First things first – what exactly is IoT? 

Understanding IoT is key before discussing the “why” and “how” of its impact. 

The Internet of Things refers to a network of interconnected devices, often equipped with sensors and software, that collect and exchange data over the Internet to enhance operational efficiency, improve user experience, and drive business intelligence. 

Common commercial equipment and devices that take advantage of IoT include: 

• Smart Thermostats: These devices learn occupancy patterns and adjust to real-time conditions, optimizing comfort while minimizing energy usage.
   
• Lighting Systems: Lighting controls adjust brightness based on occupancy and natural light, reducing electricity consumption while maintaining appropriate lighting levels.
   
• Smart Power Strips: This technology monitors outlet-level energy use, eliminates usage from electronics in standby, and automatically powers down non-essential equipment during off-hours.
   
• Energy Monitoring Systems: An EMS tracks utility consumption in real-time, identifying usage patterns and anomalies for targeted efficiency improvements.
   
• HVAC Controllers & Economizers: These devices optimize heating, cooling, and ventilation based on conditions and bring in outside air when favorable instead of mechanical cooling.
   
• IoT Sensors: Sensors monitor occupancy, temperature, vibration, leak, and air quality monitors providing data for intelligent responses and predictive maintenance. 

Why IoT Implementations Fail 

Commercial IoT implementations often get dismissed or fail because organizations deploy technology without clear objectives. The sheer breadth of devices, poor understanding, and implementation challenges often restrict IoT to marketing buzzwords or “nice-to-have” placeholders for presumably modernized, tech-savvy organizations. However, IoT presents an opportunity to optimize maintenance costs and procedures across an organization when deployed with a solid strategy.  

Consequences of Inaction 

Businesses that forgo incorporating IoT strategies are losing out on far more than just looking tech-savvy; there are significant consequences: 

• Increased Downtime Costs: Without the predictive maintenance capabilities that IoT enables, equipment failures occur unexpectedly. The average manufacturing facility experiences 800 hours of downtime annually, which costs between $10,000 and $250,000 per hour, depending on the industry. IoT monitoring can enable the reduction of unplanned downtime by up to 50%. In the commercial sector, grocery and convenience stores increasingly track refrigeration system uptime using IoT sensors. When freezers or coolers fail, retailers must remove inventory from sales floors, directly impacting revenue through lost sales opportunities and product waste. These disruptions affect both customer experience and operational profitability.
   
• Higher Energy Consumption: Buildings without smart controls typically waste 30% of their energy. This translates to thousands or even millions of dollars in unnecessary utility costs annually for commercial facilities. IoT-enabled buildings routinely achieve up to 30% energy savings through automated optimization.
   
• Under- and Over-used Assets: Companies often underutilize or misallocate valuable resources without usage data from IoT sensors. These inefficiencies directly impact operational costs and capital allocation decisions, from empty conference rooms to equipment running needlessly.
   
• Reactive Maintenance: The traditional break-fix maintenance model costs multiples more than preventative approaches. Without IoT monitoring to detect early warning signs of equipment degradation, businesses remain stuck in this expensive reactive cycle, shortening asset lifespans and increasing replacement costs.
   
• Compliance Concerns: Increasing regulatory requirements around energy usage and environmental impacts demand accurate reporting and documentation. Manual monitoring often fails to capture the detailed data needed for compliance, potentially resulting in fines or penalties that IoT-based monitoring would prevent. 

What the solution looks like 

A proper IoT implementation should be strategic, scalable, and aligned with business goals. The benefits are tangible and measurable: improved energy efficiency through automated controls based on actual conditions, decreased maintenance costs through enabling condition-based maintenance, and valuable operational insights for data-driven decisions about space utilization, resource allocation, and regulatory compliance. 

With this strategic approach, IoT becomes a valuable business tool rather than a confusing array of disconnected smart devices. 

What a robust implementation strategy involves 

Define Business Goals: Begin with clear, measurable objectives aligned with organizational priorities—whether reducing operating costs, improving sustainability metrics, enhancing occupant comfort, or extending equipment life. Assign key performance indicators to track success. 

Assess Current Infrastructure: Conduct a comprehensive assessment of existing facilities, equipment, and systems, documenting current building management systems, communication protocols, network infrastructure, and equipment conditions. A professional energy assessment can identify high-impact IoT opportunities. 

Design an Integrated Architecture: Plan how your IoT devices will communicate with each other, potentially through a central Building Management System. This architecture should address data standardization, security protocols, and integration with existing systems while providing scalability for future expansion. 

Determine Device Requirements: Based on goals and assessment, select IoT technologies that deliver the greatest value, integrate with each other, and scale across your organization. When selecting platforms, consider data security, interoperability standards, and future expansion. Prioritize implementations with the highest ROI potential. 

Launch Phased Implementation: Develop a phased approach rather than attempting comprehensive deployment simultaneously. Begin with a pilot program to validate assumptions, identify challenges, and demonstrate value before expanding. Establish clear data collection, analysis, and action protocols to ensure that gathered information drives meaningful improvements. 

Optimization through expert guidance 

While implementing IoT strategies can be daunting, independent building performance consultants can ensure success. Unlike vendors promoting specific products, independent consultants provide vendor-neutral recommendations based solely on meeting your business objectives. 

A good consultant examines holistic solutions that integrate with existing infrastructure and scale as your business grows. They understand how to design and implement site-level monitoring and control solutions that maximize the value of your IoT investments by ensuring all components work together harmoniously across the portfolio. 

By bridging gaps between facilities management, IT departments, and executive leadership, consultants help align IoT initiatives with broader organizational strategies while navigating technical complexities. This approach ensures IoT deployment delivers maximum value, transforming buildings into intelligent, efficient, responsive environments that drive business success. 

In conclusion 

IoT implementation isn't about acquiring the latest gadgets—it's about strategically deploying connected technology to achieve measurable business outcomes. When properly planned and executed, IoT transforms commercial facilities into intelligent environments that reduce costs, improve efficiency, and provide valuable operational insights. 

Mantis Innovation brings proven expertise in helping organizations of all sizes across diverse industries implement effective IoT strategies, including robust building automation solutions that serve as the vital connective tissue between devices. Our independent approach ensures solutions that integrate with your existing infrastructure, align with your business goals, and deliver tangible ROI.