For the business and trade press
Siemens Building Technologies Wireless Networks Prove Ready For Demanding Healthcare Facility Environments
BUFFALO GROVE, IL, Tuesday, May 29, 2007
Extensive field trials have proven healthcare facility owners can rely on APOGEE® Wireless Field Level Networks from Siemens Building Technologies, Inc. to solve challenging installation scenarios without the physical or financial constraints of hard wiring.
“Anyone who has had to design, engineer and install new building automation systems in healthcare facilities will no doubt recognize the value and flexibility APOGEE Wireless brings to the table,” said Kevin Osburn, vice president Systems and Solutions. “While wireless technology can provide significant value in numerous types of facilities, its value proposition is amplified in healthcare facilities because of their unique characteristics.”
It’s widely acknowledged that wireless building automation can have a far-reaching impact on facility performance, cost efficiency and return on investment. Because the networks are installed without hard-wiring, wireless-based systems offer hospital and patient care facility designers, managers and builders more choice and fewer constraints, including:
A significant reduction in the amount of cable pulled through the ceiling, which lowers airborne contamination and other risks associated with construction
Easier adjustments to the Infection Control Risk Assessment plan measure based on construction type. For example, a Type B construction project may change to Type A, which means Type I infection control procedures would be implemented
Faster, less disruptive installations and retrofits
Smoother, less costly migrations staged to accommodate budgets and schedules
In spite of the many physical obstructions found in healthcare facilities, network integrity is maintained by Siemens wireless mesh technology because it creates multiple redundant paths of communication. Mesh networks are inherently self-healing, so users won’t have to worry about losing communication with control devices across the building automation system.
Additionally, APOGEE Wireless can use multiple channels in the 2.4 GHz frequency band, which eliminates interference with other wireless devices in the facility. Testing within patient rooms and other care environments revealed that APOGEE Wireless Field Level Networks provide reliable, optimized, efficient control of heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems.