When and why some facility monitoring BAS/BMS systems shouldn’t be tasked with everything

Modern building automation and building control systems (BAS/BAC) are efficient, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly platforms to monitor and control core facility functions and performance.

Located on centralized IT platforms and utilizing complex networks of sensors, smart devices, and controllers, Building Automation System capable of monitoring facility environmental and life-safety variables such as temperature and energy consumption to HVAC system operation as well as predictive maintenance, security, and fire safety.

But is one consolidated system the best choice to monitor all conditions for every application in today’s smart buildings and interconnected campuses and enterprises? Especially in the life science, healthcare, and pharmaceutical sectors, where so much is potentially at stake.

Though a BAS is capable of monitoring and control of the heavy lifting, and IT professionals are astute enough to merge the various applications onto one platform, there are many instances when separating applications and monitoring functions is the better choice.

In fact, attempting to consolidate everything onto one platform could lead to negative unanticipated consequences and potential failures. This ebook will explore when to consolidate services and applications and what the possible complications can be that would prompt separate (although integrated) systems.

THRESHOLD ISSUE: SYSTEM ACCESS 

Who’s in? Who’s out, and are they the right people?

A sophisticated, comprehensive BAS has several interested teams simultaneously vested in the platform’s operation, data distribution, and control functions.

IT professionals, software and hardware engineers tasked with installing, scaling, maintaining, and troubleshooting the system, clearly have a vital interest in system operation and control.  

In the event of a platform crash, security breach, system update, or other interruption, IT needs unfettered access to the BAS. 

Facility managers may or may not need the same level of operational authority as the IT department, but they certainly need access to core facilities condition data and control for building operation, safety, and compliance.

Then there are a range of stakeholders in individual sub-operations, departments, and applications. 

Pharmacy supervisors, laboratory and medical directors, and professionals all have a significant interest in BAS operation, especially monitoring and alarming, within their spheres of operations.

Control access to a stand-alone BAS is generally limited to the IT or facilities department, which is responsible for system operation and maintenance. 

However, other than maintaining the BAS in good running order, IT department interests are not the same as the facility manager, and they are also different from those of the various department heads and supervisors who depend on the BAS to protect their work and operations.

For example, when it’s time to take the BAS down for routine maintenance, the IT department’s primary goal is to update and optimize the central system. 

While it is not oblivious to the needs of the cryogenics lab, that lab may lose operational visibility, monitoring, and alarm (translate: protection!) while the BAS is down.

So who makes the call on adjustments, shutdowns, updates, and a host of other issues that affect the disparate interests of all BAS stakeholders?

•  It’s difficult to cover all the bases with a single, stand-alone system.
• One system is rarely compatible with all interests.
• It needs security and uptime.
• Facility managers need data and building control
• Lab directors need constant monitoring and alarming reporting, along with regulatory compliance reporting.

The numerous stakeholders vying for a piece of the BAS management funnel down to a small opening with a single stand-alone BAS system, and that congestion can lead to gridlock and, in some cases, impasse, with the possibility for adverse consequences if the right people don’t have access and control when they need it.

REDUNDANCY

Smart devices, equipment, and buildings have transformed facility management. 

Connected devices that serve precise functions in specific departments, like Sonicu’s cloud-based sensors do for temperature, environmental, and facility, portend a new level of visibility, intelligence, and automation—never mind protecting essential assets and streamlining once-tedious compliance requirements. 

Sonicu today supports scores of healthcare and lab facilities where our sensors are routed into the BAS/BMS system via our CloudLink connecter, which can push or pull data to or from any BMS system via the most popular communication protocols. 

Single-platform and server-based systems require periodic takedowns for routine updates maintenance and service and are vulnerable to security breaches and crashes.

Security breaches are especially problematic and an issue that is sadly only growing more acute. 

 Smart facility system information that includes system version, host ID/license, hostname, and even the name of the building where the smart device resides is readily available on the net and easily acquired by potential intruders. 

