ATGB4064 BUILDING TECHNOLOGY AND

PRACTICES II
GROUP ASSIGNMENT
GROUP

: ABD1/B2

MEMBERS

: LIM CHENG YI
LIM BOON HONG
LIM HOCK SENG
LIM LEONG TIE
LEE LEONG WEI

LECTURER/TUTOR

: MR. TEH BIN SIN

DATE OF SUBMISSION

: 11TH DECEMBER 2009

ATBD 4064

Building

Te c h n o l o g y

and

Practices

II

09WTA11377
09WTA11681
09WTA09921
09WTA11378
09WTA10104

Group

Assignment

MINUTES OF MEETING ON BUILDING TECHNOLOGY & PRACTICES II GROUP

ASSIGNMENT ON MONDAY, 30 NOVEMBER 2009 AT 12.00PM IN CANTEEN 2, TUNKU
ABDUL RAHMAN COLLEGE
Present

: M
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.

Lim Cheng Yi
Lee Leong Wei
Lim Boon Hong
Lim Hock Seng
Lim Leong Tie

Chairman
Secretary
Member
Member
Member

Action to
be Taken
1. This is the first meeting called to discuss the selection of subject for case
study, meeting commenced at 12.05PM.
2. Mr. Lim Leong Tie suggested using the nearby Carrefour market located at
Wangsa-Melawati as the building for case study, all members unanimously
agreed.
3. All members are to visit the building later at 2.00pm to confirm the
suitability of the building to be submitted as subject of case study.
4. The session was called off by the chairman. The following meeting will be
scheduled once the subject is approved to assign tasks for each member.
Meeting ended at 12.20PM.
Prepared by

Confirmed by

L.W. Lee (Secretary)

C.Y. Lim (Chairman)

ALL

Group

Assignment

MINUTES OF MEETING ON BUILDING TECHNOLOGY & PRACTICES II GROUP

ASSIGNMENT ON THURSDAY, 3 DECEMBER 2009 AT 12.00PM IN CANTEEN 2, TUNKU
ABDUL RAHMAN COLLEGE
Present

: M
r
M
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M
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M
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M
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.
.
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.

Lim Cheng Yi
Lee Leong Wei
Lim Boon Hong
Lim Hock Seng
Lim Leong Tie

Chairman
Secretary
Member
Member
Member

Action to
be Taken
1. This is the second meeting called to distribute the tasks to each member,
meeting commenced at 12.03PM.
1. The chairman announces that the suggested building has been approved
by Mr. Teh Bin Sin.
2. The chairman begins to distribute tasks among members. Tasks are
divided as following:
a. Part I Identify the level of system integration of the subject.
b. Part II Suggest improvements to the level of system integration
c. Part III Identify the reasons for slow implementation of system
integration
d. Part IV Indentify the advantages of system integration
e. Part V Identify the disadvantage of system integration
3. Since all agreed the distribution of tasks unanimously, the session is
concluded, next meeting is scheduled at the coming Monday, 7 December
2009 at 12.00PM in Canteen 2, Tunku Abdul Rahman College to submit the
completed tasks by each member for cross-checking.
Meeting ended at 12.22PM.
Prepared by

Confirmed by

L.W. Lee (Secretary)

C.Y. Lim (Chairman)

LHS
LCY
LLT
LLW
LBH

Group

Assignment

MINUTES OF MEETING ON BUILDING TECHNOLOGY & PRACTICES II GROUP

ASSIGNMENT ON MONDAY, 7 DECEMBER 2009 AT 12.00PM IN CANTEEN 2, TUNKU
ABDUL RAHMAN COLLEGE
Present

: M
r
M
r
M
r
M
r
M
r

.
.
.
.
.

