ISS Group adopts IBM Watson for Internet of Things smart buildings projects

Watson machine learning technology intended to make sense of data collected from millions of sensors

Facilities management company ISS Group is adopting IBM's Watson IoT to help it add smart capabilities to the management of more than 25,000 buildings that it looks after around the world.

The Danish company will use IBM's cognitive computing platform for the Internet of Things to integrate and analyse data from millions of devices and sensors embedded into buildings with smart capabilities.

The data will be uploaded to the cloud platform that underpins Watson IoT, and will then be analysed using cognitive computing technology to provide insights and actions that ISS can take to optimise the services it provides to the buildings and gain a better understanding of how people use buildings.

For example, data from sensors in doors and entrance areas can tell a real estate manager how many people are in a building at any one time, and sensors on plate dispensers can inform kitchen staff how many people are still likely to need to eat, which helps in preparing the right amount of food and avoiding waste.

Jeff Gravenhorst, CEO of ISS, noted that Watson IoT can deliver more than just the ability to reduce costs, and can empower staff and deliver services more efficiently.

"In today's highly competitive market, managing and servicing buildings should no longer just be about cost," he said.

"With a dashboard overview of key building metrics displayed on mobile devices, facility managers will benefit from an integrated, real-time view of the services and supplies in their buildings, enabling them to adopt a more proactive, flexible and responsive approach to building management and customised service delivery.

"Putting real time data into the hands of service staff will foster more attentive and service-minded employees, supporting our customers in achieving their priorities. Putting a ‘human touch' in buildings increases employee productivity, decreases absenteeism and makes a better impression on visitors."

Watson's cognitive computing capabilities are finding their way into an increasing number of smart and internet-connected devices, including a 3D-printed electric driverless car.