Once a device is located, existing software applications make compromising the device and hacking the system a reality.

In 2015, one hacking exploit alone, named “CryptoWall” cost victims $18 million in productivity loss, legal fees, IT services, network mitigation and countermeasures as well as the purchase of credit monitoring services for employees or customers, according to the FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center. 

The stories of HVAC or BAS systems serving as vulnerable entry points for hackers are well-reported in the media and continue to present IT and facility managers with robust security challenges.  

When the prime BAS platform goes offline for any reason, the consequences potentially include the loss of operational visibility for all stakeholders and all departments simultaneously.

At the extreme, impacts include:

• Loss of valuable asset monitoring 
• Loss of alarming capability in all departments and applications
• Data loss that results in incomplete or a total loss of compliance reporting
• Lost time consumed by data recovery operations
• Regulatory sanctions for any of the above

Several recent high-profile failures at leading university research institutions and biorepositories have highlighted the need for redundant monitoring and alarming systems. 

Sonicu is a remote, wireless system that is built to operate independently of the BAS - or serve as an extension of it—and includes additional layers of redundancy focused on asset protection and meeting the highest standards of FDA compliance, including 

• On-board batteries to protect against power outages 
• On-board memory to guard against network disruption
• Cell-failover for ethernet-connected SoniLink hubs

In many of the past cases, a specific failure point on the central system was not backed up, resulting in a loss of alarm and notification to the appropriate stakeholders at the time of failure.

By the time the incident was discovered, catastrophic, unrecoverable loss had occurred. These stories are legion, even when the BAS system was not compromised: 

• The story of a bankrupt meat producer in North Carolina
• A prestigious Swedish institute lost its irreplaceable research due to a temperature excursion
• And even a New York janitor who unplugged an alarm system to silence its annoying alarms

Had a simple redundant monitoring system been in place to complement the stand-alone platform, monitoring, and alarming capability would have been maintained and the losses averted. 

THERE ARE OPTIONS: Simple and Affordable (and independent) Wireless Monitoring 

The easiest and most affordable solution to the multi-disciplinary and multi-departmental control/access problem and system crash risk is an off-platform, cloud-based redundant monitoring, alarming, and reporting system that operates independently of (or in conjunction with) existing BAS/BCS architecture.

Sonicu wireless monitoring, for example, provides total access, redundancy, scalability, protection, and regulatory compliance, allowing individual departments and disciplines to maintain operational visibility and asset protection independently of the primary BAS.

How it Works

Cloud-based software platform

Sonicu’s monitoring, alarming, and compliance reporting platform, SoniCloud, is hosted on Amazon Web Services, which provides reliable uptime and maintains strict compliance with U.S. Government requirements for data security and integrity.

Cloud-based platforms outmatch server-based systems in terms of scaling, cost-effectiveness, and flexibility. 

With SoniCloud, unlimited users have access to monitored data from anywhere, providing consistent operational visibility across an entire enterprise.

Further, SoniCloud eliminates the purchase of additional hardware or software and does not require IT infrastructure maintenance or updates. 

Changing needs are not constrained by existing IT/BAS architecture.

SoniCloud affords:

• Alarms with buffers and delays to prevent alarm fatigue; tiered alarm escalation and notifications to users by text, email, or phone call 24/7, on-site and off.
• Management tools that include all calibration data and a full suite of reports to facilitate total system usability, reliability, and confidence.
• Unlimited data archiving and custom, automated reporting that streamlines regulatory compliance and provides management insight.
• Automatically formatted compliance reporting to help customers in healthcare, life science, pharmaceuticals (GxP), and food industries meet the stringent regulatory requirements of the Joint Commission, FDA, and other regulatory agencies.
• A full suite of support resources that includes online guides and tutorials as well as live customer support.

SoniCloud provides IT and facilities managers with a redundant monitoring, alarming, and reporting platform that operates, protects, and reports independently of the central BAS. 

Security and protection are enhanced, and all stakeholders have appropriate access to their monitored data without compromising central system security.

