An recent article published in Consulting-Specifying Engineer explores the evolution of smart buildings from collections of discrete systems into integrated data platforms, co-authored by team members from The Clarient Group and CannonDesign.

The piece outlines a practical approach to integration that prioritizes the aggregation and normalization of existing building system data—particularly from access control, occupancy-related sources, and core operational systems—into a unified data layer. Rather than introducing new devices, this strategy focuses on unlocking value from data that is already being generated across the building ecosystem.

By structuring and validating these datasets, owners and operators can analyze patterns in occupancy, traffic flow, and system utilization, enabling more informed decisions around HVAC scheduling, cleaning services, and overall building performance. The result is a more responsive and efficient operating environment, driven by data rather than assumptions.

Read the full article here: Smart Buildings: The new integration platform