When you think of a building, you probably think of a lifeless, static structure. And while that’s technically true, modern-day technology is transforming buildings into something more “alive.” Backed by Internet of Things (IoT), automation, and data integration, buildings are becoming increasingly interconnected, creating intelligent ecosystems where every system—down to the HVAC, security, and lighting—is now centrally linked and controlled.
This shift is rapidly progressing the sophistication of modern facilities, and that means simultaneously changing what we know about fire and life safety. As smart buildings become more of the norm, it’s essential to ensure that safety systems are also a key part of smart building development—making codes, standards, and other protective measures more digital and data-driven. Navigating these complex, ever-changing regulations will fall squarely on the shoulders of those who maintain facilities, and using digital tools will be the most effective way to maintain safety, streamline workflows, and mitigate operational risk.
The Rise of Smart Buildings Reimagines Safety Practices
Today’s smart technology isn’t just reserved for high-tech facilities; they can be found everywhere, from college campuses and hospitals to distribution centers, corporate offices, and industrial facilities. These systems undoubtedly drive positive changes within our spaces—such as sensors that automatically adjust ventilation, lighting, and access control based on occupancy—but as connectivity increases, the expectation for reliability, safety, and compliance skyrockets.
It’s mission-critical that fire and life safety advance alongside other smart technologies to keep occupants safe and buildings compliant. Today, we live in an era where technology enables real-time communication, which is crucial for avoiding safety blind spots, delayed response times, disorganized compliance records, and increased occupant risks. As buildings grow more interconnected, the responsibility to keep them safe must become increasingly connected as well.
A smart building doesn’t just create smarter systems; it also creates new regulatory implications and drives complex operational decisions that facility teams must manage in real-time. The same connectivity that powers today’s buildings also raise the bar for compliance, documentation, and coordination. If buildings are becoming more digital, then the tools used to oversee them must be digital too.
The Case for “Connected Compliance”
As our buildings get smarter and smarter, so must our approaches to life and fire safety. With codes and standards updating faster than ever in the face of rapid innovation, digitizing safety is an unrivaled system that can help facilities managers keep step with the nuances of modern-day protection. Without digital tools, teams are vulnerable to viewing outdated information, referencing different versions or interpretations of codes and standards than their peers, or losing high-value work time to manual research. Just like buildings are becoming more connected, so should the people who manage those facilities.
That’s where digital tools will continue to play a huge role. As the backbone of modern compliance, digital tools are increasingly critical for their ability to:
- Eliminate manual research: With effective search features, users can instantly browse codes and standards manuals, reducing downtime on the jobsite and saving time when they need specific requirements, tables, diagrams, or exceptions.
- Accommodate the latest information: Digital platforms push updates or addendums immediately, ensuring that entire teams operate from the same information sets.
- Boost productivity: Allowing workers to bookmark, save, and organize key information supports modern workflows while shared links help teams collaborate, reinforce best practices, and avoid misinterpretation. Some systems allow this to happen offline, promoting productivity even in remote facilities.
- Enhance understanding: Digital platforms can include expert commentary, diagrams, illustrations, and other visual aids to help clarify complicated topics. Digital tools are a wonderful resource to support the training and upskilling of newer hires, especially in the face of continuing labor shortages.
Leading the Next Era of Life Safety
Smart buildings are revolutionizing the way we operate, but we can’t ignore the simultaneous transition that needs to happen regarding fire and life safety compliance. The systems controlling our spaces can no longer operate in isolation, and neither can the people responsible for managing them.
By embracing digital tools that centralize information, streamline compliance, and support real-time decision-making, facility teams can keep pace with the constantly evolving landscape of modern safety. Everything in our world is becoming more connected, and safety—the highest priority in every facility—must follow suit. Digital tools are the ticket to fortifying what matters most: the well-being of every patron in every structure.
Kyle Spencer is the director of NFPA LiNK at the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).