Connectivity Options: Plus Mission-Critical Redundancy 

Sonicu offers highly compatible sensor connectivity solutions to meet any monitoring need. 

Whether using any of Sonicu’s broad line of digital sensors or data acquisition sensors and devices on an existing platform, Sonicu can connect, acquire, and transmit easily.

• 4-20 mA – Sonicu meters pair easily with commercial analog sensors using a 4-20 mA loop, which is the most common  standard in the industry. Data is collected from the analog sensor, passed to a wireless gateway, and then transmitted to the cloud. Sonicu leverages this technology today for air velocity monitoring, O2 monitoring, and connecting virtually any legacy equipment to the cloud, including LN2 tanks. 
• Modbus – Sonicu meters can collect data from smart machines and PLC applications utilizing the Modus communication protocol and then pass the information to a wireless gateway, which then transmits it to the cloud.  
• Sonicu Digital Sensors – Expansion of existing systems or creation of a redundant, complementary monitoring platform is accomplished using Sonicu’s full range of digital conditions monitors that include temperature, humidity, and differential air pressure that pass acquired data via Modbus and then to the cloud. 

This configuration allows:

• Easy expansion and continued scalability capable of transmitting to existing BAS platforms and/or Sonicu’s cloud-based platform.
• Effortless recalibration with Sonicu’s SNAP Calibration program, which automatically provides new NIST-traceable sensors at the end of calibration life, eliminating the expense and downtime of annual or recurring calibration.
• Facility monitoring applications include water leak detection, occupancy monitoring, door open monitoring, CO₂ monitoring, and IAQ monitoring. Data Transmission Options

Many monitoring systems are constricted by limited means of transmitting data. However, Sonicu’s data transmission options are among the  most flexible in the industry and include:

• SoniLink powered by LoRaWAN 
• 4/5G LTE cellular
• Ethernet
• Wi-Fi

This breadth of transmission options allows Sonicu to easily adapt to unique conditions, meet particular data transmission needs, and conform to specific data delivery criteria.

Sonicu’s smart devices can be meshed into a network that operates independently of the primary  BAS platform and LAN network.  

These features block other devices from listening in and potentially breaching Sonicu’s system.

As a result, if the  BAS platform is compromised, all monitoring, alarming, data preservation, and compliance reporting functions are protected and sustained by Sonicu’s wireless redundancy.

Additionally, Sonicu hardware is equipped with onboard battery power backup and Sonicu DataSync.

Benefits: Simple Retrofitting

Hardwired BAS can be challenging in terms of modification and expansion. 

Sensors are fixed and monitoring devices are connected by miles of wire and cable through conduit and other planned pathways to a central network hub. Modification and expansion is expensive, time-consuming and, in some cases, impractical.

Apart from physical constraints, technicians must also consider and resolve a variety of issues, such as proprietary hardware, software and protocol compatibility.

Sonicu circumvents constraint issues with inexpensive, straightforward deployment that includes plug-and-play digital sensors paired with meters that mount anywhere with simple hardware or adhesive tape.

Sonicu’s multiple data transmission options along with wireless and cellular transmission eliminate costly implementation. It is no longer necessary to hardwire sensors and gateways into existing BAS architecture with miles of expensive cable. 

Configuring a new system to match existing requirements is not required.

Easy Expansion & Scaling

“One of the biggest concerns right now is not going through the building control system network. Effective wireless is a big deal, and I like that Sonicu already has the cellular technology figured out. You don’t have to go to another control system.”

Chuck Blythe, Sales Engineer, Environmental Comfort LL

Scaling Sonicu’s system to meet changing demands and capacity is as easy as adding more monitoring points.  

Monitoring can be expanded from one monitoring point or department to an entire campus and even remote locations without expanding existing BAS footprints or routing back to central servers.

Multi-generational campuses with wings and buildings built years apart can easily be integrated into Sonicu’s platform without retrofit by simply adding additional monitoring points.

