How could the Internet of Things (IoT) impact commercial fire alarm systems in the future? Well, it’s already having an impact! Today’s systems that are hooked up to the IoT can pinpoint the exact location of a triggered smoke detector in an alarm. They can also interface with public address systems for phased building evacuations. Meanwhile, installation and maintenance of such systems is more efficient than ever. These systems have automated service alerts and fewer false alarms. This results in substantial cost savings for those who have commercial fire alarm systems connected to the Internet of Things.
The Future of IoT for Commercial Fire Alarm Systems
So what’s next? Well, it’s likely that networked fire alarm systems will be connected via the IoT. More and more “smart buildings” in various industries are “making the IoT connection” and being automated thanks to sensor data and artificial intelligence. It’s estimated that the number of IoT-connected devices worldwide will exceed 14 billion this year, which is more than half of the world’s 28.5 billion connected devices. This makes companies wonder, “Will we be ‘left out’ of something good if we’re not part of the IoT?”
Some benefits of IoT for commercial fire alarm systems include addressable notification(s), the replacement of telephone lines for monitoring with cellular and IP communicators instead, cloud-based solutions allowing systems to be monitored and managed using any computer, laptop or mobile device anytime/anywhere, and the rise of IoT in being able to digitally connect and integrate sensors, software and services to allow devices to work together within the same network. And yes, safety is being taken into account, in order to protect these systems from hackers and attackers.
Want to find out if you should upgrade to a new fire alarm system or replace old parts? Call Life Safety Consultants at 1-888-557-0558 for more info.
