Joacim Hindersson

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Build your knowledge in building management. On our blog, you will find content on building management suitable for newcomers and tech-savvy partners. Find blog posts, use cases and videos on everything from technical systems integration, HMI and SCADA solutions, alarm monitoring, zone control, lighting, heating, ventilation and air quality. Just as relevant for commercial buildings, public works and industrial buildings as for housing cooperatives or multi-residential properties.

Building Management

<p><a href="https://www.hameenkiinteistoautomaatio.fi/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hämeen kiinteistöautomaatio</a> (part of Bravida) is the leading automation company in the Lahti region, specializing in electrical building technology, centralized building automation, and maintenance. The company manages and optimizes all its customers' properties with one brand-independent cloud platform – <a href="https://kiona.com/products/web-port" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">our Web Port system</a>.</p>





<p>"For years, I was on the hunt for a building monitoring software that would allow me to manage automation brands from various manufacturers. I found what I needed in Web Port: its pricing is transparent, the platform is easy to use, and the technology is open," says Technical Director and Founder Jari Niemelä.</p>



<p>Hämeen kiinteistöautomaatio (HKA) has been a <a href="https://kiona.com/solutions/become-a-partner" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Certified Kiona Partner</a> since 2022.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-broader-customer-base-than-ever-before">A broader customer base than ever before</h2>



<p>HKA serves its clients throughout the entire life cycle of a building, from new construction to renovation and modernization. The company provides complete turnkey solutions for buildings. For building automation, they offer several different contract levels.</p>



<p>"We reduce our customers' real estate costs and suggest improvements. At the lightest level, we move the customer's property to the cloud, and the customer receives backups and the necessary access rights. We also offer services where our professionals manage the client's property."</p>



<p>"In this case, we agree on a client-specific basis, for example, how many hours per month the service is needed, what is reported to the client, and so on," Niemelä continues.</p>



<p>In the past, HKA's services have been brand-dependent, but today, they can offer the same services for multiple device configurations.</p>



<p>"Each supplier has its own type of monitoring software. We previously focused on systems from three different suppliers. Now that we have an open platform like Web Port, we can also take on brands we haven't supported before. We currently have monitoring software from six different vendors." Niemelä explains.</p>





<p>He says the platform is robust and highly functional, making managing customers' property portfolios easier. And when they don't constantly have to switch monitoring views between different brands, their work efficiency also improves.</p>



<p>"We can add up to 100 properties to the platform. From Web Port, you can't see which or whose system is behind the monitoring; everything is done the same way. That makes our job a lot easier."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-iot-boom-in-building-automation">The IoT boom in building automation</h2>



<p>Future buildings will be highly equipped and complex, driving the increasing need for technical expertise within building automation. And the Internet of Things (IoT) is currently booming in this sector.</p>



<p>HKA has invested in the development of IoT solutions at the forefront. During COVID-19, they received support from Business Finland for a development project aimed at wireless metering in buildings.</p>



<p>"Now, we can wirelessly measure various parameters in our customers' properties, including air quality, pressure differentials, carbon dioxide levels, and particulate matter concentrations. We install sensors in the buildings, and the data is transmitted to <a href="https://www.digita.fi/en/services/iot/lorawan-technology/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Digita's LoRa network</a> and from there to our systems," says Niemelä.</p>



<p>The data is measured in real-time, and the cloud service allows the data to be used automatically to adjust the conditions in the buildings.</p>



<p>"I dare say that we are very high on the Finnish scale in terms of expertise in these matters," says Niemelä.</p>





<p>While many things can now be done wirelessly and remotely, HKA promises to remain easily accessible to its customers.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"Above all, we promise to be present locally, even if we are not in the same place. We take responsibility for what we do."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-finding-solutions-to-customers-problems">Finding solutions to customers' problems</h2>



<p>Customers contact HKA mainly when a fault has been detected in their building or its automation system, when there is a problem with the indoor air, or when the customer wants to save energy. Rarely, however, is the contact proactive.</p>



<p>"Usually, the customer calls us to report a particular issue. Then, we discuss, assess the situation, and collectively seek solutions. We resolve the issues and see how things start functioning. It's important that our services generate value for our customers."</p>



<p>According to Niemelä, the biggest challenge for the building automation sector in Finland has long been cheap energy.</p>



<p>"For example, electricity has been so cheap that it has been difficult to make people understand why they should save it. The electricity price boom made our job easier and helped customers understand that every euro saved improves their bottom line."</p>





<p>Niemelä and his team serve municipalities, cities, hospitals, and shopping centers. He is proud of his company's client base.</p>



<p>"We couldn't do this kind of thing if we didn't have extremely professional staff. The most important asset is the people who do it."</p>

Equipped for efficiency: How HKA uses Web Port to optimize and improve their customers' buildings

Sara Hampf

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<p>Autumn may be the most colorful season of all. Weather-wise, it can be very complicated as the temperature can vary a lot during the day, and the humidity is high. These conditions mirror the feel of the indoor temperature, and some mornings, you just want to stay in bed. The radiators feel cold, making the tenants think the apartment is freezing. However, it is just that &nbsp;– a feeling. The radiators still have the same temperature as during the day, approximately 30 degrees. However, this often results in complaints to the landlord or property owners, saying the apartments are too cold.</p>



<p>Did you know that during these specific climatic conditions, <a href="https://kiona.com/products/edge/edge-gold/">Edge (Gold-plan)</a> has a "Morning comfort" function triggered automatically? This function aims to push a little extra comfort heat out to the radiators during the early morning hours, 05.00–08.00 a.m. By doing so, the radiators feel nice and warm and counteract that unpleasant feeling of a cold and rough start to the day the tenants experience.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://kiona.com/app/uploads/2023/09/GettyImages-1221311726-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-43578"/></figure>



<p>This small change results in fewer complaints from the tenants and less money spent on technicians having to come and check the heating.</p>



<p>So, with a bit of added comfort heat during the early morning hours, the radiators feel warm for the tenant. As a landlord, this will save you the occasional complaint and having to send a technician out to check the heating system.</p>



<p>Do you want to know more about what Edge can do for your buildings? <a href="https://kiona.com/products/edge/edge-plans">Check out our different options</a>. </p>

Get a better start on your day with Edge's "morning comfort”

Maria Sotberg

Trond-Øystein Bjørnnes

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<p>Through our partners and customers, we learn more and more about how to contribute to good and profitable climate solutions. And in fact, many buildings are already connected to our systems – almost 60,000 today. Giving us the experience base and data available to provide plenty of input and ideas for further development of technology and growth.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-kiona-delivers-today">What Kiona delivers today</h2>



