ENGINEERING CONVERGENCE

摘要

The concept of convergent technologies is no longer new; in industry, in the IT and telecommunications fields as well as in consumer goods there have been high levels of integration taking place for years. This is evidenced in everyday examples such as the incorporation of digital TV and radio within multimedia PCs, or, in industry, the integration of machine controls with motors and other automation devices. In the built environment the scope for converging technologies is even greater and sometimes of a relatively simple level - such as running IT and telecoms infrastructure on common cables. Of course, once this happens, it is a straightforward notion to consider how access control, security and lighting control can also be incorporated. Consider the reduction in discrete cabling pulls and the subsequent cost reductions within the capital expenditure. Yet there is little evidence that building controls and infrastructure are considered early enough in the design stages. Moreover, once these issues are put to the top table of decision-makers, they are usually considered individually rather than as part of an holistic system.