Open access meets safety standards, with Siemens Smart Infrastructure

by Breaking NewsBuilding ManagementSafety

Marcel Hazenbroek, Product Manager Building X APIs at Siemens Smart Infrastructure, explains how comprehensive APIs support the continuous information flow on a buildings’ fire safety status

Large buildings such as offices, hospitals or hotels have implemented dozens or even hundreds of fire detectors, fire notification appliances and other smart electronic devices.

Building operators or any other contractors should ideally know everything about these devices, including their exact location, current maintenance status, equipment condition and any incident associated with it in the past.

That information is needed to predictively eliminate malfunctions or soiling and thereby to ensure flawless performance in case of a genuine emergency.

Additionally, it can cover a wide range of devices from different manufacturers; or to connect to any third-party cloud-based system.

What is needed, in short, is an API – an Application Programming Interface – for the fire system, with open standards for data exchange.

APIs not only cover events, device status and locations, they also can be queried programmatically, in real time and comprehensive detail, by any application that needs to know about the safety status.

The primary advantage of these interfaces lies in the ability for building managers and further service providers to be in full control of choosing which applications to leverage.

By this they can extract most value from respective data to tackle business challenges effectively – including integration with other data sources where necessary.

API functions and their ecosystem 

Key functions of APIs include tracking events, managing devices and mapping locations.

Database-like queries and filters allow any connected application to retrieve data such as device IDs, model names, locations, events and places.

Does this sensor have a history of false alarms? Which systems is it connected to? Where will the maintenance crew find it? Thanks to the API, applications from any supplier – or developed in-house – can retrieve this information quickly and easily.

Benefits include the ability to monitor events in real time across multiple devices down to the level of individual appliances, optimised responses in case of any occurring irregularities as well as automated, versatile and standardised documentations of events.

Detailed logging supports safety during emergencies and is especially helpful in analysing past events to understand their root cause, or to overview maintenance and comply with regulatory requirements.

The platform should be scalable and work seamlessly with existing fire solutions.

The interface must be user-friendly and it should be easy to set up customised alerts and notifications so that any user can stay informed about the most critical events and issues affecting the building.

In addition, AI-based applications and platforms are able to utilise incidents to not only provide real-time insights, but also leverage these details to take automated and reasonable action.

Adding value for building operators

An example of how APIs add value for building operators is Digitaallogboek, a digital logbook for any facility that requires periodic inspection, including a fire alarm and evacuation system developed in 2013 by Dutch technical services company Smart Service Solutions.

In general, a logbook should contain drawings, maintenance reports, and certificates, which a large proportion of companies are still missing when technical service providers are visiting.

Digital logbooks can be operational in thousands of buildings.

They provide valuable information to service providers, inspectors, managers and insurance experts.

Thanks to the integration via a cloud API a complete record is ensured, while saving operators’ time as there is no need to create entries manually.

Why open standards are the future 

One thing is clear: an open approach is crucial for the future and the transition from closed to these new standards for a structured and unified data exchange in APIs will be key.

It fosters a dynamic environment for unlocking innovation and creating significant business value.

Especially in connection to open digital building platforms, APIs in fire safety enable access to event data from fire panels, empowering third party solutions with detailed information and optimising appropriate actions.

This article was originally published in the December 2024 issue of International Fire & Safety Journal – to read your FREE digital copy, click here.

Siemens to acquire Danfoss Fire Safety, expanding sustainable fire suppression solutions

by Featured NewsFire Suppression

Siemens strengthens its fire safety portfolio with Danfoss acquisition

Siemens Smart Infrastructure has announced plans to acquire Danfoss Fire Safety, a Denmark-based subsidiary of Danfoss Group, as reported by Siemens Smart Infrastructure.

This acquisition aims to strengthen Siemens’ presence in the global fire safety market while accelerating its transition towards sustainable fire suppression technologies.

Danfoss Fire Safety will become part of Siemens’ Buildings Business Unit.

It will enhance Siemens’ fire safety offerings, particularly with its high-pressure water mist system, a fast-growing, environmentally friendly fire suppression technology.