Lim Cheng Yi
Lee Leong Wei
Lim Boon Hong
Lim Hock Seng
Lim Leong Tie

Chairman
Secretary
Member
Member
Member

Action to
be Taken
1. This is the third meeting called to discuss the remaining tasks to each
member, meeting commenced at 11:57PM as all member arrived early.
2. All members presented their work for cross-checking.
3. The chairman begins to distribute the remaining tasks among members.
Tasks are divided as following:
a. Acknowledgement, Reference and Bibliography
b. Abstract
c. Abbreviations, List of Figures, List of Tables, List of Photographs
d. Introduction
e. Conclusion
4. Since all agreed the distribution of tasks unanimously, the meeting was
concluded by the chairman. Next meeting is scheduled at the coming
Wednesday, 9 December 2009 at 2.00PM in Canteen 2, Tunku Abdul
Rahman College for each members to submit their works for crosschecking.
Meeting ended at 12.31PM.
Prepared by

Confirmed by

L.W. Lee (Secretary)

C.Y. Lim (Chairman)

LHS
LCY
LLT
LLW
LBH

Group

Assignment

MINUTES OF MEETING ON BUILDING TECHNOLOGY & PRACTICES II GROUP

ASSIGNMENT ON WEDNESDAY, 9 DECEMBER 2009 AT 2.00PM IN CANTEEN 2, TUNKU
ABDUL RAHMAN COLLEGE
Present

: M
r
M
r
M
r
M
r
M
r

.
.
.
.
.

Lim Cheng Yi
Lee Leong Wei
Lim Boon Hong
Lim Hock Seng
Lim Leong Tie

Chairman
Secretary
Member
Member
Member

Action to
be Taken
1. This is the fourth and the last meeting called to present their works for
cross-checking, meeting commenced at 2:05PM.
2. All members presented their work for cross-checking.
3. All works are submitted to the chairman to be arranged and printed.
4. Printed assignment will be checked for quality check by each member.
5. The chairman concluded this will be the last meeting if there are no
amendments need to be made.
Meeting ended at 2.15PM.
Prepared by

Confirmed by

L.W. Lee (Secretary)

C.Y. Lim (Chairman)

Group

Assignment

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Assignment

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
First and foremost, we would like to offer our sincerest gratitude to our lecturer, Mr. Teh Bin
Sin for his detailed explanation and guidance, allowing us to complete this report with least
difficulty.
Additionally we would also like to demonstrate our appreciation to Mr. Lau Sie Khoon and Mr.
Jess Renny for their assistance in providing additional information towards the completion of
this assignment even though they have their own assignment works to be completed.
Special thanks to all of our parents for their supports in form of funding and spiritual
encouragement.
Finally, as the team leader, I would like to thank all members for fully cooperating and pouring
in their fullest efforts finding all the information required to be compiled in this assignment,
making this assignment an achievement to be reminded of.

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Assignment

P a g e | II

ABSTRACT
The invention of computer has yet again bringing an evolution to the design of building. Now
newly built buildings are integrated with computers to manage, maintain and improve the
building itself. Computer integrated building allow communication among its systems,
incorporating maximum automation thus minimizing manual operation to ensure maximum
ease and comfort.
Although many high levels of integrated solution already existed in advanced countries such
as U.S., U.K., E.U. and Japan, many of buildings in Malaysia are still remaining to be in low
levels of integrated solution. In order to verify the actual level of majority of buildings in terms
of integrated solution, a survey is carried out to on the nearby local shopping mall to
determine its level of integrated solution.

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P a g e | III

ABBREVIATIONS
C
CCTV
Closed-Circuit Television..............................12
E
e.g.
Exempli Gratia; for the sake of example....7, 9
E.U.
European Union............................................III
ECom
Electronic Commerce Promotional Council of
Japan..................................................16, 17
H
HVAC
Heating, Ventilating and Air-Conditioning 5, 8,
12
I
i.e.

