Software and APIs

Many of the OEM vendor IoT devices such as building management systems, building energy systems, and building automation systems have computing capabilities contained within a system. Custom and often proprietary software computer programs compile and analyze data, provide visualization methods, and deliver commands to physical devices such as controllers and actuators to perform an action, such as opening or closing an air damper.

In a smart building environment, our goal is to connect and control many of these systems and to give building owners, operators, and occupants direct access and control within perimeters. Many of the applications we discussed in part one of this book require customized software to collect and analyze data and perform any specific actions required. Like smart home applications that control lighting and temperature, specific software programs are needed to operate smart features in a building.

Often, these application programs are...