<p>We deliver central operating systems for industry, commercial buildings, HORECA (food industry and logistics), retail, and supermarkets of all shapes and sizes.</p>



<p>"We have our <a href="https://kiona.com/products/iwmac/">IWMAC</a> product with 23 years in the industry, and we have <a href="https://kiona.com/products/web-port/">Web Port</a>, which saw the light of day in 2009. More than 10,000 buildings are now connected to one of our SCADA systems to secure easy operation monitoring at their facilities."</p>



<p>"On the energy and environmental side, we have <a href="https://kiona.com/products/energinet/">Energinet</a>, a comprehensive cloud-based analysis tool for everything from energy and indoor climate to waste management and more, established in over 35,000 buildings, primarily in the Nordics and Germany," says Trond-Øystein.</p>



<p>In addition, we have <a href="https://kiona.com/products/edge/">Edge</a>, which is an advanced platform for managing heating in residential buildings. The technology uses artificial intelligence (AI) to find the most optimal control for housing cooperatives. Edge is running on thousands of buildings across the Nordic countries.</p>





<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-diverse-collection-of-expertise">A diverse collection of expertise</h2>



<p>Our people have backgrounds from many different fields and bring a lot of diverse experiences to the table.</p>



<p>"We have those who come straight from education and those who have worked in the field for many years. Today, we have employees with experience as electricians, plumbers, automation engineers, or within ventilation-, IT- and energy consulting. We have over 150 employees in offices across seven countries."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-extensive-network-with-over-200-partners">Extensive network with over 200+ partners</h2>



<p>Our customers are <a href="https://kiona.com/our-partners/">certified partner companies</a> in all technical disciplines spread across Europe.</p>



<p>"Our most important customers are those who use our systems daily. These are often energy advisors and operations personnel who use one of our solutions to monitor energy usage, for instance. The end customer's service partners within ventilation, refrigeration, or heating use our systems for troubleshooting and optimization in daily operations. Other users include management companies, technical management, and operations managers," Trond-Øystein continues.</p>





<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-expectations-for-the-future">Expectations for the future</h2>



<p>Trond-Øystein is a dedicated professional with many views on developing technology, central operations control, Proptech, and AI.</p>



<p>"I expect an increased focus on simplified installation and faster completion, more use of standard solutions, wireless technology, and open systems. We believe this is what the industry needs as buildings become more and more complicated. The implementation of projects must be faster, and it must be possible to operate and change systems continuously."</p>



<p>"A prerequisite for achieving this is more openness and easier access to data. I also expect more integration with many different third-party systems such as booking systems, BIM (Building Information Modeling), EMS (Energy Management Systems), internal data systems, and more."</p>



<p>He points out that you hear a lot of talk about <a href="https://cloud.google.com/learn/artificial-intelligence-vs-machine-learning" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">AI and Machine learning</a>, which has also become part of everyday life in our industry. More and more buildings are now running on different AI models, and we believe it can help remove more of the manual processes we have today and, not least, remove the instability in operations. That would mean more consistent temperatures in the right place at the right time – and at the right price.</p>



<p>"Many companies are already working on their models, and Kiona is no exception; we are currently running pilots on our ML model and are excited to see what else 2023 will bring," Trond-Øystein concludes.</p>

Operation monitoring in the right place at the right time – and at the right price

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<p>"Houston, we've had a problem”.</p>



<p>On 13 April 1970, the world held its breath as the Apollo 13 spacecraft hurtled toward the moon. With oxygen supplies leaking into space, there was little time to make critical decisions. By adding live telemetry data from the physical spacecraft to their digital copy, Mission Control could simulate different strategies and bring the crew safely back to Earth.</p>



<p>The incident was a near-disaster but also a triumph of human resilience. And believe it or not: It's widely believed that the very first digital twin was used in conjunction with the <a href="https://airandspace.si.edu/explore/stories/apollo-missions/apollo-13" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Apollo 13 mission</a> – although it wasn't called a "digital twin" at that time.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-is-a-digital-twin">What is a digital twin?</h2>



<p>In short, a digital twin is a virtual copy of a physical object that exists in the real world, just like NASA's physical spacecraft, and its digital model, joined together with the available live data.</p>



<p>Today, the technology has expanded to other industries, including construction and building management.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-even-twins-are-different-geometric-vs-digital">Even twins are different: Geometric vs. Digital</h2>



<p>To make a digital twin, you need to have a physical object (in our case, a building) that you recreate in a 2D or 3D model. But – simply making this digital model doesn't make the data file a digital twin. What we are talking about here is a geometric twin. Remember: we're still missing NASAs "live data."</p>



<p>But what if you attach sensors to the building so that if something changes, the digital copy changes too? Then you're getting closer.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://kiona.com/app/uploads/2023/06/SM_3_english-1024x576.png" alt="Digital twin in IWMAC" class="wp-image-40316"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><em>See the status of your refrigeration systems live in <a href="https://kiona.com/products/iwmac/">IWMAC</a>, and make changes to the digital copy that transfer to real life.</em></figcaption></figure>



<p>Let's look at an example: We create a digital model of an office building with all the rooms, doors, and technical equipment installed. To keep the twin alive and make it "smart", we install sensors in the building. The sensors pick up fluctuations in temperature and air quality in each room. It can also alert us when something happens to the power grid or ventilation system.</p>





<p>And just like that, a digital twin has been created.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://kiona.com/app/uploads/2023/06/Temp_Eng_1920x1080-1024x577.png" alt="Digital twin in Edge, a 3D rendering of a building" class="wp-image-40325"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><em><a href="https://kiona.com/products/edge/">Edge's</a> 3D mockup of a building</em></figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-can-you-use-it-for">What can you use it for?</h2>



<p>As the twin develops, energy use and operations can become increasingly autonomous and self-governing.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-1-monitoring-and-visualization">1. Monitoring and visualization</h3>



<p>A digital twin allows you to monitor and visualize real-time data from sensors and other sources. This can include information about temperature, humidity, energy usage, and more. By visualizing this data in a 2D or 3D model of the building, you get real-time analytics and insight into how the building is used and performs.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-2-predictive-maintenance">2. Predictive maintenance</h3>



<p>If you're spending a lot of your time doing inspections (to hopefully catch a problem) or doing firefighting by reacting when faults have already happened; there is a simpler way.</p>



