Process optimisation requires intelligence

Many support services were provided by three separate teams. After the integration, these activities had to be entrusted to a single team. This exercise makes it possible to simultaneously examine and adapt the processes, as well as to determine which tasks are better organised internally and which can be outsourced.

Furthermore, it was investigated how the space could be used optimally by applying flexible workstations. "How can maximum comfort be created?"

This led to the realisation that the building would need some intelligence to achieve the set targets. After all, the office complex of tomorrow uses 'integrated workplace management solutions' (IWMS).

Ideally, such an approach would be fed by data coming from both the users and the building.

Ideally, the decision to aim for a Smart Building is made in the preliminary stages of a project. In this project, however, the decision was only taken when the refurbishment work was already in full swing. Even though this is not the ideal scenario, there is often still "low hanging fruit" to be harvested, so that with minimal additional investment, large profits can be made. It is then important to perfectly map out the possibilities and optimization points. That is why Freestone has already worked for many years with Ingenium, an engineering company which specialises in, among other things, building and installation audits.

Tangible benefits of comfort optimisation

The benefits of comfort optimisation are more difficult to express in euros. But the benefits are numerous: greater productivity, less sick leave, more creativity, greater motivation, and so on.

The analysis in the context of making the Galilee building "smart", was noticed by the management team. For budgetary reasons, the investments will be made gradually.

It is not necessary to carry out all the desired changes at once. However, it is important that choices made today are part of a broader, future-oriented strategy.