Broad Flexibility

Sonicu offers unparalleled flexibility in terms of user interface and service with:

• Unlimited user capacity
• Customized dashboards
• User-set buffers, monitoring & alarming parameters
• Customized, tiered alarming
• Automated, customized reporting

Additionally, as regulatory or business needs change, Sonicu scales to meet the challenge by simply mounting and deploying the appropriate conditions sensor, which can acquire the necessary data and wirelessly send it to the cloud for monitoring, logging, and reporting.

Effortless Regulatory Compliance

All Sonicu systems include a full suite of reporting features that fully automate regulatory compliance reporting, including unlimited data storage and annotation features to document and preserve corrective action. 

Sonicu compliance reporting helps clients in the healthcare, life science, pharmacy (GxP), and food industries meet the stringent regulatory requirements of the Joint Commission, 

• CDC 
• AABB 
• AATB 
• CAP
• HACCP 
• FDA

Additionally, Sonicu’s SNAP Calibration program is available for Sonicu digital sensors to eliminate downtime and expense associated with recurring recalibration requirements. New sensors are provided at the end of the original sensor’s calibration lifecycle for plug-and-play calibration compliance.

BAS Verification & Optimization

In many instances, operators and integrators need to verify that the prime system is accurately monitoring equipment and providing correct data. 

Hardware can be a point of failure.

Sonicu provides an easy solution for verification. Wireless meters can be mounted virtually anywhere at a negligible cost. 

No hardwiring into the original platform is required, allowing integrators and contractors to quickly install a monitoring platform that supports and corroborates the prime system for verification and maintenance.

Additionally, Sonicu sensors can be strategically deployed in a monitored space to optimize an existing system affordably. 

Temperature and pressure optimization where humidity requires positive room pressure, for example, can be accomplished by installing Sonicu sensors and meters throughout an area to monitor and adjust HVAC systems for maximum performance in the monitored area. 

Conclusion

Sonicu Facilities Monitoring is a cost-effective, easy-to-deploy, flexible platform to enhance, expand, and strengthen existing BAS systems. 

Sonicu’s broad range of data acquisition and transmission options adapts to all situations and provides:

• A cloud-based system that provides easy, universal access for all stakeholders and their monitored operations.
• A wireless monitoring solution for redundancy protection in monitoring, alarming, and compliance reporting when the prime platform is taken offline.
• Inexpensive scaling and expansion compared to hardwired systems.
• Security against hacking and data loss as a result of a primary system breach.
• A full suite of compliance reports that operate in conjunction with or independently of prime system record keeping.
• Easy verification of existing equipment operation.

For further information or to arrange an online demonstration, visit us at www.sonicu.com, or email our sales department at sales@sonicu.com.

In today's fast-paced world, the management and maintenance of facilities have become increasingly complex tasks. Whether it's a growing hospital, a sprawling warehouse, or a high-rise commercial office building, ensuring the smooth operation of facilities requires constant monitoring of variables such as temperature, humidity, equipment performance, water safety, occupancy, and security. 

Add to that list fire detection and suppression, heating and air systems and their associated controls as well as the sensors, actuators, and analog and digital interfaces. 

The advent of Internet of Things (IoT) technology has transformed facility monitoring, offering unprecedented levels of automation, efficiency, and insight.

Among the leading providers of IoT solutions for facility monitoring is Sonicu, which features a new S-Series suite of facility monitoring solutions that enhances its already extensive range of monitoring capabilities.

Leveraged by hundreds of facilities across North America, Sonicu’s innovative sensors and cloud-based platform are designed to streamline operations and optimize performance. They are simple to deploy, configure, and integrate into almost any Building Automation System. 

This expansion marks an exciting step for the North American leader in monitoring, extending Sonicu’s expertise beyond core monitoring solutions such as cold and frozen temperature, ULT/Cryo, air pressure, and relative humidity into the realm of non-regulated facility monitoring.