Siemens expects this move to provide global customers with more sustainable fire safety solutions.

Focus on sustainable fire suppression technologies

The acquisition of Danfoss Fire Safety is expected to position Siemens to address sustainability trends in fire suppression across various industries.

The addition of the water mist technology will allow Siemens to better serve industries such as data centres, industrial processes, and tunnel infrastructures, which have growing demand for advanced fire suppression solutions.

Susanne Seitz, CEO of Buildings Business Unit at Siemens Smart Infrastructure, said: “With the acquisition of Danfoss Fire Safety, Siemens will be strongly positioned to cater to a shift towards sustainability in the fire suppression market.”

Danfoss Fire Safety’s future under Siemens

Danfoss Fire Safety, which has been a fully-owned subsidiary of Danfoss Group since 2019, will continue to operate as a separate legal entity under the name “A Siemens Business.”

The company, which currently employs 125 people, has developed into a leader in fixed firefighting systems but was no longer part of Danfoss’ strategic focus.

Troels H. Petersen, Senior Vice President for Corporate M&A at Danfoss, said: “We are confident that the business, along with our Fire Safety colleagues, will thrive under Siemens’ ownership.

“Our priority now is ensuring a smooth transition for our employees, customers, suppliers, and partners.”

Transaction details and next steps

The acquisition is still subject to regulatory approvals, with the transaction expected to close by the end of 2024.

Financial terms have not been disclosed.

Siemens anticipates that the integration of Danfoss Fire Safety will further boost its global market presence and create new opportunities for growth within the fire safety industry.

Danfoss Fire Safety will continue to operate independently until the transaction is finalised.

Siemens intends to leverage Danfoss’ existing technologies to enhance its fire suppression portfolio and meet increasing global demand for sustainable solutions.

Siemens announces acquisition of Danfoss Fire Safety for sustainable growth: Summary

Siemens Smart Infrastructure has announced the acquisition of Danfoss Fire Safety, a subsidiary of the Danfoss Group.

This move aims to strengthen Siemens’ sustainable fire safety offerings, specifically through Danfoss’ high-pressure water mist fire suppression technology.

The acquisition will integrate Danfoss Fire Safety into Siemens’ Buildings Business Unit, with the company continuing to operate independently under the name “A Siemens Business.”

According to Siemens, this will enhance its ability to serve industries with growing fire safety demands.

The acquisition, subject to regulatory approval, is expected to close by the end of 2024.

Financial details of the transaction have not been disclosed.

Five reasons for cloud-connected fire safety systems with Siemens

by Breaking NewsFire Detection

Peter Nebiker, Head of Fire Safety at Siemens Smart Infrastructure, shares the key benefits of cloud-connected fire safety systems for building owners, service providers and safety managers

Building owners, safety managers, service providers and other operators face multiple challenges when it comes to managing the safety of buildings – especially fleets of sites.

A lack of digitalisation and silo-based systems are just a few of the hurdles that make it more difficult for them to work efficiently.

However, cloud-connected fire safety systems not only create transparency into building fleets, but also simplify the jobs of operators, such as service providers and safety managers.

They enable us to monitor all the data – such as fire locations or status of alarms and detectors – through a browser-based web application or a mobile application remotely.

Ultimately, fire safety systems enable operators to manage the fire safety maintenance of buildings efficiently, including remote commissioning and monitoring of fire systems, testing of detectors, system reporting.

And here’s how they work: Cloud-connected fire safety systems provide a method of communication from a fire control unit to a cloud server.

The fire control unit is connected via a cloud gateway to the internet.

The transmitted data from the cloud gateway can be further processed using dedicated cloud applications or application program interfaces (API).

Here are the five key benefits:

#1: Enhanced service efficiency and system performance

As building owners are able to store their site’s documentation in the cloud, service providers – such as technicians – can monitor the system status remotely on a 24/7 basis.

Fire safety service providers are therefore able to plan, execute, and report their maintenance more efficiently.

Additionally, technicians can streamline tasks and better prepare for a site visit in terms of spare parts, needed tools as well as estimated working hours.