Id Est.............................................................3
I.T.
Information Technology.....VIII, 2, 4, 5, 6, 8, 10
L
LAN
Local Area Network........................................9
U
U.K.
United Kingdom of Great Britian and Northern
Ireland.......................................................III
U.S.
United States of America..............................III
W
WAN
Wide Area Network........................................9

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LIST OF FIGURES
FIGURE 1 - COMPUTER INTEGRATED BUILDING DIAGRAM-----------------------------------------------------------------------------6
FIGURE 2 - FIRE SUPPRESSION SYSTEM CONCEPT-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------7
FIGURE 3 - FIRE SUPPRESSION SYSTEM MODULE--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------8

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Assignment

LIST OF TABLES
No table of figures entries found.

Page |V

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LIST OF PHOTOGRAPHS
PHOTOGRAPH
PHOTOGRAPH
PHOTOGRAPH
PHOTOGRAPH
PHOTOGRAPH
PHOTOGRAPH

1
2
3
4
5
6

ALARM SENSOR OF EXISTING TAG AND ALARM SYSTEM...............................................................2

CONVENTIONAL ELECTRICAL PANEL.......................................................................................... 3
MANUAL OPERATED FIRE ALARM............................................................................................. 4
FIRE SPRINKLER................................................................................................................... 4
SECURITY CAMERA................................................................................................................ 5
LIGHTINGS........................................................................................................................... 5

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TABLE OF CONTENT
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------I
ABSTRACT------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ II
ABBREVIATIONS---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- III
LIST OF FIGURES--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- IV
LIST OF TABLES----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- V
LIST OF PHOTOGRAPHS------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ VI
TABLE OF CONTENT---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- VII
1.

INTRODUCTION------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1

2.

LEVEL OF SYSTEM INTEGRATION--------------------------------------------------------------------------2

2.1.
2.2.
2.3.
2.4.

3.

IMPROVEMENT OF THE LEVEL OF SYSTEMS------------------------------------------------------------6

3.1.
3.2.
3.3.
3.4.
3.5.
3.6.

4.

RANGES OF REQUIRED COMPONENTS-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------10

VARIOUS SYSTEMS INTEGRATED--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------10
HIGH COMPLEXITY LEVEL---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------10
HIGH COST--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------10
LACK OF COMMON STANDARD----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------11
LACK OF AWARENESS--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------11
LACK OF COST JUSTIFICATION-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------11
LACK OF AVAILABLE FUNDING----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------11

ADVANTAGES OF SYSTEM INTEGRATION---------------------------------------------------------------12

5.1.
5.2.
5.3.
5.4.
5.5.

6.

DATABASE INTEGRATION-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------6
INFORMATION AND DATA SHARING-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------7
I.T. INTEGRATION---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------8
CONTROL SYSTEMS------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------8
REMOTE CONTROL-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------9
INTEGRATED MANAGEMENT TOOLS------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------9

REASON OF SLOW IMPLEMENTATION-------------------------------------------------------------------10

4.1.
4.2.
4.3.
4.4.
4.5.
4.6.
4.7.
4.8.

5.

DATABASE INTEGRATION-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------2
INFORMATION AND DATA SHARING-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------3
I.T.. INTEGRATION--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------4
CONTROL SYSTEMS------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------5

OPERATING COST-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------12
MAINTENANCE AND TROUBLE-SHOOTING---------------------------------------------------------------------------------12
COMMUNICATION-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------12
SECURITY AND SAFETY------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------12
LABOR COST------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------13

DISADVANTAGES OF SYSTEM INTEGRATION----------------------------------------------------------14

6.1.
6.2.
6.3.
6.4.
6.5.

INSTALLATION COST----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------14
STORAGE SPACING-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------14
LACK OF OPERATING AND MAINTENANCE EXPERTS----------------------------------------------------------------------14
TRAINING COST---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------14
LACK OF DESIGN EXPERT---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------14

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CONCLUSION-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 15

REFERENCE--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 16
BIBLIOGRAPHY----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 17
SOFT COPY---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 18

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1. INTRODUCTION
In this assignment, we are required to locate a building to be surveyed and determine its level
of integration solution with examples of systems within the building as evidence of the
building being the said level. As such, we have conducted a survey on the local Carrefour Mall
and found out that the building is at level zero (0) of the integrated solution.
Our following task is to improve the said building into a level five (5) integrated solution
building by suggestion of possible upgrades to the building and its systems.
Our third task is to find out what are the exact causes of the slow implementation of
integrated solution in Malaysia when there are many of these high levels integrated solution
buildings already existed in western counties.
Finally, we are tasked to find out both the advantages and disadvantages of implementation
of integrated solution in Malaysia.

