Data is a primary component in technological integration, along with the ability to process data into information. In prop tech, for a building to be considered “smart” it is essential that it is capable of collecting, storing, and processing data. These are what form the basics of data structures.
What Is Data Structure?
According to SearchSQLServer, A data structure is a specialised format for organising, processing, retrieving, and storing data. Better put, a data structure is a collection of data type values, which are stored and organised in such a way that it allows for efficient access and modification.
Essentially, data structures allow for the efficient management of a high volume of data known as ‘Big Data’.
The Interconnection Between Data Structure and BTR Developments
Build to Rent developments are increasingly becoming more integrated as data is collected from a wide range of sources, such as utility systems, meters, ICT systems, enterprise systems, operational cost monitoring, post-occupancy evaluation, and more. Coupled with the significant improvement in computational powers, data storage, and the drop in the cost of sensors, it has led to an explosion in the size of data collected from BTR developments.
The need for data structures to help collate, process, and organise big data efficiently within smart BtR developments is a a necessity.
Benefits of Understanding, Installing, and Continually Improving Data Structure Within a BtR Development
Tech integrated BtR developments are controlled by a Building Management System (BMS). Connected to all the utility systems, lighting, security, temperature, etc. within the development. Using sensors, the BMS gathers data to monitor & regulate these utility systems.
All the data generated by the BMS is only valuable when refined into comprehensible information; otherwise, it is just raw data. Further, this big data is almost impossible for humans alone to organise, analyse, retrieve and interpret.
The integration of a data structure within BMS is essential for smooth running of a BtR development. Why? Because traditional data processing software cannot efficiently handle the collection, storage, analysis, and distribution of big data. Also, it provide analysis of the synchronisation between the building’s systems, i.e., how the building’s systems interact and how change affects them.
Technology and data structures can be tailored to the user’s need, making the collected data unique to the requirements and most important KPIs. The integration of data structures provides multiple benefits, such as:
- An improvement in building safety
- A reduction in energy consumption
- Maintenance of building infrastructure
- Accurate repair and preventive maintenance
- Minimize errors and costly mistakes
- Reduce number of staff needed
However, the staff responsible must understand how the structure operates & work to continually improve it. Ensuring a BtR is run efficiently, leading to a reduction in the cost of running a development.
Data will only be as valuable as the comprehension behind it. Only then can all the benefits of data structure be fully achieved.
Benefits for Tenants
Data structures are an unsung hero regarding enhancing tenants’ experience within a BtR. The benefits provided entail smooth running of all the systems to serve tenants better.
Security and safety within the development are enhanced, as defective and malfunctioning equipment can be potentially dangerous. Tenants can feel safer in their homes as maintenance issues can be predicted and resolved. The security, alarm, and fire systems are all connected to the BMS that intelligently monitors any irregularity within the BtR development.
These are a few of the numerous benefits an efficient data processing structure can provide tenants living in a smart tech integrated BtR.
Conclusion
More and more data is becoming available at levels unprecedented to the world until now. Data control has become a critical issue – especially for tech integrated buildings generating enormous amounts of data. A data structure is all about moving from the context of big data to a system of controlled management. Data can be used as an outstanding tool to make almost every aspect of your development more efficient – you just need to know-how.
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