The Hong Kong Government has implemented the “Revitalization of Industrial Buildings Scheme” since 2010. The aim of the scheme is to meet the demands of the modern business environment and foster economic development and innovation by redevelopment of industrial buildings. In an era of rapid technological advancement, Smart Buildings have become an important trend for enhancing operational efficiency and user experience. For example, an industrial building in Wong Chuk Hang has successfully revitalized into a smart building with various intelligent security systems, including Smart Access Control System, Mobile Remote Control of Electrical Devices and Smart Mailboxes; An old factory building in Kwun Tong also transformed into a smart commercial building and provides smart carpark and smart toilet system to tenants which significantly upgraded the working environment and user experience. These revitalizations not only enhance the safety and convenience of industrial buildings but also create a smarter and efficient working environment to attract the sunrise and creative industries, bringing new vitality and competitiveness to Hong Kong’s economy, demonstrating the success and potential of smart buildings.

Intelligent Infrastructure Implementation in Smart Buildings

With the widespread adoption of smart technology, the demand for efficient and flexible working environments has increased. Smart Buildings integrate high-tech equipment, intelligent security and management systems, and smart data analytics to create the safe, productive, and innovative workspaces for users.

1. Smart Management Platform

The Smart Management Platform simplifies the complex by a “Virtual Key”which allows users to access anywhere conveniently and makes building management more flexible, safe, convenient, scalable and environmental friendly. Firstly, the platform offers a one-stop management solution for access control system of the entire smart building. It allows management personnel to remotely manage and flexibly configure tenant permissions based on the needs of different industries, allowing users to easily enter the elevator lobby gate, select desired elevator arrival floor, enter the public area and open the mailbox, etc., which improves flexibility. In addition, the platform also supports several forms of “Virtual Keys”, including NFC cards, Bluetooth, QR codes or biometric authentication. Users do not need to carry traditional keys or cards that are able to access anywhere within the building, which greatly improves safety and convenience. Besides, it reduces the environmental burden by using the physical access cards, making it extremely environmentally friendly. The scalability of the platform also allows management personnel to upgrade as needed, such as increasing the capacity of access control users, adding new equipment such as smart elevators and smart lighting systems, to adapt future changes in demand.

2. Smart Carpark

Smart parking solutions and new technologies facilitate the management of carparks. Vehicle Entrance and Exit Management Control System can enhances operational efficiency and strengthens vehicle access regulation; Automatic License Plate Recognition (ALPR) Camera can quickly identify vehicle license plates in real time and manage access through the control system; Smart Video Surveillance System can identify abnormal behaviors automatically and issue alerts to notify management personnel promptly; Self-Payment Kiosk replaces traditional manual operation and allows drivers to complete transactions through online payment or offline Octopus cards payment without queuing. Smart Carpark not only enhances efficiency, but also enables smoother entry and exit for drivers.

3. Smart Toilet System

Since the outbreak of COVID‑19 pandemic, the application of smart toilet systems has become more common in Hong Kong. Toilets pose a high risk for virus transmission, thus toilet hygiene has raised significant concerns. Toilets can be a habitat for many bacteria due to water accumulation, bad odours, garbage, etc., Installing a variety of sensors in smart toilets can remind the cleaning lady quickly to address cleaning issues. For example, water sensors can detect water leaks in time before they cause significant damage; smoke sensors can detect when a fire occurs or smoke spreads to ensure the safety of users. Smart toilet systems are highly automated and can provide more accurate and more seamless collection of data compared to observation with the naked eye manually.

4. Alarm System

The alarm system is connected to other smart facilities and sensors, including Panic Sensors, Glass Break Sensor, and Infrared Sensors which can trigger the alarm system and notify the security guards immediately when encountering an emergency, ensuring tenants safety.