<p>By analyzing the incoming data, the twin can predict maintenance needs before they become major issues.</p>





<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-3-what-if-scenarios">3. What-if scenarios</h3>



<p>A digital twin can simulate different scenarios, such as changes to the building's layout, external impacts, or the addition of new systems and equipment. By simulating these scenarios in the digital twin, you can make sure that the measures and changes you are implementing are for the better.</p>

The digital twin – the bridge between the physical and the digital

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<p>Estimates show that a cyberattack happens every 44 seconds throughout the day. That is a scary figure, and of course, the impact of an attack can be massive for companies, regardless of their size. The cost of a cyberattack on your company/organization will be extremely high, not to mention the time and effort it takes to recover from an attack. It may also lead to a loss of the trust your customers have in you. In the end, it's not worth it.</p>



<p>Most businesses have online systems that allow users to log on to do their shopping and banking, get the status of their building electricity use, etc. Usernames and passwords are essential, but on their own, they can be vulnerable and stolen by third parties or used in cyberattacks.</p>



<p>You might not even know that your data has been compromised as it is stored in a third-party solution that just got hacked.</p>





<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-does-multi-factor-authentication-mfa-work">How does Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) work?</h2>



<p>MFA asks the user to identify themselves by more than a username and password when logging on to a new smartphone, online account, or VPN. The most common way is with one-time passwords. These are 4–8-digit codes that you receive via e-mail, SMS, or a mobile app.</p>



<p>MFA reduces the risk of a successful cyberattack and helps companies and individuals to protect their information.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://kiona.com/app/uploads/2023/06/News-ticker-MFA-authenticationEN-1024x512.png" alt="Multi-factor authentication (MFA) at Kiona"/></figure>



<p>Consider MFA like a thumbprint or physical hardware key that can give you confidence that your organization will stay safe from cybercriminals.</p>



<p>By introducing MFA – Multi-Factor Authentication, you add an additional layer of security to protect your company.</p>



<p>At Kiona, security is highly important, and <a href="https://kiona.com/story/blog/simplified-login-and-strengthened-security-sso">MFA is integrated into all our solutions</a>, making your decision to invest in our platforms safe.</p>

Add an additional layer of security by introducing MFA - Multi-Factor Authentication

Want to stay on top of your air quality? Check our solutions for multi-residential properties.

<p>Living in an apartment or building with a poor indoor climate can be an uncomfortable and unhealthy experience. A <a href="https://www.evia.eu/indoor-air-quality/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">healthy indoor climate</a> is simply a necessary luxury. Without it, numerous health problems can arise, from headaches and fatigue to annoying allergies.</p>



<p>In the old days, there was hardly a home free from draughts. You'd better have a pair of really good socks to keep warm. Nowadays, if you live in a newer apartment or building, we have tight moldings and windows and do what we can to save energy.</p>



<p>And if you're cold, you can just turn up the radiator. Or?</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-the-heating-system">Understanding the heating system</h2>





<p>Most apartments are equipped with radiators that heat the rooms. When it is cold outside, and the elements are on, they are warm at the top and cool at the bottom. This is because they cool down when heat is released into the room. The warm air rises from the radiator and warms the cold air from the windows, thus preventing cold drafts.</p>



<p>To maintain a constant temperature, radiators are usually equipped with thermostats, which sense the temperature and automatically regulate whether more or less heat is needed. Usually, the thermostats are set to maintain a temperature of around 20-22°C in living rooms, which most people find pleasing. If it gets warmer, the heat supply is cut off; if it gets colder, more heat is released.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hot-summer-day-or-freezing-cold-winter-weather">Hot summer day or freezing cold winter weather?</h2>



<p>The heating system in your apartment or building also depends on outdoor temperature variations. When there is a rapid change in the outdoor temperature, the indoor climate may be unable to keep up. This means that maintaining an even indoor temperature can be challenging during spring and autumn.</p>



<p>With <a href="https://kiona.com/products/edge">Edge</a> installed at your building association, the system automatically considers the variations of the external impact – and controls proactively. This way, the indoor climate is adapted in advance, creating a more even indoor climate across apartments.</p>





<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tips-for-a-better-indoor-environment">Tips for a better indoor environment</h2>



<p>If you're looking to improve the air in your living space, here are a few tips:</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-1-are-the-elements-on">1. Are the elements on?</h3>



<p>Check that the thermostats on the elements are not turned off to avoid spending unnecessary energy on extreme heating. A lower temperature baseline is better to keep the temperature more balanced over time.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-2-keep-ventilation-hatches-and-outdoor-air-vents-open">2. Keep ventilation hatches and outdoor air vents open</h3>



<p>Houses are built to have a continuous circulation of air. Therefore, many apartments have fresh air vents in the walls or windows. Closed vents mean that air enters the apartment in the wrong way. This, in turn, can cause unwanted smells from a neighboring apartment or a cold draft. In the worst case, you may have problems with moisture and mold.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-3-furnish-correctly">3. Furnish correctly</h3>



<p>The heat from the radiator needs free space to work. If a sofa or other large furniture is placed in front of your radiators, the heat will not reach the room. The same goes for large, long curtains.</p>



<p>If a table is placed next to the window, the cold draft is led into the room, and the radiator only heats the air under the table. If you want to furnish against a radiator, create some space.</p>



<p>The rule of thumb is that what you can see from a radiator can also warm you from where you are standing.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-4-want-to-let-in-fresh-air-do-it-quickly">4. Want to let in fresh air? Do it quickly.</h3>



<p>Ventilate quickly and remember to keep windows and doors closed; otherwise, you risk cold floors that take a long time to warm up again. If you want to bring in fresh air, it is better to ventilate with a cross draft for five minutes than to leave the windows open for a longer period.</p>



<p>This way, you get fresh air into the apartment without cooling it down completely, and you also get the temperature up faster afterward.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://kiona.com/app/uploads/2023/06/Woman-opening-window-dangrytsky-GettyImages-1400x800-1.jpg" alt="Woman opening windows for quick ventilation." class="wp-image-39384"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Get the fresh air in by opening the windows wide for a couple of minutes. Photo by Dangrystky / Getty Images</figcaption></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-5-clean-valves-regularly">5. Clean valves regularly</h3>



<p>Without changing the setting, make sure to clean the valves on your radiators regularly. The same goes for the grease filter in the cooker hood. Check that the cooker hood is turned off or set at a lower setting when not used, as it will draw in more cold air.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-if-it-still-doesn-t-help">If it still doesn't help</h2>



<p>Sometimes air or dirt gets into the heating system, and the elements don't work correctly. In some cases, the elements may need to be aired to work properly. If you have followed our tips but still feel too hot or too cold, we recommend checking your apartment's temperature first.</p>



<p>Measure the temperature one meter from the outer wall and about one meter from the floor. Contact the responsible person in your board or a manager for further action if you still experience an abnormal temperature.</p>

Indoor climate: too humid, dry or stuffy?