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2. LEVEL OF SYSTEM INTEGRATION

The building in which the survey is conducted is categorized as a Level 0 in Integrated
Solution. Level 0 buildings, also known as building with only Hardwired Links incorporates
no integration.
As such, systems in a Level 0 building are completely independent where: 1it does not
have any database integration; 2does not allow information and data to be shared with
other systems; 3does not have I.T. integration and 4it does not allow control on other
systems.
In other words, each system: 1is completely independent; 2 is a closed system; 3is
operating with separate cabling infrastructure; 4runs its own control system and 5uses its
own proprietary protocol to control.

2.1.

DATABASE INTEGRATION

A database is a set of data that has a regular structure and that is organized in such
a way that a computer can easily find the desired information. It can generally be
looked at as being a collection of records. (The Linux Information Project, 2006)
Therefore, devices with database integration can very well means that the device will
collect data from its operating period and store it for further usage.
A good example of systems from the surveyed building is lacking of database
integration can be seen in the picture below (Photograph 1). The picture below is
showing an existing alarm sensor of a Tag and Alarm System located in the entrance
of the shopping mall.

Photograph 1 Alarm Sensor of Existing Tag and Alarm System

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A Tag and Alarm System is a popular security system employed by most stores to
prevent occurrences of theft. This system works by detecting the associated tags
when it passes through the spaces between two sensors. Alarm will be sounded if it
detects the tags in order to attract the attention of store personnel to the location
where the alarm is sounded. Therefore, it is obvious that the system is completely
independent and no data is collected during its operating period. In fact, the sensor
can be modified and connected to a central open platform to perform other tasks.
However, such details will be discussed in the next section of the report.
Another clear example shown in this building is its electrical distribution system. The
building uses a conventional electrical panel (Photograph 2) which must be operated
manually and locally. This panels sole purpose is to connect and cut the distribution
electrical current thus does not have any integration of database.

Photograph 2 Conventional Electrical Panel

2.2.

INFORMATION AND DATA SHARING

Data is a collection of distinct pieces of information, particularly information that has

been formatted (i.e., organized) in some specific way for use in analysis or making
decisions. (The Linux Information Project, 2006)
In information and data sharing, data obtained from one device or system is shared
to others as it is impossible from one device or system to obtain all the necessary
data required to perform optimally. With data obtained from devices and systems all
over the building, database will be more completed and ready for systems to perform
according to obtained data.

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Photograph 3 Manual Operated Fire Alarm

Photograph 4 Fire Sprinkler

The photograph above (3 & 4) shows two important devices which are part of fire
safety system. However, given t he scenario where there is a fire within a building,
the sprinkler will be activated once nearby sensors detects the presence of fire
where as the fire alarm will only be rang if it can be manually activated by nearby
people. This clearly shows that although both devices are designed to be of same
objective (fire safety), data obtained are not shared between fire detectors and
sprinkler and the isolated fire alarm.

2.3.

I.T.. INTEGRATION

An I.T.. system is the combination of the study, design, development,

implementation, support or management of computer-based information systems, so
that they can work together or form as a whole. I.T. deals with the use of electronic
computers and computer software to convert, store, protect, process, transmit, and
securely retrieve information such as local area network, telephone system, audio
visual, computers, television, radio paging, wireless systems and video conferencing.
(Wikipedia, 2009)

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Photograph 5 Security Camera

It is discovered that the sole purpose of the security camera is to monitor the
activities of customer around the area it is installed so that to prevent theft. It does
not integrates an I.T.. systems which enable it to connect to multiple nearby devices
to increase its function.

