Conexus exists in an exciting and scary space. Our industry overall is forecasted to grow anywhere from 15-20% annually between now and 2025. The challenge is understanding how to adapt to meet clients’ needs in a high-growth world with new competition, and make sure that we, as a trusted advisor, continually bring our customers best of breed technologies and solutions. In a recent report by NBC, it is proposed that the Internet of Things (IoT) could very well change how the world around us interacts. It requires lower cost sensors to support the integration of more data-producing systems. Wireless and battery-less power technologies like backscatter could help, but we also believe that the trends we see in home automation will become more prevalent in building automation in the short term. If we can walk into Lowe’s or Home Depot, buy smart thermostats, outlets, switches and a communication hub, then easily use an Echo Dot, Google Home or a similar device to automate our homes, how long will it take for that same simplicity to come to the building automation space?
The control of complex building systems may not be as simple as home automation, but a growing percentage of building automation is already auto-configuring. Just look at how many relatively simple building systems now come with factory-provided controls. The invigorating part of our business is staying ahead of technology to adapt and implement high-value, cost-effective solutions to transform environments. Solutions that truly optimize comfort, safety and efficiency, not just integrate technology for technology’s sake. Although we believe our ability to deliver flawlessly executed work is a competitive advantage – our ability to deliver facility management solutions that make the growing complexity of building systems, and the data they produce, simpler and more secure, is the key to our future.