This not only increases efficiency, but also reduces the number of site trips.

Another key benefit is the ability for service providers to optimise system performance thanks to comprehensive data insights.

Cloud services also offer several additional features, including visibility of entire lists of network panels or peripheral system devices, as well as diagnostic data from these devices and systems.

Ultimately, building owners take also advantage of it: Thanks to an optimised system availability, they can even better protect people as well as assets, while ensuring business continuity.

#2 Transparency and system compliance

Some of the key advantages of cloud connectivity, with remote access, are the automation of – formerly – manual work, such as completing digital log-files and the fulfillment of regulatory obligations that go with it.

This includes the ability for authorised and qualified personnel to remotely access panel configuration files and history logs, and even test devices remotely with minimal disturbance for building occupants and without compromising the detection capability.

Automated event documentation supports in creating error-free and compliant inspection reports.

This allows owners to have a comprehensive overview of their life safety system, while providing another safety and security layer for building occupants.

#3 Predictive maintenance through data insights

Considerable amounts of data – made available by the cloud-based system – build the basis for further efficiency potential.

Typically, an on-site cloud gateway will transmit data from the fire control unit via the internet to the cloud.

API or software solutions will then process this data to be reviewed in web portals or mobile application interfaces.

The web portal or mobile app can be set up individually to meet customers’ needs for specific insights – such as viewing a smoke detector’s soiling value or reading a carbon monoxide (CO) sensor’s planned preventive maintenance (PPM) value.

Ultimately, data can be utilised for predictive maintenance as well as to ensure that the equipment and peripheral devices work properly.

#4 Quick and comprehensive overview for first responders

In case of incidents, cloud-connected fire safety systems can significantly reduce response times.

Events can be reported in a timely manner due to an instant connection to the fire control panel.

Access to the cloud-connected fire safety system or app notifications, with its real-time data updates, adds another information layer for incident officers.

This enables them to assess any upcoming situations quickly, accurately and in real-time.

Additionally, most fire safety systems provide notification services, which allows users to receive SMS and email alerts for any events, such as alarms, incidents, or supervisory needs.

#5 Enhanced cybersecurity and data protection

Cybersecurity and data protection are fundamental concerns when it comes to cloud connectivity.

They are crucial for preventing malicious attacks that could compromise the integrity of the fire safety system and its peripheral devices.

Therefore, designing and utilising cybersecure cloud-connected products is of utmost importance.

Built-in cybersecurity features can increase safety, while ensuring business continuity.

In case of an incident, managers can fix fire protection systems quickly and seamlessly.

The requirements for data are simple: Data must be up to date, accurate, and must be able to be filtered and sorted.

The evolution of fire safety systems

As the need for increased digital transformation, transparency and efficiency rises in the buildings sector, cloud-connected fire safety systems, along with advancements in hardware and peripheral system devices, will be a crucial technology.

The more data points sensors can capture, the more cloud applications can analyse and report.

Predictive maintenance will become more streamlined, and response time to emergencies much faster.

The deployment of Artificial intelligence (AI) can even enhance predictive maintenance.

Ultimately, it is clear that cloud connectivity in smart buildings and specifically in fire safety systems is key when it comes to promoting safety and the protection of life and assets.

This article was originally published in the September 2024 issue of International Fire & Safety Journal. To read your FREE digital copy, click here.

Siemens introduces new ASD+: A single device can cover an area of up to 6,700 m2

by Featured NewsFire DetectionProducts

Advantages of the new ASD+ range

Siemens has launched the ASD+ range, enhancing the aspirating smoke detection (ASD) market with substantial coverage capabilities.

As reported by Siemens, the new generation features two detectors – FDA261 and FDA262 – designed for large and complex projects.

Each device covers up to 6,700 m2.

For Class A installations, the coverage is up to 2,000 m2, making it suitable for large spaces like data centres, retail distribution warehouses, and industrial production facilities.

The ASD+ range has a modular design allowing easy replacement of the detection chamber and aspirator without replacing the entire unit.

This extends the product’s lifetime and reduces its environmental impact.

