Guided tour: step inside the smart building of tomorrow

Friday, 11 April 2025

Imagine walking into a building where the doors recognize you, the lights adjust to your preferences and the air conditioning tunes itself based on the number of people inside. This is not science fiction but a reality smart buildings make possible.

These advancements are made possible through IoT (Internet of Things) solutions and data-driven architecture. But what exactly do these terms mean? IoT refers to the network of physical devices — like sensors, cameras and smart locks — connected to the internet, all collecting and sharing data. Data-driven architecture uses this data to make informed decisions about the building’s operations, from security to energy management. The potential is almost limitless. Let’s go on a guided tour through a modern smart building and see these technologies in action. We will highlight how dormakaba’s innovative access solutions integrate seamlessly to create efficient, secure and comfortable environments. Ready to explore the smart buildings of tomorrow? Let’s step inside.

Entrance and lobby

As we step into the lobby, the doors open just in time for us, thanks to dormakaba’s ED100/ED250 automatic door operators. These doors, combined with MotionIQ technology, respond individually to movement and usage patterns. This solution can reduce energy consumption and extend the lifespan of the door systems by minimizing wear and tear.Inside, we proceed securely to our workspace with the help of smart locks. dormakaba’s access control solutions allow access to authorized users through their smartphones, eliminating the need for keys. This system logs entries and exits for real-time monitoring, ensuring only authorized personnel can access specific areas, enhancing overall building security.

ED100/ED250 automatic door operators:energy-efficient and responsive to user movement. Learn more

MotionIQ:our innovative door system opens at the right moment and improves the flow of people without contact with the door. Learn more

Smart locks:smartphone-based access control for enhanced security and convenience. Learn more

Workspaces and meeting rooms

As we enter the workspace, the lighting and air quality are just right, thanks to sophisticated IoT systems. These systems use environmental sensors and smart lighting to adjust light levels based on natural sunlight and maintain air quality, contributing to the well-being and productivity of the occupants. A great example of a fully networked integration into the building’s management system. Similarly, system integrators no longer need to program software or procure additional devices to control doors. By connecting each door with a Connector One by dormakaba to the network and configuring the management system, the hurdle to automation and system monitoring of doors is significantly reduced. This integration enhances security, comfort, energy efficiency and cost savings.

Connector One:easy to use interface to effortlessly integrate a door into a building’s central system. Learn more

Energy management systems

Further into the building, the indoor climate is perfectly balanced thanks to sophisticated energy management systems. IoT plays a crucial role here by managing energy use in real time. These systems adjust heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) based on occupancy data collected by sensors.dormakaba’s solutions contribute to smart energy management by ensuring that doors and entryways open only when necessary, reducing unnecessary heat loss or gain and maintaining an energy-efficient environment.

MotionIQ:save energy while passing the door. Reduce your emissions with MotionIQ, the smarter and more environmentally friendly door system. Learn more

Security systems

Security in smart buildings is robust yet unobtrusive, thanks to advanced IoT technologies. dormakaba’s EntriWorX Operation offers centralized control and monitoring of all connected access points. This system collects real-time data, automates reporting and provides timely notifications of events such as blockages or malfunctions. It ensures entrances are secure and provides detailed insights to improve security protocols continuously.

EntriWorX Operation:centralized control and monitoring of all connected access points with real-time data collection and automated reporting. Learn more

Maintenance and facility management

Behind the scenes, IoT-powered predictive maintenance systems ensure smooth operations. These systems predict equipment failures before they happen, scheduling maintenance only when necessary. This approach minimizes downtime and reduces costs, keeping the building’s operations efficient and uninterrupted.dormakaba’s EntriWorX Insights offers advanced analytics for access data and real-time monitoring. This solution provides predictive maintenance alerts, real-time notifications and a user-friendly dashboard to help facility managers make informed decisions. By reducing the need for frequent manual checks and technician callouts, EntriWorX Insights enhances operational efficiency and ensures all door systems operate smoothly.

EntriWorX Insights:advanced analytics and real-time monitoring for predictive maintenance and operational efficiency. Learn more

Key benefits

As we conclude our tour of this modern smart building, it is clear that IoT integration offers numerous benefits:

Energy efficiency:IoT systems optimize energy use, leading to lower energy bills and a reduced carbon footprint.

Operational cost reduction:automating maintenance and security processes reduces the need for manual interventions, lowering operational costs.

Enhanced security:real-time monitoring and advanced analytics provide robust security measures, protecting both the building and its occupants.

Improved user experience:personalized and adaptive environments enhance comfort and productivity.

Proactive maintenance:Predictive maintenance systems anticipate issues before they occur, minimizing downtime and extending the lifespan of building systems.

dormakaba’s innovative products, such as the ED100/ED250 automatic door operators, MotionIQ, smart locks, EntriWorX Operation and EntriWorX Insights, enhance security and convenience while contributing to the sustainability and efficiency of building operations. Ready to explore the future of smart buildings? Discover how dormakaba’s IoT products can transform your projects. Visit our website for more information and contact us to learn more about our cutting-edge solutions.