The demand for unified management solutions that integrate various devices and systems on a single platform is growing. Armatura’s Intelligent Operations Center (IOC) addresses this need with a highly integrative, customizable, and cyber-secure platform.
As buildings become increasingly complex and interconnected, managing their various systems has become a daunting challenge. Traditionally, security, building management and elevator control systems have operated in silos, hindering situational awareness and operational efficiency.
This challenge is particularly evident in the limitations of traditional building management systems (BMS), which have primarily focused on high-voltage electrical systems, often neglecting extra-low voltage (ELV) and intelligent systems. This siloed approach has contributed to the difficulties faced by modern building operators.
The demand for unified management solutions that integrate various devices and systems on a single platform is growing. Armatura’s Intelligent Operations Center (IOC) addresses this need with a highly integrative, customizable, and cyber-secure platform. This article explores the key features, applications, and benefits of the IOC in meeting the security and building management needs of users.
Armatura Intelligent Operations Center
To address these challenges, Armatura developed the Intelligent Operations Center (IOC). “Our IOC platform integrates cutting-edge technologies including artificial intelligence (AI), digital twins, Internet of Things (IoT), and building information modeling (BIM). This integration forms the backbone of a sophisticated decision-making support system designed to revolutionize how facilities and services are managed and monitored,” said Raymond So, Marketing Director of Armatura.
By leveraging advanced analytics and real-time monitoring, the IOC provides valuable insights that help building owners and managers optimize their operations and reduce costs. “This forward-thinking approach allows the IOC platform to provide predictions for various scenarios, enhancing preventive measures and operational resilience,” said Darcy Wang, Product Director of Armatura.
Armatura IOC: Key features and benefits
The IOC facilitates real-time monitoring, advanced analytics and seamless integration with existing systems, enhancing situational awareness and operational efficiency.
Integration and interoperability
Achieving a cohesive operational environment without requiring extensive modifications to existing infrastructures depends on strong integration capabilities. “Unlike many other platforms, Armatura’s IOC is designed to seamlessly connect with a wide array of third-party systems, including building automation, vehicle management, video surveillance and more. This integration extends to the client’s existing financial, invoicing, human resource, ERP and customer service systems, allowing for a seamless flow of information across various operational domains,” said Jerry Lee, Global Solution Manager of Armatura.
Enhanced security and emergency management
The IOC’s integration with security subsystems – such as access control, video surveillance, and fire alarm systems – enhances overall security. Video surveillance, combined with video analytics, can effectively detect intrusions, unattended objects, and other irregularities. Once an abnormality is detected, the IOC displays its location on a 3D map, activates relevant security cameras for live footage, and dispatches security personnel to address the situation.
The IOC also supports the management of standard operating procedures (SOPs) during emergencies. Users can develop and automate SOPs to ensure consistent and efficient responses to incidents. This feature is particularly valuable for maintaining order and minimizing risks during crisis.
Energy Efficiency
In addition to enhancing security, the IOC contributes to energy efficiency. “It gathers information from various sensors and systems, utilizing AI technology to generate predictive strategies for administrators to save more energy. It also accounts for carbon footprint data, providing realistic strategies to efficiently reduce the carbon footprint of the company,” said Jerry Lee, Global Solution Manager of Armatura.
The IOC integrates with building subsystems such as elevator control, lighting control and building management systems, to monitor the status of all connected devices in real time. It collects critical data like oil temperature, evaporator water temperature, and condenser pressure, enabling administrators to set thresholds and receive alerts when these are exceeded. This proactive approach supports basic diagnostics and helps identify maintenance needs, fulfilling preventive maintenance requirements.
Powerful visualization and reporting tools
The Armatura IOC platform stands out with its advanced visualization tools, including an intuitive 3D map interface powered by digital twins and AI analytics. This feature gives users a comprehensive understanding of their operational environments, enabling more informed decision-making and optimized facility management.
The platform also offers robust notification and reporting capabilities. Its notification center delivers real-time alerts, enabling users to promptly address issues or anomalies. Flexible reporting tools generate reports on operational metrics, facilitating strategic planning and performance evaluations.
To streamline work order management, the IOC automates the process, enabling users to register work orders directly based on the 3D map location, department and malfunctioning asset. Tasks are automatically assigned based on criteria such as skillset, availability and location, with real-time updates on work order progress.
Scalability and flexibility
Scalability is another key feature of IOC, which can monitor over 1 million devices in real time and manage thousands of concurrent linkages. “This scalability makes the IOC suitable for large-scale operations and allows it to support multiple projects under a single server or in multi-server environments. This flexibility ensures that the platform can grow alongside the client’s operations, providing a sustainable solution for long-term management needs,” So said.
The platform’s high degree of customizability allows it to evolve alongside users’ changing needs. Open interfaces and APIs enable users to integrate new applications or remove existing functions to suit their specific requirements.
Security and Privacy
Armatura’s IOC has been successfully implemented across various sectors in Asia, the Middle East, and Africa, with over 40 use cases, including a hospital in Beidaihe, China; the City Lighting and Security Monitoring Center in Pattaya, Thailand; and a logistics campus in Jakarta, Indonesia.
Recognizing the complexity of integrating multiple systems from various stakeholders, Armatura proactively safeguards data integrity and protects against cyber threats. The platform is compliant with ISO27001, ISO27701, and ISO27017 standards, ensuring it meets stringent confidentiality and integrity requirements. It is also equipped with advanced encryption technologies, such as AES-256, HTTPS and
TLS1.2, to ensure data is secure both at rest and in transit.
“Armatura’s IOC platform also features robust monitoring and auditing capabilities. These capabilities enable continuous surveillance of system activities, allowing for the early detection and swift response to any suspicious behavior or anomalies. Real-time monitoring tools provide insights into system performance and security status, while comprehensive audit logs offer a detailed record of user activities and system interactions,” So said.
Conclusion
According to So, Armatura’s expansion into the Intelligent Operations Center (IOC) platform reflects its commitment to providing comprehensive solutions that meet the evolving needs of modern building management. Building on its expertise in access control and biometrics, Armatura has developed the IOC as a powerful tool for managing complex, interconnected systems. With advanced features, robust integration capabilities, enhanced security measures, energy-saving features, and powerful visualization tools, the IOC offers a complete solution for building operators.
As smart buildings gain popularity, unified management platforms like Armatura’s IOC will become increasingly essential for optimizing building operations and enhancing efficiency. Armatura’s IOC is well-positioned to meet the growing demand for smarter and integrated building management solutions.