Introduction

In the modern digitised environment, customer expectations are changing dramatically as a result of automation and technology. Thus, firms are taking a leap to adopt modern technologies that are not only speedier and more adaptable but also useful in delivering a truly wonderful client experience. The retail and mall business has been positively affected and has undergone a true revolution with building automation systems and strategies, just as the Internet of Things (IoT) marks the dawn of a new era. This has resulted in a significant change in how stores interact with their customers today.

Are you a mall owner looking to create a unique shopping experience for your customers? If so, then implementing an effective building automation system is the way to go. Building automation systems offer a wide range of features that can help you create an unforgettable shopping experience for your customers. It goes without saying that offering a fantastic end-user experience and the useful insights that can be obtained from IoT-based building automation system implementation are gradually becoming requirements for large infrastructures. Thus, it becomes necessary to realign business strategy in order to develop “connected and integrated” business models that would eventually aid in better addressing the shifting customer dynamics. In this article, we’ll go into further detail on how to use an efficient building automation system to create a unique retail shopping experience.

Building Automation System – Explained!

A Building Automation System (BAS) is an intelligent control system installed in buildings that controls and monitors the building’s mechanical and electrical equipment such as ventilation, lighting, power systems, fire systems, and security systems. The BAS allows for centralised monitoring and control of all these systems from a single point, and can be used to save energy and increase efficiency. The system can also be used to monitor and control the environment within the building, such as temperature, humidity, and air quality. The BAS can also be used to alert occupants to potential emergencies, such as fire or carbon monoxide levels. The system can also be used to control the access of people and vehicles into the building.

In fact, a building’s operations should be controlled and monitored in the most efficient way possible for the tenants and/or businesses using a building automation system. Modern building automation systems are built around clever controllers that may be programmed to perform a variety of control tasks. By utilising multiple controllers, each responsible for a specific component, building automation systems can effectively monitor and manage all aspects of building operations. This level of control and automation provides significant advantages for building owners and occupants.

Benefits of Building Automation Systems in Mall/Retail Industry

Building Automation Systems (BAS) have become increasingly popular in the mall and retail industry due to the many benefits they offer. One of the main advantages is improved energy efficiency, which leads to cost savings and a reduced carbon footprint. BAS can automatically control lighting, heating, and cooling systems based on occupancy and outside weather conditions. This ensures that energy is only used when necessary, resulting in lower utility bills.

Another benefit of BAS in the mall and retail industries is enhanced security and safety. BAS can integrate with security systems to monitor and control access to different areas of the building, as well as detect and respond to potential safety hazards such as fires, gas leaks, and floods.

Imagine a large shopping mall with multiple stores and areas that require different levels of heating, cooling, and lighting. With a Building Automation System (BAS), the mall management can program the system to adjust the temperature and lighting in different zones based on occupancy and time of day. For instance, the BAS can automatically turn off lights in unoccupied areas and reduce heating or cooling when the mall is closed. This can result in significant energy savings and reduced utility bills for the mall.

Why are Building Automation Systems Necessary for Mall-based Shopping?

Building automation systems (BAS) are necessary for mall-based shopping due to the complex and dynamic nature of the environment. A mall is a large commercial building with various interconnected systems that require constant monitoring and control to maintain optimal performance, ensure occupant comfort, and reduce energy costs. A BAS can integrate and automate these systems, such as HVAC, lighting, security, and fire safety, into a centralised platform for effective management and operation.

One example of how a BAS benefits mall-based shopping is through energy management. A mall is a high-energy consumption facility due to its size and the number of occupants and activities. A BAS can regulate and optimise the HVAC and lighting systems based on occupancy levels, time of day, and other factors to reduce energy waste and costs. For instance, the BAS can adjust the temperature and airflow in specific zones according to occupancy patterns to avoid overcooling or overheating empty spaces. The lighting system can also be programmed to turn off or dim in unoccupied areas, or to respond to daylight and occupancy sensors.

Another example is the integration of security and fire safety systems.In a shopping mall, there are numerous entry and exit points, parking lots, and public areas that require continuous monitoring and access control. With BAS, the security personnel can monitor the activities at all entry and exit points, and control access to the mall. For example, the access control system can use biometric identification methods such as facial recognition or fingerprint scanning to allow entry only to authorised personnel.

Additionally, BAS can be used to monitor the entire building for any potential fire hazards. Smoke detectors, heat sensors, and other fire safety equipment can be integrated with the BAS to ensure that the fire safety system is continuously monitored, and any potential fire is detected at the earliest possible stage.

How do Building Automation Systems in Shopping Malls offer the Finest Customer Experience?

