Honeywell's next generation of smart building technology, Command and Control Suite, turns complex facility data into recommendations and easy-to-implement changes that help boost business outcomes — lowering costs, minimizing risk and reducing downtime.

By combining intelligent automation, advanced analytics and visualization with the simplified user experience of today's home and mobile electronics, Command and Control Suite links building automation and the enterprise. It can provide a holistic view of a connected building's video feeds, access control and fire alarms, for example, and pull in relevant information from human resource applications. Integrating data from these disparate systems could help security personnel track occupants and make sure they exit the facility in the event of an evacuation, improving employee safety.

Investing in this type of smart building technology typically pays for itself within one or two years by delivering operational efficiencies as well as energy savings, according to a recent report by Jones Lang LaSalle, a financial and professional services firm.

“The building data currently collected in modern facilities presents a vast opportunity to reduce operations and maintenance costs,” said Benjamin Freas, senior research analyst, Navigant Research. “However, difficulties in integrating data from separate building automation systems have encumbered realizing this potential. The usability of facility technologies has been a persistent challenge as well. To date, success in system performance has largely been dependent on the skill and experience of operators.”

The Honeywell Command Wall, the core of the suite, features map-based visualization and navigation, along with integrated workflows and system-wide integration from a single, intuitive touchscreen interface. The Command Wall presents data from multiple systems across a facility, such as utility meters and temperature sensors, while providing context for more informed decision making. Using progressive disclosure, users can access an enterprise-wide view and also easily zoom into specific areas to quickly understand and react to issues and opportunities as they arise.

"A building's intelligence is largely influenced by those who operate it and can make the changes necessary to improve performance," said John Rajchert, president of Honeywell Building Solutions. "So enhancing the user experience is imperative. It allows organizations to extract the most value from their technology investment. Like today's ubiquitous tablet and mobile devices, Command Wall makes connecting with information and others fast and simple."

Command and Control Suite technologies integrate with Honeywell's flagship building management platform, Enterprise Buildings Integrator (EBI), which helps facilitate the integration of security, comfort, life safety and energy systems, among other functions. EBI gives users a single point of access and consistent view to information and resources that enhance the ability to monitor, manage and protect a facility, campus or multi-site operation.