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<p>With the rise of Proptech, buildings are becoming increasingly interconnected through networks and IoT devices – and generate vast quantities of data. While this data can improve facility operations and efficiency, it also introduces big security risks if not properly safeguarded.</p>



<p>Consider the following scenario: Unauthorized individuals have managed to gain initial access to a system and gradually escalated their privileges through careful maneuvering, thus obtaining increasingly broader access to systems and sensitive data.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-is-cybersecurity-a-question-for-buildings">Why is cybersecurity a question for buildings?</h2>



<p>Every organization today stores sensitive data in some form or another. Smart buildings require building owners to understand the organization's data security needs as operations move to the cloud. Building systems are also collecting and storing more data than before – becoming even more attractive to attackers.</p>



<p>"It goes beyond the mere loss of data or the immediate financial impact of mitigating or containing an attack. The true reality is far more complex, and every organization must recognize the combined risks associated with reputational damage. Such damage can not only jeopardize new contract opportunities but also impact existing contractual agreements," says John-Helge Gantz, Information Security Manager at Kiona.</p>



<p>"Moreover, the consequences of non-compliance with or breaches of data protection regulations can have a profound and lasting impact on the overall financial sustainability of an organization."</p>





<p>Therefore, building owners need control over who can access data and how it is stored and protected by, for instance, third parties.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-local-installation-or-cloud-solution">Local installation or cloud solution?</h2>



<p>One common question when it comes to data security in buildings is whether it is better to use a local installation or a cloud-based solution. The truth is that there is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. Both options have pros and cons, and the security of each will depend on how well they are configured and maintained.</p>



<p>To compare the two, you have to work on the assumption that you have a local installation that is perfectly configured and a cloud solution that is perfectly configured. In that case, there is no big difference in basic security. It all comes down to how you handle moving from only managing technical equipment to taking on the IT role.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-can-you-work-with-security-in-your-facility">How can you work with security in your facility?</h2>



<p>With more than 55 000 buildings connected, we generate several billion data points every day, so it's safe to say cyber security is vital to us.</p>





<p>Implementing access control, using strong encryption to protect data, regularly updating software (and patching vulnerabilities), and training employees on best practices for data security, are some of the efforts you should pay attention to at your end.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-no-solution-is-more-secure-than-the-weakest-link">No solution is more secure than the weakest link</h3>



<p>And the weakest link is typically us humans. That's why it's essential to keep access control in mind. This will help ensure that only authorized personnel have access to your building's data and that a breach doesn't come from one of your passwords being found in a leak. To keep the bad guys out – you need a password strategy.</p>



<p>By implementing Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA), you add an additional layer of security. This reduces the system's likelihood of breaches based on human interactions, emotions, and blind trust.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://kiona.com/app/uploads/2023/05/John-Helge-office-AI-generated-1024x611.jpg" alt="AI generated photo of office in a building" class="wp-image-38855"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A picture is worth a thousand words, but with new tools, you can't be sure that what you see is the truth. The office in the background is entirely generated by AI. The flowers on the desk never existed. In the red shirt, John-Helge is real and works daily with security issues at Kiona.</figcaption></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-data-processing-agreements-dpa">Data processing agreements (DPA)</h3>





<p>The <a href="https://gdpr.eu/what-is-gdpr/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)</a> in Europe, the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), and other regulations have increased the focus on protecting personal data. And as a building owner who shares data with others, the division of responsibilities must be clear.</p>



<p>With a Data Processing Agreement based on the GDPR regulations, you have a secure starting point for an agreement with a supplier and a good knowledge of how data is handled.</p>



<p>A DPA establishes clear guidelines for a supplier's handling, storage, and data processing. It ensures that each party understands its responsibilities for data protection and implements security measures to prevent loss or misuse of data.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-minimize-risk-with-regular-updates">Minimize risk with regular updates</h3>



<p>Finally, it's important to keep your software up to date. Software updates often include patches for security vulnerabilities, so by keeping your software up to date, you can make sure that your building's data is as safe as possible.</p>



<p>Remember to stay aware of your exposure and attack surfaces. When you minimize the organization's exposure, you also decrease the threats and risks it faces.</p>

The building as a data source

Filip Lagerlöf

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<p>Energy efficiency and optimization have been high on the agenda of property owners over the past year. And in a volatile market where <a href="https://kiona.com/story/blog/overcome-climbing-energy-prices/">energy prices have</a> skyrocketed, and a recession is approaching, building managers need to review their existing technical installations.</p>



<p>Investing in solutions that control heating, ventilation, and water will help reduce operating costs and climate impact. It's about being able to measure and address a building's energy losses, which can be caused, among other things, by incorrect settings.</p>





<p>– By reviewing technical installations and investing more in older buildings, you can make big savings, says Richard Hållbus, a certified energy surveyor and energy expert at Ömangruppen in Växjö.</p>



<p><a href="https://www.omangruppen.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ömangruppen</a>, a certified partner, uses <a href="https://kiona.com/products/web-port/">Web Port</a> and <a href="https://kiona.com/products/energinet/">Energinet</a> to analyze and map their customers' energy use.</p>



<p>– We previously used an older SCADA platform that didn't have all the needed features. Therefore, we started looking for an alternative solution with a direct response, which we found in Web Port. Web Port is a solution that talks to many different languages. It has several ready-made drivers that can be connected to the existing control systems already in place. We can easily set up the functions we want when adjusting the buildings, Hållbus explains.</p>





<h2 id="h-better-data-collection-and-analysis"><strong>Better data collection and analysis</strong></h2>



<p>Hållbus shares that it is easier to analyze the data coming in from customers as it is automatically collected via APIs directly from the energy companies.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<p>In addition, reports to customers can easily be automated in Energinet. Automatic reporting frees up resources from collecting data so that more time can be spent making a sharper qualitative analysis. This also makes it easier to calculate energy efficiency savings. Through Web Port's interface (HMI), you get a good overview and can see how the building is doing in real-time.</p>





