Digital Building

Digital BuildingDigital Building

Has your organization been considering how a digital building might be a wise investment? Many businesses and other entities have found that converting their facility into a digital building provides a significant savings in the operational and maintenance costs.

Network Products, Inc. has been a leading innovator of digital buildings since 1986. Our company founders have more than four decades of success with smart building projects across a wide swath of industries including education, legal, healthcare, government, and transportation.

Table Of Contents:

What Is a Digital Building?

There are numerous components and systems that a building requires in order to function. By and large such functionality entails numerous and separate controls. In a digital building, all of the necessary and secondary functions can be blended together into one system and automated, ensuring a more efficient and cost-effective building.

By installing sensors, microchips, and actuators, controls for operations such as lighting, air quality, HVAC, sanitation, security cameras and alarms, smoke detection, water, and other maintenance operations can all be combined in a centralized location. Data is collected and used to manage these different operations to work around the needs of the building’s occupants. The system can also incorporate all of the necessary Information Technology functionality that the building occupants require.

The Benefits of a Digital Building

  • There are numerous benefits that a digital building can offer by having all of the necessary operations in one place.
  • The ability to monitor these operations around-the-clock means that management can detect and identify problems before they develop into major issues.
  • The substantial utility savings a digital building offers is advantageous for the building’s owner and an attractive feature for any potential tenants. For example, the sensors in digital buildings allow you to control lighting and HVAC. When the area is not being used, the lights go off and the room temperature is adjusted. When the room is occupied, lights go on and temperature reset. This functionality can create a substantial savings on utility costs. Studies on digital buildings reveal a potential of 30 percent savings on energy costs.

The ability to scale as your organization grows or downsizes makes smart buildings even more attractive. We can expand or reduce your operations center as your building needs change.

Other Services We Offer

In addition to smart building design, installation, and maintenance, Network Products Inc. offers a variety of additional services that can meet your company’s needs including:

  • AV solutions, using the award-winning RapidRun® interconnect system;
  • Data centers;
  • Design assistance using a variety of formats, including AutoCad, ReVIT, BIM, Visio, PDF, and SolidWorks;
  • Line Card;
  • Meeting rooms and open spaces;
  • Speech privacy; and
  • Sound masking.

Contact Network Products, Inc. Today

Network Products Inc. offers some of the most comprehensive digital building services available, from planning to design to implementation of your smart building. For your convenience, we have multiple locations across the mid- and south-Atlantic areas.

If you would like to find out more information on how a digital building may be an excellent choice for your company, contact Network Products, Inc. today at (301) 548-0300 for a free consultation.

Common Questions About Smart Buildings

A digital building offers several advantages to business owners and building owners considering whether to move forward with this technology. While some people may equip smart technology into an existing structure, others may construct a new building with smart technology from the ground up. It’s also important to note that people may choose to outfit their facilities with varying levels of smart technologies. Moving forward may seem like a significant undertaking, but it doesn’t have to be. With assistance from our professional team from NPIconnect, clients can initiate the process of strategizing a plan for their intelligent building. Naturally, those looking to step into the future of digital technology for buildings will have numerous questions regarding cost, advantages, and efficiency. Our tenured team of professionals is standing by to assist. 

Why is a smart building considered more efficient than a building not equipped with this technology?

A building fitted with smart technology is drastically different from a building without it. A building that is not considered “smart” is not likely to be as energy efficient, and while it may have the technology, the systems in place are not expected to work together seamlessly as a smart building does. A smart building can provide a space for occupants that is safer and more comfortable, allowing for increased productivity. Digital buildings have an automated process that automatically controls various components. In some cases, systems like air conditioning, heating, security systems, elevators, lighting, and more, are centralized systems. Smart buildings can collect data over time and provide insight, allowing maintenance to improve performance and efficiently use energy. 

How can smart building technology ensure the safety of the building’s inhabitants?

While the physical safety of a building’s inhabitants or a company’s employees should be a top priority, it’s only sometimes the first thought when determining whether smart building technology is appropriate. However, one of the most significant benefits of a smart building are the several safety features they are equipped with. Smart buildings can have security systems in place to protect inhabitants from harm. Still, the system can also alert building maintenance when there are signs of a potentially dangerous problem with the equipment. Examples include panic buttons, emergency notifications, security applications for active shooter situations, etc. 

How much does it cost to configure a smart building?

Cost can vary because of the various elements involved with smart buildings. While some may design an already existing structure, others may build it from the ground up. Another factor to consider is the degree to which you digitalize the building. While some start with a basic system, others may be far more advanced. Because of this, it’s best to meet with our team to discuss your needs and learn more about the options available and the associated cost of building the system. 

Do smart buildings allow for long-term cost savings?

Yes! Over time a smart building can allow for long-term cost savings in several ways. Not only are smart buildings energy efficient, but they can also improve the productivity of those who are working within the building. It’s also important to note that smart buildings can foresee potential maintenance issues or problems before they become emergent. 

Smart buildings offer a multitude of benefits. Most importantly, they allow inhabitants to have a more comfortable experience while also operating efficiently, creating a safer environment, and increasing security and property values. When determining how best to start with your next project, consider consulting with our team of professionals who are available to develop a plan customized to meet your project’s needs. To learn more about digital building solutions, schedule a consultation with NPIconnect.