Sonicu has been at the forefront of regulated monitoring for more than a decade, providing industries such as healthcare, life sciences, education, and food services with the most advanced solutions to maintain compliance and safeguard critical assets. 

Its rugged and reliable hardware, paired with its intuitive cloud-based software, helps tens of thousands of compliance professionals stay connected to their sensitive assets and environments from anywhere in the world via a web-based platform and mobile application. 

Sonicu’s unwavering commitment to innovation has driven its success, and this latest expansion demonstrates its commitment to meeting the evolving needs of customers across diverse sectors.

“We’re fortunate to serve some of the leading names in healthcare, research, government, and food services in every state with our regulatory compliance-focused solutions today, and this new crop of monitoring applications will make it easy for them to adopt new applications from a trusted technology partner,” said Joe Mundell, Chief Revenue Officer, Sonicu. 

“This new lineup is a game-changer for many of our customers in terms of affordability and simplicity of implementation. Our goal is to help our customers stay better connected with their facilities and add another level of protection to their business-critical assets and environments.” 

The S-Series solutions transmit data automatically via the SoniLink Hub, making installation and configuration a snap and allowing facility managers to deploy up to 500 sensors across a facility that communicate with a single hub. 

Most of the sensors include a long-lasting onboard battery driving reliable operations and simple installation. 

The newly introduced facility monitoring solutions from Sonicu include:

WATER LEAK DETECTION: The Sonicu water leak detection system provides real-time monitoring and alerts to help prevent costly water damage, safeguard valuable equipment, and maintain the integrity of critical spaces. 

The value of this sort of preventative technology is clear when weighed against the tremendous potential water leak damage threatens to virtually any building. 

According to a report by PropertyCasualty360, the average cost of water damage claims in commercial properties is about $24,000. 

“In 2020 alone,” the report states, “nearly 2,700 water damage claims were registered in North America, mostly as a result of a bursting or leaking water pipe.”

Individual damage claims came in as high as almost $5 million.

The answer, according to Allianz Global Corporate & Specialty (AGCS), is simple.

“AGCS risk consultants recommend leak detection monitoring solutions to reduce the frequency and severity of water damage by implementing an early detection system.”

Sonicu products can play a crucial role in identifying and addressing water leaks efficiently. 

Here's how Sonic products, particularly those utilizing LoRaWAN communicating  technology, can help solve issues with water leaks:

• Leak Detection: Sonicu products utilize advanced wireless technology to detect water escaping from pipes or infrastructure. 
• Non-Invasive Inspection: Sonicu leak detection systems provide a non-invasive method of identifying leaks, minimizing the need for disruptive excavation or demolition. This is particularly beneficial in urban areas or buildings where preserving infrastructure integrity is essential.
• Precise Location: Sonicu products can pinpoint the exact location of water leaks with high accuracy. This enables maintenance teams to target repairs effectively, reducing time and resources spent on locating and fixing leaks.
• Early Detection: By detecting leaks at an early stage, Sonicu products help prevent water damage and potential structural issues caused by prolonged exposure to moisture. Early intervention can also mitigate water loss and reduce utility costs associated with undetected leaks.
• Continuous Monitoring: Sonicu products offer continuous monitoring capabilities, allowing for ongoing surveillance of water systems. This proactive approach helps identify leaks as soon as they occur, minimizing the impact on infrastructure and maximizing water conservation efforts.
• Integration with Building Automation  Systems: Sonicu products can integrate with existing maintenance systems or platforms, streamlining the workflow for identifying, prioritizing, and addressing water leaks. This integration enhances operational efficiency and ensures timely resolution of detected issues.
• Cost Savings: By facilitating early detection and precise localization of water leaks, Sonicu products help organizations save on repair costs, minimize water wastage, and avoid potential liabilities associated with water damage.

Water Leak Detection is ideal for:

• Hospitals 
• Data Centers
• Pharmacies
• Server Rooms
• Commercial Buildings
• Warehouse and Supply Chain Management
• K-12 Education Buildings 

Sonicu products offer a comprehensive solution for addressing water leaks, providing accurate detection, precise localization, and proactive monitoring capabilities. 

