Niagara Forum 2025, London
Niagara 101 – How Niagara transforms your building

The Challenge: Integration Spaghetti

The problem with many current systems is that they function well in isolation but become overly complex when integrated. The base build systems at the lower levels of a building’s infrastructure are designed to operate efficiently on their own. However, when we try to connect these to multiple applications at higher layers, the integration process often becomes convoluted and inefficient.

A poor example of integration is one where multiple systems are passively trying to communicate with various applications at the top, leading to inefficiencies and data inconsistency. The goal is to simplify this process and normalise data so that it can be effectively used across the entire building ecosystem.

What Good Looks Like

A well-structured system removes unnecessary interfaces and ensures a clear, direct path from each base system to Niagara. This streamlined approach allows for a standardised data layer, making integration seamless and removing the complexity of disconnected systems.

Niagara provides the perfect foundation for this by normalising data and structuring it in a way that allows it to be effectively utilised. At this stage, we have already solved a major integration challenge. But we don’t want to stop here—we can go even further by incorporating an IoT layer on top of this architecture.

Introducing Niagara and IoT for Smarter Systems

Once data flows smoothly through Niagara, the next step is to leverage IoT to enhance system performance and add new capabilities. Whether we’re dealing with third-party systems or cloud-based applications, IoT provides the flexibility to extend functionality and optimize building management.

This is particularly important for retrofit projects, as well as for new builds. A key technology enabling this transition is LoRaWAN—a long-range wireless protocol that is rapidly gaining traction in the industry.

LoRaWAN: The Future of Smart Building Integration

LoRaWAN is increasingly being used in both new builds and retrofits. While it is often associated with new developments, we are also seeing its application in existing buildings where traditional wiring and connectivity solutions may be impractical.

The market for IoT devices is evolving at an unprecedented pace, with new sensors and solutions emerging regularly. We are witnessing a surge in LoRaWAN-compatible devices, making it easier than ever to integrate various sensors and gateways into a Niagara-based system.

Smart Gateways and IoT Evolution

The key to a successful IoT integration lies in the selection of gateways and data management solutions. Some options include:

• Tyrell Iona Gateway: A Niagara containerised gateway that allows for direct integration.
• LoRaWAN Hubs: These offer multiple connectivity options and enhanced data flow control.

These solutions help ensure a smarter, more efficient approach to IoT integration, enabling real-time data collection and actionable insights.

Practical Applications

Let’s look at a typical office or meeting room environment. LoRaWAN is particularly suited for such spaces, providing seamless integration with sensors and actuators. Key applications include:

• CO2 Monitoring
• Temperature and Humidity Control
• Occupancy Detection
• Air Quality Sensors

Moreover, beyond just collecting data, we can also write back to devices for real-time control, optimising the environment based on live conditions.

Expanding the Use Case

With a robust IoT infrastructure in place, the opportunities for expansion are vast. Some additional applications include:

• Leak Detection and Water Usage Monitoring
• Smart Lighting and Energy Management
• Parking Sensors and Security Monitoring
• Pest Control and Hygiene Sensors

By establishing a scalable architecture, we create a future-proof system that allows for the seamless addition of new applications as the industry evolves.

The Key Takeaways

• We have eliminated the “Integration Spaghetti” by structuring data effectively with Niagara.
• We have introduced an IoT layer that enhances system capabilities and provides valuable insights.
• We have demonstrated how LoRaWAN can be leveraged for both retrofit and new-build projects.
• We have highlighted how to future-proof buildings by creating an adaptable infrastructure.

Making It Happen

The final step is execution. To ensure a successful deployment, we offer range detection kits that allow for precise placement of gateways and sensors. Getting this right is crucial—proper placement ensures optimal performance and long-term reliability.

Conclusion

This has been a quick walkthrough of how we can transition from a traditional integration model to a smarter, IoT-enabled system. While there are multiple ways to achieve this, the approach outlined today provides a clean, scalable, and efficient solution.