How to Refit from Manual to Sensor Operations in Facilities

Innovations in sensor operations in facilities are on the rise as building owners and facility managers seek new ways to incorporate Smart Building technologies. Have you considered what it would take to refit manual fixtures to sensor technology? Here are a few things you should know.  

Sensor tech has been around since the 1960s. At first, few establishments were willing to buy into the new invention. 

Yet, with widespread adoption over the last 60 years, nearly every building and structure has some form of sensor operations. Temperature sensors are the most common sensors on the market. 

If you've decided to replace manual fixtures and refit your facility with sensor operations, this article will cover the seven things you should consider incorporating into these upgrades.

Key Takeaways:

• Sensor tech is growing rapidly due to innovations in building technology allowing owners and facility managers to run a more sustainable structure.

• Refitting facilities from manual to sensor operations will reduce operational costs and offer resource conservation at unprecedented levels. 

• These sensor refittings include fixtures in lighting, motion detection, temperature control, and touchless technology in kitchens, bathrooms, and other high-traffic areas.

The Growth of Sensor Tech in Buildings

In 1954, Lew Hewitt and Dee Horton invented the first automatic door for commercial buildings using sensor tech. Since then, smart building sensors have become more common in offices, shopping centers, and other commercial spaces. 

Smart building sensor technology goes beyond automatic functionality. Data from these sensors is helping building owners and facility managers operate a more sustainable structure. 

Sensors can conserve natural resources like water and energy. They also improve security, promote safety, and enable remote monitoring.

Analysts expect the industrial sensor market to increase at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of more than 10% through 2027. That is a total value of $30 billion. They tie this growth to the increased advancements in facility tech as a whole.  

7 Ways to Refit Manual for Sensor Operations in Facilities

Refitting facilities from manual to sensor operations reduces operational costs, increases efficiencies, and conserves resources at unprecedented levels. 

There are different types of sensors on the market. Here are the top seven sensors building owners and facility managers are refitting to replace manual operations. 

1. Vision and Image 

These sensors are electronic devices that convert information into visual imagery and displays by detecting the presence of objects or colors within their fields of view. Manufacturing facilities use them to replace manual quality control processes. 

You can program and control these sensors on-site or remotely. They can also send information to data points regarding things like failed package rejection.

2. Position and Proximity

Position and proximity sensors detect objects that are nearby. These sensors can detect the presence of things within a specific range of several millimeters. 

They produce a direct current signal to a controller. Manufacturing operations use proximity sensors to check for the presence of parts and machine components. 

This sensor replaces the manual process of visually observing objects which requires you to be on-site to perform. These sensors also detect what you cannot see with the naked eye.

3. Motion and Occupancy

Many industries use these devices to sense the movement or stoppage of parts, people, and supplies. The primary use of these sensors is for lighting fixtures. 

These sensors replace the manual operation of physically turning on a light at the switch. For example, when you walk into a location, the sensor detects your presence and turns on the light. 

Motion sensors can also activate security cameras to begin recording when someone is occupying the space. Motion (as well as position and proximity) sensors can also trigger alarms. 

Three common motions security sensors include:

• Optical motion sensors
• Infrared motion sensors
• Radio wave motion sensors

4. Temperature and Humidity

Temperature and humidity sensors have residential and commercial applications. Although, the most common use is commercial. 

These sensors adjust the thermostat or activate ventilation systems automatically. They are similar to lighting controls as you do not need to adjust these controls manually. 

When you implement IoT temp and humidity sensors, you can carefully monitor conditions throughout the facility. You can receive notifications and adjust controls remotely. 

5. Metal Sensors

You can find these sensors in metal detectors. They are better known as electromechanical devices you use to catch the presence of metal. 

You can use them in various circumstances ranging from people to packaging. These devices may be permanent or portable and may rely on one or numerous sensors.

Security personnel uses them in places like airports, courthouses, jails, schools, and anywhere there are public safety concerns. They replace the manual process of physically searching a person by patting them down or opening a container to check its contents.

6. Chemical and Gas

These fixed or portable sensors are electronic devices that sense the presence of different types of chemicals or gases. They relay signals to an alarm that activates when these substances reach hazardous levels. Carbon monoxide and fire detectors are the most common form of these sensors. 

These sensors replace manual detection processes of these harmful elements. Manual detection is often ineffective, and human senses cannot detect some of these chemicals and gases.

7. Water Usage and Leaks

Sensor tech is nothing new to water usage fixtures such as touchless faucets. Don't touch potentially contaminating surfaces with your hand to turn on the faucet manually. Users only need to wave their hands over the sensor to operate the sink.

Advancements to this touchless technology continue to drive innovation with these products. For example, there are highly programmable touchless faucets that allow you to set water conservation levels and obtain insights on usage. 

There are also sensors on the market that detect leaks. They can do this for water and air to alert you when these leaks occur. Leak detection systems monitor the flow of either air or water through an ultrasonic wavelength or mechanical turbine. 

These leak detecting sensors observe the flow pattern of air or water passing through or by recording time delays. If a leak triggers the sensor, you receive a notification of where and when the sensor detected the leak.

Chicago Faucets is Your Source for Sensor Tech Products for Commercial Kitchens and Restrooms

At Chicago Faucets, we manufacture eco-friendly products for laboratories, commercial and industrial kitchens, and restrooms. Our sustainable business practices begin with the development of our products and continue through our innovations that help you conserve our precious natural resources. 

Are you looking for sustainable sensor tech for your facility? Contact us today. One of our helpful professionals can help you find what you're looking for.