DOOR OPEN MONITORING

Many Sonicu customers rely on door-open monitoring for the most obvious of applications: their refrigerators and freezer doors. 

The SoniCloud software includes a feature that shows when a temperature excursion occurred with a door open and when it was tripped with a closed door, prompting a different response based on the relative urgency of each. 

However, there are many other applications, in healthcare and beyond, in which 

According to a report in the American Journal of Infection Control, “door openings in the operating room are associated with increased environmental contamination.”

A study by researchers from Ohio State University looked at operating room traffic and door openings as a potentially modifiable risk factor in the development of surgical site infections (SSIs).

“(SSIs) account for 14  to 20 percent of hospital-acquired infections, and represent a major cause of per-operative morbidity and mortality,” the authors found. 

“As many as 5 percent of patients undergoing surgery develop an SSI, with more than 780,000 occurring in the United States annually. These infections increase the length of stay by 5.7-13.7 days and increase costs by $6,700 to $37,500 per patient.”

Additionally, the study found, “More than 90,000 re-admissions because of SSI occur in the United States every year, accounting for nearly $700 million. Overall, SSIs are believed to account for up to $10 billion in annual healthcare costs.”

These figures underline the importance of limiting the opening and closing of doors in areas where maintaining sanitary conditions is of paramount importance,

Sonicu's door-open monitoring system helps maintain security and regulatory compliance by alerting users to unauthorized access or prolonged door openings in controlled environments.

Sonicu’s automated monitoring records the status of doors–or other objects that can close–24/7 and can provide real-time alerts or reports on the status.​​ 

This can help prevent security breaches, optimize operations, and increase efficiency.

Sonicu door open monitoring is ideal for:

• Cleanrooms
• Hospitals
• Data centers
• Pharmacies
• Warehouse and supply chain management
• Restricted area monitoring
• K-12 Facilities 

It contributes to reducing contamination by:

• Preventing unauthorized access
• Maintaining sterile zones
• Monitoring medical storage
• Maintaining negative pressure and proper airflow control in isolation rooms
• Promoting emergency preparedness
  
  

Many Sonicu customers rely on door-open monitoring for the most obvious of applications: their refrigerators and freezer doors. Responding to an alarm for a temperature excursion when the door is left open is a much different level of urgency for an alert showing a closed door and temperature deviation.

Occupancy Sensors and Monitoring & People Counting 

With Sonicu's occupancy sensors, facility managers can optimize space utilization, improve energy efficiency, and enhance occupant comfort through data-driven insights.

Not only do commercial buildings consume large amounts of energy, but inefficient use of such resources can lead to huge amounts of waste.

According to the U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy, in a report at energy.gov, “commercial buildings account for 18 % of U.S. primary energy use,” “nearly 35% of US electricity consumption” and “16% of the nation's carbon dioxide emissions.” 

Yet that same report cites information from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency showing that continuously monitoring and adjusting operations and implementing a small number of energy-efficiency strategies could reduce that energy use by as much as 30%.

This strongly suggests that energy efficiency improvement tools, such as those offered by Sonicu, can help reduce such waste and help improve the environment for your team members and the public at large.

Occupancy monitoring is also pivotal for ensuring spaces are used safely and efficiently, adhering to regulations, and optimizing resource allocation. An occupancy monitoring system aids in emergency preparedness by providing real-time occupancy data for effective responses. 

Furthermore, in today's context, occupancy monitoring supports health and safety measures, from social distancing to crowd control, contributing to a secure and well-organized environment.

According to a study on environmental monitoring sensors by researchers from the Tecnologico de Monterey in Mexico, “Occupancy information can be used to optimize a building’s energy consumption and reduce energy waste.”

According to a case study published in Green.org, “a healthcare facility utilized occupancy sensors to optimize their patient waiting areas. By carefully analyzing the data, they discovered patterns in patient flow and adjusted the seating arrangements accordingly. 