<p>Energinet, the energy management software, provides the building's energy data, energy use, and performance.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<p>– By using both Web Port and Energinet, we get many synergies. For example, we can directly measure the effect of adjustments made inside Web Port and then, with frequent intervals and higher resolution, see how the change in the values affects the energy consumption in Energinet.</p>



<p>Energinet is a unique analysis tool that offers many additional features. For example, you can easily set any key figure you are interested in, such as energy use per tonne produced if you run a factory.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://kiona.com/app/uploads/2022/04/Energinet-Dashboard-eng.jpg" alt="Energinet Dashboard" class="wp-image-9174"/><figcaption>See the most important data on your Energinet dashboard.</figcaption></figure>



<p>– Efficient energy optimization can inform the pricing of manufactured products. For example, you can see how much energy was used to produce a pastry, a window, or other energy-intensive products. This gives us a great tool to provide good insights for our customers.</p>



<h2 id="h-energy-mapping-reduced-costs"><strong>Energy mapping = reduced costs</strong></h2>



<p>Energy optimization is becoming increasingly important in today's real estate industry. Interest is growing as electricity trading and energy costs take an even larger slice of the operating cost pie.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<p>Industries do not have any special electricity trading subsidies, meaning electricity prices become acute when many people are stuck with old solutions. Energy mapping and energy efficiency can reduce running costs while increasing property value.    </p>



<p>– One real estate company chose to invest in the existing stock instead of buying new buildings and increased its energy and operational monitoring. Careful energy monitoring and alarm functions on the ventilation unit ensured that faults could be dealt with immediately without anyone having to visit the site, says Hålllbus.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Ömangruppen has just started to connect its customers to Web Port and Energinet. Today, more than 13 customers with about 30 buildings are connected.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<p>– We're just getting started, but most of our customers will be connected, and the goal is to have the whole system up and running by the end of 2022. Then we will also be able to gather all customer information in one place and post documents, reports, and information about where meters are located.</p>



<h2 id="h-turn-analysis-into-action"><strong>Turn analysis into action</strong></h2>



<p>Some customers have monthly readings on their consumption of district heating, electricity, and water used. They then receive a quarterly summary report. Other customers have special software installed with alarm functions that read the values every hour. In those cases, Energinet shows them immediately if something has happened, for example, if water consumption has been too high. This allows the action to be taken at an early stage.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote"><p>Web Port and Energinet help our customers to reduce their operating costs. It also adds value to the property. Depending on how many metering points we get access to, we can also help them fix problems before the damage becomes too extensive or costly.</p><cite><em>Richard Hållbus, Ömangruppen</em></cite></blockquote>



<p>–&nbsp; The recent rise in energy prices means that customers are more interested in investing in various solutions to improve energy efficiency and control of their properties. This will benefit them for a long time, not just now when energy prices are high, Hållbus concludes.</p>

The right tools for the job – Ömangruppen cuts customers' operating costs

Make sure your building management systems perform its very best

<p>In short, the Internet of Things (IoT) is the digital, connected universe of smart devices. These devices are embedded with internet connectivity and consist of hardware, such as sensors, that can communicate with people, the internet, and each other.</p>



<p>"The cloud," big data, and mobile technology enable these physical devices to collect and share data without human intervention. In our hyper-connected world, this data is used to record, monitor, and adjust every device interaction. The physical world meets the digital world – and they work together.</p>



<h2 id="h-examples-of-iot">Examples of IoT</h2>





<p>Most of us are well familiar with the technology. Perhaps the best example is your "smart home," where you can control light, sound, security, and heating through your mobile.</p>



<p>Various businesses already use this technology, such as automotive workshops where your car can send data about mileage and error messages before your appointment. Or in the automation industry, where sensors in a factory can collect data on pressure, air, humidity, and equipment in use – and optimize the interaction between different units.</p>



<h2 id="h-how-can-iot-create-smart-buildings">How can IoT create smart buildings?</h2>



<p>Buildings are a large expense for most businesses, so it's no surprise that owners and managers are constantly looking for new ways to make them more efficient.</p>



<p>IoT technology is also becoming more common in residential properties (housing associations and condominiums), although there is still huge untapped potential in connecting these buildings to the cloud.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://kiona.com/app/uploads/2022/11/interconnection-buildings-utilities-cities-EN.png" alt="Buildings: 
* Fully automated digital buildings
* Fully integrated building controls.
* Open architecture
* Analysis and reporting
* Connectivity of devices
* Network of ubiquitous sensors

Utilities:
* Optimized use of capacity
* Smart metering
* Energy price signals
* Energy storage
* Sensing and measurement

Cities:
* Interconnectivity between  buildings and communities
* Smart service, delivery
* IP networks and broadband
* Interconnected smart metering" class="wp-image-23799"/><figcaption><em>Buildings, utilities, and cities are interconnected, and there are large opportunities for value creation within each field and in the integration between them.</em></figcaption></figure>



<p>Within building management, IoT makes it possible to manage processes and productivity so that you can take the proper measures to increase energy efficiency or reduce emissions. Not to forget, IoT helps improve the indoor climate by keeping a more stable indoor temperature. Which also tends to decrease complaints related to indoor temperature.</p>



<p>Integrating IoT into existing building systems gives property owners, technicians, and energy companies greater opportunity to monitor and adjust consumption, seamlessly and immediately. </p>





<p>When you connect the&nbsp;<strong>IoT devices</strong>&nbsp;to an AI-based&nbsp;<strong>IoT platform</strong>, such as&nbsp;<a href="https://kiona.com/products/edge/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Edge</a>, this platform can analyze the data from sensors and automatically visualize and optimize energy use. With real-time analytics about the building structure, external impact, and better data material, the result is a building where every component can work much better. This is often reflected in lower energy usage, better indoor climate, and less waste.</p>



<span class="hs-cta-wrapper" id="hs-cta-wrapper-9a3dc18a-dd1a-4878-87c0-7caa5a5bdc16"><span class="hs-cta-node hs-cta-9a3dc18a-dd1a-4878-87c0-7caa5a5bdc16" id="hs-cta-9a3dc18a-dd1a-4878-87c0-7caa5a5bdc16"><a href="https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/8805657/9a3dc18a-dd1a-4878-87c0-7caa5a5bdc16" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="hs-cta-img" id="hs-cta-img-9a3dc18a-dd1a-4878-87c0-7caa5a5bdc16" style="border-width:0px;" height="330" width="700" src="https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/8805657/9a3dc18a-dd1a-4878-87c0-7caa5a5bdc16.png" alt="Look what Edge can do for you!"></a></span><script charset="utf-8" src="https://js.hscta.net/cta/current.js"></script><script type="text/javascript"> hbspt.cta.load(8805657, '9a3dc18a-dd1a-4878-87c0-7caa5a5bdc16', {"useNewLoader":"true","region":"na1"}); </script></span>



