Siemon's ConvergeIT infrastructure programme

ConvergeIT offers a straightforward process for the implementation of a converged, IP-based intelligent building cabling system.

The programme has been developed to help architects, design-build firms, building owners and contractors plan and deploy efficient IT cabling infrastructure for support of green intelligent buildings.

Growing in global popularity, the intelligent building concept combines multiple data, low voltage and building automation applications onto one centrally managed network.

These converged systems can include voice/data, video surveillance, access control, digital signage, audio/video, fire alarms, energy management, HVAC and more.

According to a study conducted by the Continental Automated Building Association (CABA), properly planned intelligent buildings can cut energy costs by up to 70 per cent and the US EPA states that these smart platforms can enhance building asset value by two to three times initial investment.

Siemon's ConvergeIT programme takes the intelligent building approach a step further, supporting the facility's various low voltage applications on a single IP-based structured cabling system, rather than on separate and often proprietary cabling plants.

The efficient ConvergeIT approach to smart buildings also offers strong cost reduction and simplified system management benefits, says Siemon.

By eliminating multiple proprietary cabling types in favour of a single structured cabling plant, material and labour costs can be cut significantly.

According to CABA, overall intelligent system cabling material costs can be reduced by up to 33 per cent.

This consolidation of infrastructure can also drive up to 40 per cent savings in pathway material costs.

Because the structured cabling plant can be deployed by a single IT contractor as opposed to the multiple specialised installation groups often required with proprietary systems, ConvergeIT can reduce overall low-voltage building cabling and pathway installation labour costs by 28 per cent or more, claims Siemon.

According to Siemon, beyond reduced deployment costs and sustainability improvements, ConvergeIT can cut ongoing maintenance and management costs.

Converged IP-based cabling can cut intelligent system-related move, add and change costs by 20 per cent versus multiple systems.

The centralised smart cabling plant approach can also reduce the reliance on multiple specialised installers in favour of a single IT cabling contractor, saving up to 15 per cent in service contract costs.

This operational efficiency extends to facility maintenance and IT personnel.

The simplified system management capabilities of IP-based intelligent building cabling allows critical information to be more easily shared between building systems and enables staff to access system information from anywhere on the network.

This can help minimise staff resource requirements, whilst simultaneously reducing response time to minimise costly business disruptions.