Easy commissioning and maintenance

The ASD+ Connect app simplifies digital commissioning using a QR-code approach, reducing commissioning time by up to 20%.

Enhanced detection performance includes optics designed for high sensitivity and improved signal processing to differentiate smoke from dust, reducing false alarms.

The new system is suitable for harsh environments, maintaining optimal operation.

Maintenance is easier with ASD+ systems.

Siemens provides cloud data for pre-alarm, dust detection, airflow, and contamination levels via a mobile app.

This system is particularly beneficial for areas with high ceilings, floor voids, escalators, and other hard-to-reach spaces.

Integration and flexibility

ASD+ integrates seamlessly with existing Siemens ASD solutions without additional hardware costs.

The detectors include built-in relays for easy connection to third-party systems via onboard relay outputs.

Adjustable alarm thresholds and extension slots for future upgrades provide flexibility for various applications.

Planning support

Siemens offers extensive planning support for ASD+ detectors.

This includes application guides, a fire system builder, a BIM and CAD platform, and a spec writer for system specification.

These tools and documents assist in the effective planning and implementation of fire safety systems.

Siemens ASD+ smoke detectors now offer extensive coverage: Summary

Siemens has introduced the ASD+ range, featuring the FDA261 and FDA262 detectors, which offer substantial coverage in the aspirating smoke detection market.

Each device covers up to 6,700 m2, making it suitable for large spaces.

The modular design, easy commissioning through the ASD+ Connect app, and simplified maintenance enhance the system’s usability and longevity.

The detectors integrate with existing Siemens solutions and third-party systems and offer flexible alarm thresholds and future-proofing.

Siemens also provides extensive planning support to assist with implementation.

Siemens opens new data center competence center in Chennai, India

by Featured NewsSustainability

Siemens launches new data center hub in Chennai

Siemens inaugurated a new Center of Competence for Data Centers at the Global Infocity Park in Chennai, India, as reported by Siemens.

The 6,000 square metre facility will serve as a regional innovation hub, bringing together over 200 designers, planners, engineers, and project managers.

This new centre aims to enable co-creation with partners and customers across the Asia Pacific (APAC) region.

The data center market is experiencing rapid growth, with a projected Compound Annual Growth Rate of 10.9 percent from 2023 to 2030.

The APAC region alone is estimated to invest $75 billion in data centers by 2025, potentially overtaking the US as the highest investing region globally.

Focus on power solutions and sustainability

The expert team in Chennai will concentrate on developing modular and scalable power distribution and power automation solutions.

These solutions aim to reduce installation and commissioning time by up to 60 percent.

Data centers, being one of the most energy-intensive sectors, consumed an estimated 240-340 terawatt-hours (TWh) in 2022, representing 1-1.3 percent of global electricity usage.

The new power solutions are crucial for enabling data centers to operate more efficiently.

By integrating real and digital worlds, Siemens seeks to enable the sustainable transformation of data center infrastructure.

This approach is aimed at creating customized solutions to meet specific customer needs and targets.

Global network of technical experts

Remco Sloothaak, Data Centers IEC Business Line Head at Siemens Smart Infrastructure, commented: “Today’s launch of our highly anticipated Center of Competence signifies the importance of the data center market for Siemens, both on a global level, and specifically in APAC.

“With this new facility, we now have a network of technical experts housed across three sites around the world, who are able to provide the very best customer support on a 24/7 basis.”

“The Chennai facility is part of a global network that enhances Siemens’ capability to provide comprehensive customer support, reinforcing their commitment to optimizing operations and sustainability goals.

Commitment to customer vision and efficiency

Ciaran Flanagan, Global Head of Data Center Solutions at Siemens Smart Infrastructure, stated: “The exponential growth in data brings both new challenges and opportunities for our customers.

“We are committed to enabling them to optimize their operations, bringing their vision to life in an efficient way and helping them to reduce both their costs alongside achieving their sustainability goals.

“The launch of our new Chennai facility is the next important milestone in that journey.”

Siemens Building X expands fire safety capabilities

by Featured NewsProductsSafety

Siemens has recently expanded its fire safety offerings through its Building X platform, with a focus on increasing transparency and efficiency in fire safety management.