2.4.

CONTROL SYSTEMS

A control system is a device or set of devices to manage, command, direct or

regulate the behavior of other devices or systems. (Wikipedia, 2009)
Level 0 buildings integration system does not allow control on other systems. In
other words, it cant manage, command, direct or regulate other systems. The
control system may be operated by electricity, by mechanical means, by fluid
pressure (liquid or gas), or by a combination of means. When a computer is involved
in the control circuit, it is usually more convenient to operate all of the control
systems electrically, although intermixtures are fairly common.

Photograph 6 Lightings

Systems in this building such as , refrigeration, HVAC, lighting run on its own protocol
and doesnt allow interference of other systems. One example is that, the lighting
system operated only through manual switches to on and off the lights and does not
rely on other devices (light sensors) to control its operation.

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3. IMPROVEMENT OF THE LEVEL OF SYSTEMS

A level 5 building which is also known as a Computer Integrated Building is a building
which incorporates the highest level of integration. Systems of this building are all
interconnected to an integrated open platform which incorporates various management
platforms (Asset Management, Facilities Management, Networking Management, etc.) and
additionally is linked to various remote locations for remote monitoring and management.
Usually, every single systems within the building: 1has database integration; 2allows
information and data to be shared with other systems; 3has I.T.. integration; 4allows control
on other systems in a broad region (possibly worldwide); 5is firewalled and 6with all
management tools integrated.
It also means that each system is: 1completely dependent on one another; 2an open
system; 3operating on a shared cabling infrastructure; 4runs with a common control system
and 5uses open product (common rules and regulation) to control.

Figure 1 - Computer Integrated Building Diagram

3.1.

DATABASE INTEGRATION

As before mentioned, the tag and alarm system can be modified to detect humans
and connected to a central management system thus can be used to count the
amount of potential customer that visits the building. Such data may be of various

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uses such as: 1determining if the company personnel employed is sufficient to serve
the customer and 2estimating profit brought by each customer.

Additionally, the electrical distribution system can be integrated with measurement

devices to measure the electrical usage of a particular section of t he building so that
electricity current can be clearly monitored. One particular use of the collected data
is to determine the condition of the supply cable (e.g. too old, overloaded, etc).
Other sensor devices can also be integrated to the database to provide data such as
average, lowest and highest temperatures and lighting level of a specific part or
whole of the building internally or externally.

3.2.

INFORMATION AND DATA SHARING

Sharing of information between systems can be useful in making the associated

systems more effective in achieving its objective. Given the exemplary scenario of a
fire within the building, the detected sensor will share the information with all nearby
sensors and the control and monitoring panel in which will inform the company
personnel and fire department about the incident. Meanwhile, nearby fire alarm will
be activated to warn people nearby about the fire while sprinkler will activate itself to
control or wipe out the fire. Additionally, roller shutter can shut down in an effort to
contain the fire while people within the contained are can evacuate through fire
doors located beside the roller shutter.

Figure 2 - Fire Suppression System Concept

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Figure 3 - Fire Suppression System Module

3.3.

I.T. INTEGRATION

Devices with I.T. integration can perform multiple task with protocol overwrite
capability when given the logic. In the given scenario of thievery, when the sensor
sensed where a tagged product is not paid it will not only trigger the alarm but at the
same time information is sent to a central computer and further notify security
personnel and polices the point where the theft is detected. The central computer
will then generate all possible routes for the thief to escape and command all
cameras that is visible to those routes to cancel their regular monitoring protocol and
focus on the generated route. This will help the control room to identify the direction
where the thief is going and further predict its escape route. In the other hand, it also
increases the chance of getting a clear image of the thiefs face for further
prosecution if the company wishes.

3.4.