This not only reduced waiting times but also enhanced the overall patient experience.”

Sonicu occupancy monitoring is ideal for:

• Hospitals
• Educational facilities
• Entertainment venues
• Pharmacies
• Retail environments
• Senior living facilities

CO₂ Monitoring

Our CO₂ monitoring solution ensures indoor air quality by monitoring carbon dioxide levels and providing alerts when levels exceed predetermined thresholds, promoting healthier and safer environments.

A CO₂ monitoring system is a device or set of devices designed to detect and measure the concentration of carbon dioxide (CO₂) in the air. These systems are essential in various applications for both environmental and health concerns. 

In buildings such as offices, schools, and homes, CO₂ monitoring is crucial for ensuring good air quality. High levels of CO₂ can indicate poor ventilation and can lead to drowsiness, headaches, and decreased productivity.

In industries like petrochemical, brewing, and agriculture, CO₂ levels need to be monitored for process control, and safety, and to ensure product quality. For instance, in greenhouse farming, monitoring CO₂ can help optimize plant growth.

Monitoring CO₂ levels is critical in medical facilities, especially in operating rooms and patient wards, to ensure a safe environment for patients and staff.

According to the Washington State University Energy Program, “current ventilation guidelines, such as those from the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE), recommend that indoor CO₂ levels not exceed the local outdoor concentration by more than about 650 ppm.”

A CO₂ monitoring system typically consists of several key components, each playing a crucial role in detecting and measuring carbon dioxide levels. 

The system's efficiency relies on a combination of technologies.

• CO₂ sensors
  • • At the heart of the system, these sensors detect the concentration of CO₂ in the air. They are the most critical component and come in various types, each using different technologies for detection. Sonicu’s system relies on LoRaWAN technology to communicate with a central hub which transmits the data to SoniCloud. 
    • Infrared (IR) gas sensors are one of the other common methods. These sensors use the principle that CO₂ molecules absorb specific wavelengths of infrared light. The amount of light absorbed is proportional to the concentration of CO₂.
    • NDIR (Non-Dispersive Infrared) technology is a specific type of infrared technology, NDIR sensors are known for their long-term stability and accuracy in CO₂ detection.

• Display and interface
  • • This includes screens or interfaces that display real-time CO₂ levels and other relevant information. It may allow users to configure settings, view historical data, and interact with the system. The Sonicu CO₂ sensor includes an onboard display. 

• Alarms and indicators
  • • Visual and/or auditory alarms that activate when CO₂ levels reach unsafe thresholds, alerting personnel to potential danger.

• Data logger
  • • For recording historical data on CO₂ levels over time, useful for trend analysis and compliance reporting. SoniCloud holds your CO₂ data indefinitely and can show trends over time as well as anomalies in the data.

• Ventilation control
  • • In some systems, particularly those used for indoor air quality, there's integration with the building's ventilation system to adjust air exchange rates based on CO₂ levels. Sonicu’s CloudLink system allows for simple and affordable integration with the Building Automation System which can allow triggers contingent on CO₂ levels. 

• Power supply
  • • This includes batteries or connections to electrical power sources, ensuring the system operates continuously.

• Communication modules
  • • For systems that need to send data remotely or be integrated into a larger monitoring network, components for wireless or wired communication are included.
    • For remote monitoring systems like Sonicu,, technologies like Wi-Fi, LoRaWAN, or cellular networks are used to transmit data to central systems or cloud-based platforms.

• Software algorithms

Advanced software algorithms are used for data analysis, trend prediction, and calibration of the system to maintain accuracy over time.

Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Monitoring: 

Exposure to indoor air pollution can adversely affect occupants’ health. 

It is particularly important for individuals living with asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and lung cancer to be in an environment of high air quality. 

A report by the World Health Organization (WHO) says that deaths associated with indoor air pollution exceed 3.2 million annually.