Customers today explore every Internet tool to find the best deals. The new-age consumer is highly tech-savvy and is keen on exploiting every digital tool to enrich their life experiences. This includes social media, mobile, e-commerce, and in-store shopping. Consequently, the job of a marketer nowadays is considerably more difficult. However, as they focus their efforts on ramping up, building automation systems and IoT integration is assisting them in gaining perspective on this new buyer mindset and the mall experience. That being said, here are some ways BAS can provide the finest customer experience in shopping malls:

Comfortable Shopping Environment:

Building Automation Systems can ensure a comfortable shopping environment by monitoring and controlling the temperature, humidity, and air quality within the shopping mall. This includes maintaining appropriate temperature levels and humidity levels to ensure that customers are comfortable while shopping. Additionally, BAS can control the ventilation systems to ensure that the air quality is maintained at healthy levels.Building Automation Systems can help to automate HVAC systems in shopping malls to maintain a comfortable shopping environment. HVAC automation can ensure that temperature and humidity levels are maintained at appropriate levels, while also providing energy savings by optimising the usage of HVAC systems. HVAC automation can also help in improving indoor air quality, reducing maintenance and repair costs, and extending the lifespan of HVAC equipment.

In shopping malls, HVAC automation can help to create different zones for heating and cooling, based on occupancy levels, time of day, and outdoor weather conditions. For example, during peak hours when there are more customers in the mall, the HVAC system can increase the airflow to maintain comfortable temperatures. Conversely, during off-peak hours, when there are fewer customers, the HVAC system can adjust the temperature and reduce energy consumption.

Effective Security

BAS can integrate with access control systems, and fire alarms to provide a secure and safe shopping environment for customers. This includes monitoring the access control systems to detect any suspicious entry or behaviour within the mall. In case of an emergency such as a fire, the BAS can automatically notify the fire department and the mall security team. Access control systems can also be integrated with the BAS to ensure that only authorised personnel are allowed into sensitive areas of the mall. All of these measures work together to ensure the safety of customers and provide them with peace of mind while they shop.

Reduced Energy Costs

BAS can optimise energy consumption by monitoring and controlling the HVAC systems, lighting systems, and other energy-consuming systems within the shopping mall. This includes adjusting the temperature levels based on occupancy levels, so that energy is not wasted when there are fewer customers in the mall. Additionally, BAS can monitor the energy consumption of various systems and equipment and identify areas where energy can be saved. For example, by using energy-efficient lighting systems, the mall can save on electricity bills while still providing sufficient lighting levels to customers.

Access Control

Access control systems can help to secure shopping malls and provide a safe and secure shopping environment for customers. Access control systems can include door locks, gates, barriers, turnstiles, and other physical access control mechanisms that restrict access to sensitive areas within the mall.

Building Automation Systems can integrate with access control systems to provide better control and management of access. For example, the BAS can be used to monitor and control the access to various parts of the mall, such as loading docks, restricted storage areas, and other sensitive areas. The BAS can also generate alerts and notifications in case of unauthorised access or security breaches. Access control systems can help to prevent theft, vandalism, and other security incidents, thereby providing a safer and more secure shopping environment for customers.

Building Air Quality

Building air quality can have a significant impact on the health and wellbeing of customers in shopping malls. Poor air quality can lead to respiratory problems, allergies, and other health issues, while good air quality can help to create a comfortable and healthy shopping environment for customers.

Building Automation Systems can help to monitor and control air quality in shopping malls. BAS can monitor air quality parameters such as CO2, temperature, humidity, and pollutants and take appropriate actions to maintain good air quality. For example, the BAS can increase ventilation in areas where air quality is poor.

BAS can also monitor and control the air filtration systems in the mall to ensure that the air is filtered and purified before being circulated. This can help to remove allergens, pollutants, and other harmful particles from the air, improving air quality and creating a healthier shopping environment for customers. Good air quality can lead to increased customer satisfaction, a more pleasant shopping experience, and improved sales for the mall.

Elevator and Escalator Monitoring

Building Automation Systems can also be used for elevator and escalator monitoring in shopping malls. Elevators and escalators are essential components of shopping malls, providing customers with easy and convenient access to different floors and areas of the mall. However, elevator and escalator downtime can cause significant inconvenience to customers and negatively impact their shopping experience.

In the event of an elevator or escalator malfunction, the BAS can generate alerts and notifications, allowing maintenance personnel to quickly address the problem and minimise downtime. This can help to ensure that customers have uninterrupted access to different floors and areas of the mall, leading to a more positive shopping experience.

Furthermore, by monitoring the usage patterns of elevators and escalators, Building Automation Systems can optimise their usage, improving energy efficiency and reducing maintenance costs. This can help shopping malls to save money while also providing customers with a reliable and convenient means of transportation within the mall.