CONTROL SYSTEMS

Control of system is practically useful in maintaining the level of lighting and

temperature within the building. Most sensors act as a control system for their
associated systems such as HVAC and lightings to maintain a comfortable
environment within the internal section of the building. For example, a light sensor
detects the level of lighting within the building to determine whether to increase the
brightness of the lightings around it or to dim them and HVAC systems rely on
thermometer to determine whether to decrease or increase the temperature.
Each automated system is well equipped with manual override or takeover to ensure
undesired situation which is decided by computer can be manually set to the desired

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preference. It is also to serve as an effective countermeasure for error or failure in

systems.

3.5.

REMOTE CONTROL

All systems within the building are connected to the central computer through LAN in
which signals are transmitted from the system to the central control either wirelessly
or via power cables with signal conversion devices. The central computer or central
control system will be used to monitor, control and manage all activities of all
systems within the building.
The central control system in turn, can be linked to remote locations within the
building (remote controls) or locations outside of the building via WAN.
Wireless and WAN connections must be firewalled to protect the systems from
external intrusions and prevent unauthorized access to the systems. Additionally,
data must also be well encrypted to prevent from being leaked to third-party.

3.6.

INTEGRATED MANAGEMENT TOOLS

The central computer must be integrated with management various management

tools (e.g. Asset Management, Facilities Management, Network Management, etc) to
help management personnel manage all the system within the building or even
across multiple computer integrated building either directly through the central
computer or remotely from other locations. Management tools that allow the
management of all systems across multiple computer integrated building at a remote
location will ease the process of managing multiple buildings.

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4. REASON OF SLOW IMPLEMENTATION

Although it is conceptually important and beneficial to upgrade the levels of systems
integration, reality shows that implementation of high level system integration is slow.
Investigation shows that the reason behind the slow implementation are: 1ranges of
required component; 2various systems integrated; 3high complexity level; 4high cost; 5 lack
of common standard; 6lack of awareness; 7lack of cost justification and 8lack of available
funding.

4.1.

RANGES OF REQUIRED COMPONENTS

Buildings with higher level of system integration consist of a wide range of

components. These components differ in areas such as size and scale, design and
climate, security and privacy, expression of structure, harmony and modular
proportions. In fact, the previously components of the buildings will be totally
changed. It may not be accepted by owner. For example, new security requirement
applied to the building. That is why it is very difficult for those buildings that desire to
upgrade. (ThinkQuest, 2009)

4.2.

VARIOUS SYSTEMS INTEGRATED

A high level of system integration to a building which must have conditions of various
systems integrated. The various system integrated is utilizing a variety of techniques
such as computer networking, enterprise application integration, business process
management or manual programming. The owner of the shopping center is needed
to engage some professionals to manage the different type of system integration. For
example, Professionals control the transmission of information around shopping
center. So, it must spend cost to progress it. If there is just only a small shopping
center, it is hardly impossible for them to achieve it. (Wikipedia, 2009)

4.3.

HIGH COMPLEXITY LEVEL

The high complexity level is depending to the level of system integration. This is
because there is unique nature of each building upgrading project. The unique plan
brings the implementation process into complex. Therefore, the complexity of the
implementation process will easily make the owner to decline of it, because it may
difficulty to manage or control it. The time is also needed for a building to upgrade
from low level into high complexity level.

4.4.

HIGH COST

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To upgrade the level of system integration, there must have numerous changes to
some extent of the building. Therefore, taking into consideration the high costs are
needed to purchase or change to new I.T. equipments and services for upgrading the
level of system integration. The equipments and services are such like fire safety
equipment, electrical management tools and local network area services. Moreover,
I.T. shopping mall need to be consolidated for the technologies required and cost
reduction effects in implementation. Next, the costs of perimeter site development
are within reason. Obviously, there are big amounts will be spent if desire to upgrade
it. (ECom, 1997)

4.5.