Adverse health complications include headaches, nausea, skin irritation, kidney failure; as well as exacerbation of the previously mentioned respiratory illnesses.

According to statistical data from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), indoor air is two to five times more polluted than outdoor air. 

Moreover, the health risks of humans from exposure to air pollution indoors may be greater than outdoors.

Sonicu's IAQ monitoring solution assesses various factors, such as temperature, humidity, CO2 levels, and more, to provide a comprehensive view of indoor air quality, enabling organizations to create healthier and more productive environments.

“Data collected from air quality sensors can be fed into an air quality analysis system. This system continuously processes this data over a period of time to find the optimal airflow and ventilation rates,” according to an article in Buildings Magazine. “However, if a variation in normal collected behavior is detected–such as when occupancy rates abnormally rise–AI can detect this anomaly and adjust airflow and air quality controls to accommodate the increase in occupancy within a specific area.”

Being able to effectively monitor and regulate indoor air quality is essential for a number of reasons: 

• Poor air quality can have an adverse impact on human health and wellness. 
• Contaminants such as allergens, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), mold, and particulate matter are all known to trigger or exacerbate respiratory health challenges, allergies, asthma along with other health problems. 
• Clean and fresh indoor air can boost cognitive function, concentration, and even productivity. Exposure to air pollutants has been shown to have long-term health and wellness repercussions leading to chronic diseases.

Air quality monitors are devices designed to monitor indoor air quality. 

They are typically capable of taking readings of diverse conditions including: 

1. Temperature 
2. Humidity 
3. Carbon dioxide levels 
4. VOCs 
5. Toxic gasses like carbon monoxide and ozone 

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are considered a key element of poor indoor air quality for several reasons:

• • • Health Effects: VOCs can have various negative health effects depending on the type and concentration. Short-term exposure to VOCs can lead to eye, nose, and throat irritation, headaches, nausea, and dizziness. 
      
      
    • Long-term exposure can be more serious, potentially causing damage to the liver, kidney, and central nervous system. Some VOCs are also suspected or known to cause cancer.
      
      
    • Common Presence: VOCs are emitted by a wide array of products and materials found commonly in indoor environments. These include paints, varnishes, cleaning supplies, building materials, office equipment such as copiers and printers, and furnishings. Because these sources are so prevalent, indoor air often contains higher levels of VOCs than outdoor air.
      
      
    • Chemical Nature: The term "volatile" indicates that these compounds easily evaporate at room temperature, which means they can quickly become gasses and pollute the air. Once airborne, they can be inhaled by occupants, posing health risks.
      
      
    • Poor Ventilation: Inadequate ventilation can exacerbate the concentration of VOCs in indoor environments. Without sufficient air exchange to dilute and remove VOCs, indoor air quality can deteriorate, increasing exposure risks to occupants.
      
      
    • Environmental Impact: Some VOCs contribute to the formation of ground-level ozone and smog when they react with other atmospheric pollutants under sunlight. These effects can also harm outdoor air quality and public health.

Due to these concerns, managing VOC levels is crucial in efforts to maintain healthy indoor air quality, including choosing low-VOC products, ensuring proper ventilation, and regularly monitoring air quality in indoor environments.

Our sensors deliver real-time data that is captured in our cloud-based platform, SoniCloud, which you can access at any time from any smart device connected.

Sonicu delivers data logging functionalities and customizable alerts.

With our system, you can monitor the humidity, temperature, and air quality of your facilities. With a simple integration, you can even measure air velocity or air pressure associated with an HVAC air filter. 

These sensing technologies can help you drive optimal conditions and meet regulatory requirements.

About Sonicu

Sonicu was founded in 2008 with a wireless sensor application for sound management in neonatal intensive care units. A leader in wireless automated temperature monitoring with a suite of complementary monitoring solutions that includes temperature, humidity, differential air pressure, and machine-to-machine smart sensors. 

Today, Sonicu can be found in virtually every business sector from healthcare and life science to warehousing and manufacturing.