The project at Australia Post’s Bayswater Distribution Center represents a significant advancement in facility management and operational efficiency. In collaboration with Australia Post’s facility management team, this initiative focused on unifying data from the existing Innotech Building Management System (BMS) and integrating additional monitoring systems. Key enhancements included sub-metering of electricity and water, vibration monitoring of air handling equipment, tracking of truck and vehicle entries, occupancy monitoring in warehousing and office areas, air quality monitoring for comfort, and CO2 level monitoring to ensure worker safety.

Project Overview

The primary objective was to create a unified data ecosystem that not only leveraged the existing Innotech BMS but also incorporated additional monitoring metrics to provide a comprehensive overview of the facility’s operations. This holistic approach was aimed at improving efficiency, ensuring safety, and promoting sustainability.

Data Integration and Monitoring Enhancements

1. Sub-Metering of Electricity and Water: New sub-metering for electricity and water was implemented, allowing for detailed tracking and analysis of resource consumption and identifying areas for conservation and cost reduction.

2. Vibration Monitoring of Air Handling Equipment: Advanced sensors were installed to continuously monitor vibrations in air handling equipment. This facilitates proactive maintenance, preventing breakdowns and ensuring uninterrupted operations.

3. Tracking Truck and Vehicle Entries: The project introduced a system to track and record vehicle movements in and out of the facility. This data is crucial for optimizing logistics and improving operational planning.

4. Occupancy Monitoring: Sensors in warehousing and office areas now track and record staff presence and movement. This data informs cleaning schedules, space utilization, and enhances worker safety.

5. Air Quality Monitoring: The facility now monitors air quality parameters, including temperature and humidity, to maintain a comfortable working environment. This aligns with ASHRAE Standard 55 for acceptable thermal environments.

6. CO2 Monitoring: Continuous monitoring of CO2 levels was introduced to ensure worker safety, particularly in areas prone to higher CO2 concentrations.

Collaboration with Australia Post’s Facility Management Team

The success of this project was largely due to the close collaboration with Australia Post’s facility management team. Their insights into the facility’s operational needs and challenges were invaluable in tailoring the technological solutions provided.

Outcomes and Benefits

The integration of these systems into a unified data platform resulted in several key benefits:

– Enhanced Operational Efficiency: The ability to monitor and analyse data from various sources enables more informed decision-making, leading to improved operational efficiency.
– Proactive Maintenance: Real-time monitoring of equipment conditions allows for timely maintenance, reducing downtime and extending equipment lifespan.
– Improved Safety and Comfort: Monitoring of occupancy, air quality, and CO2 levels ensures a safer and more comfortable environment for staff.
– Resource Management and Sustainability: Detailed tracking of electricity and water usage aids in identifying waste, promoting resource conservation, and supporting sustainability goals.
– Optimized Space Utilization: Data on space usage enables more efficient use of warehousing and office areas.

Conclusion

The project at Australia Post’s Bayswater Distribution Center is a benchmark in modern facility management, showcasing how integrating various monitoring technologies into a unified data system can significantly enhance operational efficiency, sustainability, and worker safety. This case study exemplifies a successful collaboration between technology providers and organizational facility management teams in creating a more efficient, safe, and sustainable working environment.

References

– Australia Post
– Innotech Control Systems
– ASHRAE Standard 55

This case study demonstrates a pragmatic and efficient approach to modern facility management, emphasizing the practical benefits and improvements achieved through technological integration and collaboration.