LACK OF COMMON STANDARD

Since Malaysia is on the development stage, therefore most of the buildings are not
going to upgrade yet. Almost all the buildings in Malaysia are less than level 3
(Proprietary, Common Transport). No doubt, this factor becomes one of the reasons
for slow implementation of system integration to buildings. There are no buildings in
Malaysia that can be a sample for others as references in the system integration
field. Due to the lack of common standard, the buildings in Malaysia still stay static in
their form. This is the reason why the shopping complex does not go for
improvement too. The shopping complexes in Malaysia are at the same level level
0.

4.6.

LACK OF AWARENESS

System integration is a kind of new knowledge to the people in Malaysia. Even

though it has a long history in the advanced country, but it is still fresh for the
Malaysian. There is not much expertise in this field. Furthermore, the government
does not put much effort in encouraging the system integration to buildings. In
addition, the older generations in construction industry do not get any approach to
the system integration. As a result, there is a slow implementation of system
integration to buildings.

4.7.

LACK OF COST JUSTIFICATION

There is very expensive to upgrade a building by applying the system integration.

The amount could reach to millions or even billions. For some small buildings, there
is no reason for them to implement the system integration which may cost a lot of
money. Moreover, upgrading a typical building to a higher level is not match to its
layout. There is no cost justification to implement the system integration to a small
building like shopping complex.

4.8.

LACK OF AVAILABLE FUNDING

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Since upgrading a building to a higher level worth a lot of money, some of the small
companies could not afford for the cost. Mostly, it cost millions or even billions to
upgrading a building. Besides that, the maintenance for the system also is a vast
amount. Therefore, the companies do not want to take the risk and for small
companies, they are lacking of funding. Therefore, most of the buildings are still stay
in a static form.

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5. ADVANTAGES OF SYSTEM INTEGRATION

The advantages of System integration to building is that it can improve: 1the building
performance; 2human comfort; 3flexibility and efficiency; 4communications; 5energy
consumption and 6security and safety. Additionally, it also has the benefits of reducing:
1
risk level; 2labour cost; ; 3operating cost; 4service cost and 5improve maintenance cost and
trouble-shooting.

5.1.

OPERATING COST

Staff will become more productive and efficient when they can control multiple
systems and devices from one computer with a central set of command software
tools. Once the system had been install , A centralized control and monitoring station
can be shared among all subsystems in a building operations center, significantly
reducing monitoring costs. It is especially true between similar subsystems such as
safety and security or energy management and maintenance. If all systems are
integrated to the point where common displays are shared, fewer console displays
are needed and maintenance parts will be minimized.

5.2.

MAINTENANCE AND TROUBLE-SHOOTING

Acquire and manage immense amounts of data so forecasts are more accurate.
Avoid the high costs of unscheduled repairs.

5.3.

COMMUNICATION

Communications are performed over a common medium such as a fiber-optic or

coaxial backbone. Communications protocols vary depending on the vendor and
systems to be interconnected. Hopefully, within this decade, an internationally
accepted, open systems network protocol will be agreed upon.

5.4.

SECURITY AND SAFETY

When integrated into multiple systems, CCTV cameras and motion sensor used to
assess security alarms can also be used to assess process actions or equipment
failures. The same cameras can be used to record activities in and around critical
operations for event assessment after the fact. Motion detection and personnel
recognition are not beyond the current capability of computers connected to
cameras. For example, it can be used to detect an intruder during the times that no
one is scheduled in an area. During regular work hours, the same sensor can detect
the presence or absence of occupants and direct the energy management system to
adjust the HVAC and light settings. When logically arranged, the same sensor can

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assist an emergency responder in detecting the direction of evacuation flow or

location of a victim.

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LABOR COST

Once the integration system had been applied in advanced system technologies is
the one method of increasing throughput and reducing annual labor costs. High-tech
applications reduce the time needed to perform activities, thereby decreasing the
number of employees required overall.

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6. DISADVANTAGES OF SYSTEM INTEGRATION

The disadvantages of system integration to buildings are high in: 1design cost; 2installation
cost; 3upgrading cost; 4storage spacing; 5longer downtime period; 6lack of expertise in
design, operation and maintenance and 7lack of compability.