Smart Buildings Cater to Diversified Emerging Industries

The evolution of Smart Buildings emerged as a groundbreaking trend in the realm of architecture and facility management, prompting more developers and enterprises to invest in smart businesses and actively explore the use of new technologies in Smart Buildings, such as the Internet of Things (IoT) Technology, 5G Network Deployment, Smart Robots and Integrated Centralized Management Systems. This has brought unprecedented efficiency and flexibility to the operation and management of buildings, attracting more emerging industries and creative industries to settle in, including:

1. Co-working Space or Studio Office

The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted the workplace model and promoted the concept of “Hybrid Working”. The core element of this concept is convenience – “Plug and Play”, which enables employees to quickly set up their work desks and get into work mode in a minute. As flexible working models are increasingly demanded today, shared offices or studio offices provide an efficient working environment equipped with advanced technological facilities and stringent security systems, which are particularly suitable for freelancers and start-ups. For example:

• Smart Conference Room: Equipped with high-resolution video conferencing system and high-quality audio equipment to provide clear images and receive clear speech from each participant; Smart AV projectors can seamlessly connect various devices to facilitate the display of documents, demonstrations and video content; Smart meeting rooms support remote control and can centralized management through mobile devices.
•  Comprehensive Video Surveillance System: Install CCTV that cover the entire area, including entrances, exits and public areas such as  back doors, corridors and meeting rooms to enable 24-hour continuous monitoring to ensure safety.
•  Smart Access Control: The unique QR Code system can effectively prevent unauthorized access and can set up corresponding permissions to sensitive areas which help fortify the security.
  

2. Artspace

As the Hong Kong Government promotes the development of the arts and creative industries, many factories have transformed into art spaces, such as small theaters, art exhibition halls, market places, etc., and some industrial buildings are equipped with security systems and IT equipment:

• Panoramic Security Cameras: Panoramic Security Cameras provide 360° surveillance without blind spots, and use AI analysis technology to automatically identify suspicious activities. When abnormal behavior or potential security threats are detected, an alarm will be issued immediately to notify security personnel.
• People Counting System: It can accurately count the number of people entering and leaving a space. By recording the flow of people in real time, it helps management personnel understand the peak time with most people, length of stay and more information, thereby improving management efficiency. When there are too many people in the space, there will be an increased chance of people crowd pushing and colliding with exhibits. Through the People Counting System, the number of people entering the space can be properly controlled and appropriately arranged.
• Safe: Artworks are easily damaged by moisture, light, pressure, and even stolen. Therefore, it is necessary to choose a suitable safe to protect precious artworks, such as Fireproof, Waterproof, and Moisture-proof functions to match it with a suitable lock to enhance safety and protection. This can ensure that the artwork is optimally protected during storage and transportation.
• AV System: AV System can support various artistic activities and performances, using 4K or higher resolution display devices and high-quality sound systems can ensure the perfect presentation of sound and images, providing the audience with an audio-visual feast and enhancing the sense of immersion and participation.

3. Indoor Sports Centres

Smart Buildings are ideal places for indoor sports venue such as 24-hour fitness rooms, skateboard parks, racing tracks, sports playgrounds, etc., due to flexible space planning and intelligent facilities which help improve the operational efficiency and user experience of the sports venues, including:

• Smart Locker: Compared with traditional Coin Operated Lockers, Smart Lockers support cashless payment which are more convenient. Excluding sports venues, it is also widely used in swimming pools, bowling alleys, shopping malls and more venues.
• Turnstiles and Access Control System：For unmanned sports venues, Turnstiles and Access Control System can effectively prevent unauthorized entry, ensuring that only legitimate members or authorized visitors can enter, thereby reducing safety risks. At the same time, members can enter the venue anytime and anywhere through smart authentication or biometric authentication, without being restricted by business hours, which greatly improves the flexibility and convenience of customers.
• Alarm System: There is a high risk of accidents and Injuries at sports venues, so it is crucial to set up a well-appointed alarm system, such as Panic Buttons, Smoke and Fire Sensors, Motion Sensors, etc., which can immediately notify management personnel in an emergency and handle it quickly.

With the mature development of security systems and technology, traditional buildings can no longer meet the modern people’s pursuit of high technology and intelligence. The emergence of Smart Buildings not only introduces technologies such as Intelligent Video Surveillance System, AI data analysis, Smart Access Control Systems and Automated Alarm Systems, but also creates a safe, convenient and efficient working environment for users. With its versatility and intelligent facilities, it has successfully appealed to many emerging industries and has become a hot spot for innovation and economic development.

If you are interested in Smart Security Solutions, please contact us by email enquiry@ensecsolutions.com or call (852) 2343 6884 for more information.