<div style="height:40px" aria-hidden="true" class="wp-block-spacer"></div>



<p>Independent and flexible IoT platforms create a&nbsp;<strong>seamless interaction</strong>&nbsp;between internal and external factors – with little helpers who work around the clock to create smart buildings.</p>



<h2 id="h-benefits-of-extra-smart-buildings">Benefits of (extra) smart buildings</h2>



<p>What once forced technicians to make expensive on-site visits can now be addressed digitally, often before it becomes an issue. While most buildings today have some smartness, the difference lies in the flexibility of different solutions. While some are more open and independent, others are more locked.</p>



<p>Using algorithms,&nbsp;<a href="https://kiona.com/solutions/building-management/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">our solutions</a>&nbsp;will continuously monitor your building and react when something isn't working correctly. This can be both&nbsp;<strong>physical faults</strong>&nbsp;and when something can be tweaked to make it&nbsp;<strong>more efficient</strong>. You detect non-conformances faster and don't have to spend time on follow-up and analysis.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<p><strong>More benefits:</strong></p>



<ul><li>IoT provides a faster basis for decision-making, <a href="https://kiona.com/story/blog/understanding-energy-efficiency-paves-the-way-for-order/">with weight in data so that you make the right choices</a>.</li><li>Make it easier to identify bottlenecks that reduce efficiency so you can improve processes.</li><li>Reduces downtime due to unscheduled maintenance or equipment failure.</li></ul>

Smart buildings and the Internet of Things (IoT)

Jostein Markussen

Want to stay on top of your air quality? Check out our building management solutions.

<p>Building owners naturally want their tenants to be happy. If you manage a building, you probably feel partially responsible for ensuring this is the case. Because not only do people dislike bad air – it quite simply makes them less productive. It can even be harmful to health. With these tips, you can achieve your (indoor) climate goals – and save energy in the process.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-get-an-overview">Get an overview</h2>



<p>One obvious first step is to have a place to check the air quality. If you have the right components in the building, it should be easy to visualize – and easy to measure.&nbsp;</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://kiona.com/app/uploads/2022/11/IWMAC-floor-plan-office.png" alt="Floor plan overview with temperature settings in IWMAC." class="wp-image-22621"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image: The room overview in <a href="https://kiona.com/products/iwmac/">IWMAC</a> makes zone control a breeze.</figcaption></figure>



<p>"If you have a large building with lots of offices and meeting rooms, it can be difficult to check the air quality manually. An all too common way to solve this is simply to cross your fingers and wait until someone calls to complain. But if you want the people in your building to be happy, you can't always be reactive. And if you're going to keep on top of the issue, you need an overview," says Jostein Markussen of Kiona.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-monitor-the-parameters">Monitor the parameters</h2>



<p>The air quality in a room is a combination of several parameters: the actual volume of air entering the room, the amount of CO<sub>2</sub>, dust particles, and so on. But when people complain about "bad air," it's often the <em>temperature </em>they are truly unhappy with.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"That's something that can be a challenge for anyone in charge. If the temperature is too high, people may perceive it as poor air quality when it isn't. To be able to take the appropriate action, you need to know what the problem really is," says Jostein, who adds that the sensors on the market are getting better:&nbsp;</p>



<p>"Today's sensors can give you precise information about the parameters contributing to air quality. At Kiona, you can <a href="https://www.airthings.com/en/business" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">integrate Airthings</a>, which measures everything from temperature and air pressure to volatile organic compounds (VOC) and radon, to take this one step further."&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-make-sure-you-re-notified">Make sure you're notified</h2>



<p>If you want to be able to solve the problem before people start calling to complain, you need to be notified in time. With smart logic, you can automatically receive a notification when a specific parameter goes above or below certain limits – whether it's official limits or those of the building owner. You need to monitor and be notified about plenty of things: Is the air coming in where it should be? Is the ventilation system starting at the right time? Is it delivering the right volume of air?&nbsp;</p>



<p>"All these things affect both the air quality and energy consumption. If the capacity of a system isn't good enough, you need to be warned. The same is true if a filter is blocked. Remember that this results in both poorer air quality and increased energy consumption. But if you don't have monitoring with notifications, you won't know until someone complains. Or when you get your electricity bill," says Jostein.&nbsp;</p>





<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-zone-control-is-valuable">Zone control is valuable</h2>



<p>Zone control is an approach that saves you energy costs – without compromising on air quality. A lot of people working from home at the moment? Maybe you can close the valve for specific zones to supply less air to them. That means lower energy consumption while still maintaining the indoor climate. Meeting and conference rooms that are only used occasionally? Providing ventilation around the clock is a waste of energy.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"It doesn't just have to be about ventilation either. If your heating is connected to and controlled by the same system, you can turn it on and off as needed. You can trigger it through sensors or systems for room bookings," says Jostein.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"It's better for the indoor climate, better for your wallet, and better for the environment."&nbsp;</p>

How to ensure a perfect indoor climate

Contact us

Want to know how you can capture the energy thieves in your building?

<p>The minds behind Kiona have been in pursuit of energy thieves for almost two decades. Over this time, we have identified several eager repeat offenders. Here are the usual suspects.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 id="h-1-the-ventilation-system-the-suspect-is-well-known"><strong>1. The ventilation system – the suspect is well known.</strong>&nbsp;</h2>



<p>At Kiona, we often find that customers are stunned when they see the energy calculations for their building. They are often in the dark about the substantial potential for making savings. The ventilation system is nearly always mixed up in this affair.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"The most common event is that the system is running around the clock or has too much uptime. It's important to remember that you're not only trying to save energy but that you need to distribute load across the 24-hour day so that you avoid expensive energy tariffs. At the same time, you should never compromise on air quality. All this requires a lot of logic," says Jostein Markussen from Kiona.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 id="h-2-valve-leaks-energy-straight-down-the-drain"><strong>2. Valve leaks – energy straight down the drain.</strong></h2>