Digital Buildings: Tomorrow’s Future Is Here Today

Digital building technology is constantly evolving but is already light years ahead of where it was just a few years ago. It has surpassed many people’s imaginations and there is no limit to how it may advance, even in the near future. At Network Products Inc (NPI), we provide digital solutions for companies and we do it literally from the ground up. From conception and design to installation and maintenance, we are your full-solution digital technology provider. Give us a call today to learn how our team can enhance your facilities and improve your bottom line with cost-efficient digital buildings.

What Are Digital Buildings?

As digital technology continues to advance, the definition of a digital building changes. However, the basic concept is that a building’s various systems — air conditioning, heat, security, lighting, etc. — run and are monitored, as well as controlled, on a single digital network. Centralized control allows for more convenient and efficient monitoring, maintenance, and computerized updates.

How Do Digital Buildings Work?

A digital building’s various systems are unified into a single system. The infrastructure uses low voltage power over Ethernet (PoE) to automatically control and run the individual systems over a cabled network. Human intervention is unnecessary but network administrators can monitor the performance of the digital building on-site or remotely to verify that optimum efficiency is maintained.

NPI Helps Businesses Migrate to Digital Building Technology

Our consultants can meet with your decision makers and stakeholders to learn your company’s pain points and develop solutions for digital buildings that offer the best return on investment. Our expertise and consulting services scale according to the size and needs of our clients. Whether your project needs are expansive and complex or you’re in need of a ground floor solution, we can be there for you. Call us today for a free consultation with one of our specialists who can provide you with more information specific to your unique circumstances.

Cost Savings

The many benefits of digital buildings drive the technology forward. In fact, the cost savings offered by digital buildings will usually offset the initial investment. Our specialists at NPI will consider solutions for you that can pay for themselves sooner rather than later. Here are some of the reasons why digital solutions make superior economical sense:

  • Digital buildings rely on a network that uses single cabling and is exponentially cheaper to configure than a decentralized network. This is because it’s faster to deploy, easier to monitor, costs less to maintain, and requires fewer personnel hours to administer.
  • Digital buildings are scalable, not only in size but also features and upgrades. This means you will not have to rip a system out and replace it periodically. Should your company expand or downsize, either is easily configurable via the network.
  • Digital buildings run on an energy efficient infrastructure, thanks in large part to the low-voltage PoE network and the automatically adjusted for optimum usage lighting, heat, and air conditioning systems.

Talk to One of Our Specialists

Call Network Products Inc. to request a free consultation. Seeing is believing and after meeting with one of our specialists to discuss your company’s needs, you’ll learn how much more efficient and cheaper digital buildings can be for you as compared to your current infrastructure.

Understanding More About Digital Buildings

As digital technology continues to advance, so does the concept of a digital building. These structures are equipped with various smart systems, sensors, and connectivity features to enhance efficiency, comfort, and sustainability. However, several myths and misconceptions have emerged surrounding digital buildings. Let’s debunk some common myths associated with digital buildings. If you are interested in seeing how the team at NPI Connect can help you, give us a call today. 

Myth: Digital buildings are only for large corporations or high-rise buildings. 

Reality: This technology is scalable and adaptable to buildings of various sizes and types. While larger corporations and high-rise buildings may benefit from the extensive capabilities of digital systems, the principles can be applied to residential buildings, small businesses, and even individual homes. The level of digital integration can be tailored to meet the specific needs and budget of each building.

Myth: Digital buildings are prohibitively expensive. 

Reality: While there may be upfront costs associated with implementing digital systems, the long-term benefits often outweigh the initial investment. Digital buildings can enhance energy efficiency, reduce operating costs, and optimize maintenance. Over time, these savings can offset the initial expenses. Additionally, as technology advances and becomes more accessible, the costs of implementing digital building solutions are decreasing.

Myth: Digital buildings compromise privacy and security. 

Reality: Privacy and security concerns are valid, but they can be addressed through proper design and implementation. These buildings employ various security measures, such as encryption protocols, secure network infrastructure, and user authentication systems, to protect data and prevent unauthorized access. Additionally, data privacy laws and regulations provide guidelines for handling personal information collected within digital systems, ensuring compliance, and safeguarding individual privacy.

Myth: Digital buildings are only about automation and convenience. 

Reality: While automation and convenience are important aspects of digital buildings, they offer much more. Digital systems enable better monitoring, analysis, and control of building operations, leading to improved energy efficiency, reduced environmental impact, and enhanced occupant comfort. These systems also provide valuable insights into building performance, allowing for proactive maintenance, resource optimization, and continuous improvement.

Myth: Digital buildings eliminate the need for human intervention. 

Reality: Although digital systems automate many processes, human intervention remains essential. Humans are needed to analyze data, make informed decisions, and perform maintenance tasks. Digital buildings rely on a combination of human expertise and technology to ensure optimal performance, address complex issues, and adapt to changing needs.

Myth: Digital buildings are a passing trend. 

Reality: Digital buildings are not a passing trend but rather a response to the growing need for sustainable and intelligent solutions in the built environment. As technology advances and becomes more integrated into our daily lives, the concept of digital buildings will continue to evolve and expand. The benefits of digital systems, such as energy efficiency, comfort optimization, and operational insights, align with long-term goals for sustainable and smart cities.

Understanding the reality behind these myths is crucial for embracing the potential of digital buildings. By dispelling misconceptions, we can appreciate the value and transformative impact of digital technologies in enhancing building performance, sustainability, and occupant experiences. When you are ready to learn more about turning your building into a digital building, contact NPI Connect to see how we can help.