6.1.

INSTALLATION COST

Installation cost for integration system is much higher compared than systems of lower
level building as it incorporates high-end technologies into the system. Example:
installation of a motion sensor lighting system.

6.2.

STORAGE SPACING

As a result of incorporating multiple systems, the storage required to store these systems
as well as the central computer (server sized) will requires a large amount of space to
store them.

6.3.

LACK OF OPERATING AND MAINTENANCE EXPERTS

As high level integration system incorporates high-end technology systems, many of the
operating and maintenance personnel would not know how to operate and maintain these
hi-tech systems.

6.4.

TRAINING COST

As many of operating and maintenance personnel may not up-to-date with these hi-tech
systems, it is required to send them for training before they can operate these systems. It
is most likely that a trainer will not be available locally, thus summoning international
experts will incur extra cost.

6.5.

LACK OF DESIGN EXPERT

Many of these systems are very new and thus local designer may not be familiar with
them. In order to integrate these systems into the building, international experts is
required to be involved in the design team. Hiring an international expert would be very
costly.

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7. CONCLUSION
It is best note that although high level of integration solution can be beneficial to the
building, its owner and its occupants in many ways (including accurate cost estimating,
better safety and security, remote management ,etc), due to the lack of acceptance of
local industry, availability of product in local market may proves to be a problem. There are
many products and systems need to be imported for the integration of these buildings.
Additionally, many of experts are not locally available (including designer, installation
workers, operating and maintenance personnel and others) and thus need to be hired from
advanced countries and maintenance and operating personnel need to undergo training
from hired experts on method of operating and maintenance. All of these are very costly
where the total cost incurred may be enough to justify the decision not integrating high
level systems into new and existing building alike. It is concluded that it is not yet the time
for buildings in Malaysia to fully embrace high level integrated solution.

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REFERENCE
ECom. 1997. WG01. ECom. [Online] 1997. [Cited: December 11, 2009.]
http://www.ecom.jp/ecom_e/report/full/wg01/body.pdf.
The Linux Information Project. 2006. Database Definition. The Linux Information Project
(LINFO). [Online] June 22, 2006. [Cited: December 10, 2009.]
http://www.linfo.org/database.html.
ThinkQuest. 2009. VArious Components. Think Quest : Library. [Online] December 11, 2009.
[Cited: December 11, 2009.] http://library.thinkquest.org/C002679F/various.htm.
Wikipedia. 2009. Control System. Wikipedia, the free Encycolopedia. [Online] December 09,
2009. [Cited: December 11, 2009.] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Control_system.
. 2009. Information Technology. Wikipedia, the free Encycolopedia. [Online] December 09,
2009. [Cited: December 11, 2009.] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Information_technology.
. 2009. System Integration. Wikipedia, the free Encycolopedia. [Online] November 30,
2009. [Cited: December 11, 2009.] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/System_integration.

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BIBLIOGRAPHY
ECom. 1997. WG01. ECom. [Online] 1997. [Cited: December 11, 2009.]
http://www.ecom.jp/ecom_e/report/full/wg01/body.pdf.
The Linux Information Project. 2006. Database Definition. The Linux Information Project
(LINFO). [Online] June 22, 2006. [Cited: December 10, 2009.]
http://www.linfo.org/database.html.
ThinkQuest. 2009. VArious Components. Think Quest : Library. [Online] December 11, 2009.
[Cited: December 11, 2009.] http://library.thinkquest.org/C002679F/various.htm.
Wikipedia. 2009. Control System. Wikipedia, the free Encycolopedia. [Online] December 09,
2009. [Cited: December 11, 2009.] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Control_system.
. 2009. Information Technology. Wikipedia, the free Encycolopedia. [Online] December 09,
2009. [Cited: December 11, 2009.] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Information_technology.
. 2009. System Integration. Wikipedia, the free Encycolopedia. [Online] November 30,
2009. [Cited: December 11, 2009.] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/System_integration.

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