<p>Leaky valves is yet another repeat offender. It is an extensive system, most frequently comprising several valves open for warm water and one for cold water. If the valve on your cooling coil is leaking, this is compensated for by adding more heat. Over time, this can all add up to a terrifying energy bill.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"The problem here is that a fault like this isn't always easy to spot because there may be something physically wrong with the valve. The imaging and systems may be telling you everything is all nice and fine and sealed. It's only when you analyze the temperature graphs that you see that things aren't how they should be," says Markussen. He also adds:&nbsp;</p>



<p>"We can carry out this kind of analysis on your behalf completely automatically. Using <a href="https://kiona.com/products/iwmac/">IWMAC</a>/<a href="https://kiona.com/products/web-port/">Web Port</a>, we can set up rules to look for abnormal temperature fluctuations through autonomous systems. You'll then be notified if something has gone wrong – or if it happens in the future."&nbsp;</p>



<h2 id="h-3-district-heating-snow-melting-facility-cunning-swindlers"><strong>3. District heating/ snow melting facility – cunning swindlers.</strong>&nbsp;</h2>





<p>A snow-melting facility around an entrance or loading bay can be worth its weight in gold for businesses in the northern hemisphere that experiences heavy snow and ice in winter. However, it can cost the earth if you don't control it properly. The more energy-intensive a system is, the more critical it is to optimize it to the exact details. Many facilities like this are left running for longer than they need to be.&nbsp;</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><img src="https://kiona.com/app/uploads/2022/10/System_installed_snowless_Brandenburg_Germany.jpeg" alt="System installed snowless, Brandenburg, Germany" class="wp-image-21393" width="800" height="563"/><figcaption>Snowmelt system installed in Brandenburg, Germany. Photo: Saninfo1993, <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0">CC BY-SA 4.0</a>, via Wikimedia Commons</figcaption></figure>



<p>A typical solution is to use a snow detector. Such detectors can notify the system when it discovers snow or ice. However, suppose you combine this with <a href="https://kiona.com/products/iwmac/smart-functions/forecast-based-control/">forecast-based control</a> considering data from the Meteorological Institute. In that case, you can start preheating to prevent any snow or ice from settling.&nbsp;</p>



<p>In some cases, the caretaker manually controls snow melting based on the weather forecast. This method is rarely the most effective way to manage the system.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"It might have been good enough to let the system come on at 3 a.m. instead of turning it on the evening before, or it could be turned off if the weather forecast was for snow to turn sunny and above freezing later on. That kind of smart forecast-based control can save a lot of money over time."&nbsp;</p>



<p>Our very own Ståle Eriksen has his own story to share about a customer:&nbsp;</p>



<p>"We had a customer who had their ground heating running over the summer, costing them 5 000 EUR every month. The problem is that people don't know about it. They might be told that something is broken, but what about when it's just burning through your cash? You have to actively monitor it, and most people don't have time for that."</p>



<h2 id="h-4-the-heat-regenerator-is-your-excess-heat-going-up-in-smoke"><strong>4. The heat regenerator – is your excess heat going up in smoke?</strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;</h2>



<p>If your building has a heat pump or your store features a cooling and freezing system, you have a heat regenerator. It enables you to do something useful with your excess heat. If you don't need it, it goes up to the roof and straight into the sky.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"Unfortunately, this is something that we find is happening all too often. Many don't have good enough systems in place to notify them or override their heat regenerator if a need elsewhere in the building appears. That's as wasteful as it gets," says Eriksen.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 id="h-the-world-s-best-investigator-and-caretaker"><strong>The world's best investigator – and caretaker</strong></h2>



<p>Common to all of these thieves is that they are pretty easy to seize – if you know where to look. The problem is that even if you have an excellent overview of your energy use, you do not necessarily know whether it is as low as it could be.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"Simply having an overview often gives you a false sense of security. The full benefit of your overview requires either specialist expertise or regular analysis. It takes time, and no matter what, things can always happen after you have left for the day. How many people review the history and check out that kind of thing?" asks Markussen.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"Maybe you only run an analysis when you perform your monthly review of the EMS system (<em>Energy Management System</em>) or when you get your electricity bill? But by then, the invoice is already due for payment."&nbsp;</p>





<p>The solution is as simple as it is ingenious. Using Kiona's smart, data-driven limits, the system can capture whether the building is being wasteful – and notify you of the problem.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"They analyze your consumption on an ongoing basis so that you spot when something isn't working as it should. This encompasses both physical faults and when something can be tweaked to make it more efficient. We refer to these functions as "the caretaker that never sleeps" because they not only let you know, but they try to fix the problem themselves through applying logic," says Markussen.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"This way, you can simply ensure that your building uses as little energy as possible without compromising anywhere else."&nbsp;</p>

4 common energy thieves – and how to deal with them

Christian Grotkopp

Want to hear more about this project?

Find your solution

Looking to make energy savings in your buildings?

Eichmann Property Management GmbH

Results

We are convinced by the Kiona service: annual savings higher than the cost (including installation effort), a continuous overview of the boiler room, and remote control of the supply temperature (no on-site appointment necessary). Also, mold problems can be cleared up more easily.

Asset Manager

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-good-for-the-indoor-climate-good-for-the-environment">Good for the indoor climate, good for the environment. </h2>



<p>Already in 2016, Eichmann Property Management GmbH <em>(Original: Eichmann Grundstücksverwaltung GmbH) </em>started testing our <a href="https://kiona.com/products/edge/">IoT and AI platform, Edge</a>, in two of their buildings in Berlin. </p>



<p>Apart from the pure cost saving, two additional positive aspects were highlighted at the start of the project. First was the benefit for the environment through reduced consumption. And second, the comfort of continuous monitoring of the boiler room. This means you can simplify the follow-up of existing system technology and detect errors earlier. A strategic investment to create a more well-rounded indoor climate.</p>



<p>Through effective and continuous follow-up with Edge, around 1800 EUR/year was saved in the two buildings. Several errors were discovered during the first 12 months. Flaws in both heating systems were found, which were gradually corrected. Overall, the optimization meant that the tenants would benefit from reduced heating costs. This also helps save the environment from unnecessary emissions.</p>



<p>In addition to reducing energy consumption, the constant overview of what was happening in the boiler room was an important reason for the landlord to invest. Based on the experience gained, the facility manager decided in 2017 to expand with 17 additional buildings connected to Edge.</p>



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">
<p>This project shows how ecological and social factors can be reconciled. And last but not least, it pays off financially.</p>
<cite>Janot Dohrmann<br>Energy Expert, Kiona</cite></blockquote>

Ståle Eriksen

Get to grips with energy management. On our blog, you will find energy optimization and management content suitable for novices and energy experts. Find blog posts, use cases and videos on energy analysis, energy optimization, and reporting, just as relevant for commercial buildings, public works and industrial buildings as for housing cooperatives or multi-residential properties.