This development is a significant stride in the realm of smart infrastructure and digital transformation.

New offerings in fire safety

The new features in Building X encompass remote monitoring, real-time notifications, and predictive maintenance capabilities.

The platform now includes Fire Apps – Fire Manager, Fire Connect – and a Fire Application Programming Interface (API), all of which are integral parts of the Siemens Xcelerator program.

These additions are designed to digitalise workflows for fire safety operations and maintenance, thereby saving time and resources.

Enhanced user experience and sustainability

Building X is a digital platform that assists customers in digitalising, managing, and optimising building operations.

The incorporation of these new fire safety features is expected to enhance user experiences, increase performance, and contribute to sustainability.

The Fire Apps and API allow for efficient planning, execution, and documentation of maintenance activities.

Notably, this enhanced approach to fire safety management also has the potential to reduce CO2 emissions by minimising the need for on-site visits.

Comments from Siemens

Peter Nebiker, Vice President and Head of Fire Safety at Siemens Smart Infrastructure, expressed excitement about enhancing the Building X portfolio with these new features.

He emphasised the importance of compatibility and cross-functionality with other smart building applications, which can lead to optimised services and greater efficiency in resource utilisation.

Global availability and rollout

These new fire safety applications and the Fire API are currently available in several countries and are planned to be introduced in more regions globally.

Siemens Smart Infrastructure

Siemens Smart Infrastructure is at the forefront of creating intelligent, adaptive infrastructure solutions.

It addresses key challenges like urbanisation and climate change by integrating energy systems, buildings, and industries.

With a comprehensive portfolio of products, systems, and services, Siemens Smart Infrastructure plays a pivotal role in the progression of communities and the preservation of the planet.

IFSJ Comment

By integrating digital solutions like Fire Apps and Fire API into the Building X platform, Siemens is enhancing fire safety management and contributing to the broader digital transformation of building operations.

This initiative aligns with the increasing demand for smart, connected, and sustainable building solutions in the face of global challenges such as urbanisation and climate change.

The introduction of remote monitoring and predictive maintenance features in fire safety systems represents a paradigm shift in how fire safety is managed.

It reflects a move towards proactive, data-driven approaches that prioritise efficiency, transparency, and sustainability.

For the fire safety and smart infrastructure industry, this could set a new standard, encouraging other companies to innovate and integrate similar digital solutions.

Siemens selects Videcon as distribution partner for Cerberus FIT

by Featured NewsFire DetectionProducts

Siemens has announced Videcon as its new strategic partner for the Cerberus FIT range of fire detection and alarm products, marking Siemens first ever distribution partner for fire in the UK and Ireland.

Videcon was formed in 1995 and is currently one of the fastest growing security and fire distributors in the UK. Videcon will add Cerberus FIT to its existing portfolio of fire and security products and services, through its dedicated Fire Safety Division which is headed up by Sales Director Alan Fowlie.

Commenting on the new partnership, Fowlie said: “Our customers were increasingly looking for the advantages offered by an addressable system but at an affordable price.

“I knew Siemens from the work I did before my business became part of Videcon in 2020 and Cerberus FIT offers the ideal solution. It gives us a completely open protocol, engineer-friendly system with the brand values, quality and product quality that you expect from Siemens but at a price-point which is extremely competitive.”

Cerberus FIT has been designed specifically to provide a cost-effective option for moving from conventional to addressable systems for small to medium sized applications.

Rob Yates, Head of Fire Products at Siemens UK&I, commented: “We are delighted to be working with Videcon, having chosen them as a partner because of their clear commitment to training and support. The company’s client base is particulartly suited to Cerberus FIT which is an EN54-13 approved system designed with ease of installation and ease of use as its core guiding principles.

“That ensures it is an ideal option for a range of applications, including retail, leisure centres, warehouses and restaurants – in essence those facilities who would be considerng a conventional or stand-alone addressable system.

“This is the start of what we see as an exciting co-operation between the two businesses and look forward to taking the offering to the fire safety market in the UK and Ireland.”