occupants are consuming energy? 

Once you’ve set your strategy, work with a trusted partner to develop the right solution for you. 

Continuous Monitoring and Iteration

When your new sensors are in place and collecting data, refine your strategy based on what you learn. Over time, you’ll gain insights into your building’s performance, so you’ll be able to optimize your smart systems to improve them. Using IoT for building data collection can transform how you operate and maintain every facet of your building. 

Internet of Things Implementation: Kansas State University’s Case Study

Kansas State University, located in Manhattan, Kansas, wanted to use new technologies to optimize facility management. The first system the project team installed wasn’t flexible or scalable, so it quickly became obsolete. 

Attune worked with K-State to develop a smart building solution that uses our smart sensors and user-friendly dashboards. With our scalable system, K-State can now measure utilities in dorms, providing an accurate assessment of electricity and water use. 

This real-time visibility allows the team at K-State to educate students about saving water and electricity and incentivize decreased usage. Students can track their dorms’ progress through real-time metrics on usage in common areas. 

Unlock the Potential of IoT for Your Building

Whether you’re outfitting a new build for smart technology or retrofitting a classic for the modern era, Attune can help. We offer modular, scalable IoT solutions that are customizable and flexible. 

Our tech seamlessly integrates into your existing systems, so you don’t have to replace all your infrastructure. Schedule a demo today to learn what we can do for you.