Energy Management

<p>Warm buildings, good ventilation, hot water, immediate lighting, and great coffee – energy means a lot to us. It keeps technologies running and indoor climates pleasant, and all require power.&nbsp;</p>



<p>While experts continue to predict that energy charges will rise – it seems to leave many of us facing cloudy times in the future. Our heating systems also work a little extra as the weather gets colder. And if you're reaching summertime, our cooling systems must push a bit more.</p>



<h2 class="has-medium-font-size" id="h-good-interplay-can-slash-bills" style="font-style:normal;font-weight:700"><strong>Good interplay can slash bills</strong></h2>



<p>We must eradicate "power thieves" and keep power loads under control to <a href="https://kiona.com/products/iwmac/smart-functions/">stop the electricity bills from running wild</a>.</p>



<p>"Controlling the interplay between cooling and heating is worth its weight in gold when it comes to reducing bills, as well as controlling the related automatic systems. Control prevents money being thrown out of the window with the various sources of heating and cooling working against each other," says Ståle Eriksen, Key Account Manager at Kiona.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<p>He adds that many "obvious things" aren't discovered until it's too late.</p>



<p>"Monitoring systems manually requires masses of attention. The to-do list is often long. Having control of all the various systems' cloud-configured' means there is no need to worry. When it's minus 20 outside, air conditioning and cooling won't be running. Heating and snow-melting systems won't be on in the middle of summer."</p>



<h2 class="has-medium-font-size" style="font-style:normal;font-weight:700"><strong>Power tricks that work</strong></h2>



<p>Control systems use logic and fixed threshold values to interpret incoming operating data and use them to adjust temperatures, start/stop equipment and smooth out power curves. They do this primarily before we users would notice anything.</p>





<p>Implementing measures that affect costs requires timely data.</p>



<p>"We set up rules to enable all connected systems to work 'smarter.' They then optimize, streamline and proactively give notifications of adjustments that can save energy. This means direct savings on the bill," Eriksen explains.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="has-medium-font-size" style="font-style:normal;font-weight:700"><strong>Reduce energy consumption with efficient control</strong></h2>



<p>Naturally enough, the length of use and the power demanded by technical equipment affect how much energy we consume. Yet, if we are not aware of how much energy we are using, we can't know if we are underperforming or if it's possible to improve.</p>



<p>Electrical devices often present heavy power loads when they are heating. Fortunately, we do not have to run our coffee makers for long periods. Other small things can also help cut consumption. Examples include turning off unnecessary lights, heating via cooling systems' surplus heat (rather than electricity), and using some time/need/weather-report controlled ventilation.</p>



<p>"It's not just these things either. Intelligent control of installations also makes life easier for any building's technical crew. Faults can be detected sooner and time spent on more important things." "Again, without having to worry too much about the bills, energy-efficient control still gives us good, warm buildings in the middle of winter. With a little luck, we can also leave our extra sweaters in their drawers a little longer," concludes Eriksen.</p>

How can we overcome skyrocketing energy prices?

Marcus Sundberg

Find your contact

Contact your Key Account Manager to know more

IWMAC

Check out release notes for Kiona products. Be the first to know when we publish updates to our software or create new features. Get a summary of new product releases and see the improvements made to existing products.

Product updates

<h5 id="h-product-iwmac"><strong>Product: </strong>IWMAC</h5>



<h5><strong>New: </strong>Outlook integration</h5>



<p>You can now connect to <a href="https://kiona.com/products/iwmac/">IWMAC</a> through your Microsoft Outlook calendar. </p>



<ul><li>See upcoming bookings directly in IWMAC.&nbsp;</li><li>Everyone who has access to use a meeting room, event space, or similar can do this the same way you would typically book a meeting in Outlook.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</li></ul>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://kiona.com/app/uploads/2022/08/IWMAC-Outlook-integration-time-schedule-1024x565.jpg" alt="Oulook intergation for IWMAC" class="wp-image-15836"/><figcaption>IWMAC's Time Schedule is connected to your team's Outlook calendar for easy zone management.</figcaption></figure>



<p>It can be used in many different cases, for example:</p>



<p>IWMAC works to prepare the space by making sure you get the right temperature at the right time, based on set values. You can adjust these according to your wishes and needs.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<p>The Outlook integration can be an asset both when you want to book a meeting space or turn on the lights of your local sports team's football pitch. Here we meet advanced automation with a simple user interface such as Outlook.&nbsp;All these events can then be booked through outlook and have different pre-defined settings in IWMAC&nbsp;</p>



<p>This means that you can avoid using an unnecessary amount of energy. The system calculates how many hours in advance one must preheat or cool to reach the set point at the correct time.&nbsp;</p>

IWMAC: Outlook integration

Want to create the most flexible building going forward?

<p>Recently, office buildings have been more or less empty, office rents are decreasing, and more people are seeing great benefits from continuing to work from home. How flexible is your building when working patterns vary day by day?</p>



<h2 id="h-when-50-becomes-10">When 50 becomes 10</h2>



<p>How many people are in the building – or rather: how many are not there – plays a big role in managing indoor climate and energy use. A good tip is to not heat the whole building if there are only a few in one area. Maybe you can also put the brakes on the ventilation system without compromising the indoor climate.&nbsp;</p>



<p>An advantage of <a href="https://kiona.com/products/iwmac/">IWMAC</a> is that it is easy to adjust and customize the building. With IoT sensors, you can add new technology to an existing system without spending money on wiring and installation. Money saved is money earned, especially when you can make existing automation even smarter.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 id="h-energy-saving-made-easy">Energy-saving made easy</h2>



<p>There is already plenty to think about without adding energy costs to the list. Many people find it challenging to keep track of energy costs, energy use, and optimization of the technical setup of the building. With an energy monitoring system, the job becomes a little easier. Then you can be sure that you don't use more energy than necessary.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Because when your electricity bill needs to be taken care of, you shouldn't have to be on-site to make a change. Why not let IWMAC's intelligent SCADA system be in control? If you weigh up the energy costs, the investment probably pays for itself.&nbsp;</p>



<p>It makes moving the office several miles away a little easier, right?</p>