Chambana Sun

As many students return to school and campus to continue their education, their buildings are getting smarter right along with them, thanks to an innovative technology platform developed by Aramark.

Aramark Intelligent Workplace Experience, or AIWX™ Connect, is a technology platform that uses wireless sensors to remotely gather information from building systems and occupant feedback.

The 24/7 real-time data monitoring drives efficiencies, increases student satisfaction, improves staff productivity, and promotes safer learning environments. Schools and colleges are using AIWX to reduce operating costs, decrease energy consumption, enhance service response, and improve student’s overall health and safety.

“AIWX Connect combines the power of data with the knowledge of operations to create safer environments and improved building performance,” said John Hanner, President, Aramark Facilities Management. “This smart building technology empowers data-driven decision-making, diagnosis, and issue resolution across the facilities and education spectrums—from remotely ensuring exterior building doors are locked to avoiding system failures, such as water leaks or carbon dioxide detection.”

AIWX Connect sensors feed real-time data to a single intelligence platform. Data intelligence is collected in the following categories.

Condition-Based Maintenance

AIWX Connect monitors the condition and performance of critical equipment. Sensors provide continual insight into how equipment is performing, with real-time alerts to emergency situations. Monitoring examples include:

• Vibration Monitoring - diagnose and alert unsatisfactory conditions of rotating mechanical equipment to prevent equipment failures and costly unplanned repairs.
• Refrigeration Monitoring - protect perishables, such as food, as well as sensitive research in refrigerators and freezers, by alerting when temperature or humidity goes outside of the acceptable threshold. 
• Water Leak Detection - achieve early alerts to water damage, such as from a leaking roof or broken pipe.
• Space Utilization – occupancy sensors inform better service delivery based on actual space usage. HVAC systems operate more efficiently and based on demand. Trend data informs improved space planning decisions.

Health and Safety

AIWX Connect monitors interior and exterior conditions that influence health and safety. AIWX Connect alerts school administrators in real time.

• Door Monitoring – delivers remote tracking of opened and closed status of exterior doors, as well as real-time alerts based on thresholds set by each school district.
• Vape Detection – sends a signal from secluded areas, such as restrooms and stairwells.
• Teacher and Classroom Requests – offers teachers the ability to discreetly escalate classroom needs, such as requesting a nurse or alerting security, without disrupting classroom activity.
• Indoor Air Quality - air flow technology monitors air quality and environmental conditions, such as temperature and carbon dioxide levels; ventilation system performance data supports maintaining a safer indoor environment.

At Three Rivers School District located in Oregon, a comprehensive approach to AIWX 24/7 remote monitoring empowered an estimated $90,000 or more in cost savings in the first five months of data capture.

• AIWX refrigeration monitoring alerted the on-site team to a unit failure occurring over Christmas break while no one was on-site, resulting in the prevention of food waste and associated costs.
• AIWX water leak sensors detected a leak under the gym floor on a weekend, enabling staff to fix the issue before it created severe damage and associated costs.
• Vibration monitoring sensors detected an underperforming hot water pump allowing maintenance staff to implement corrective measures, eliminating operational disruption and extending the life building equipment.

“It was clear in the early stages of the pandemic that innovation was critical to help us face some of the challenges accelerated over the last two years,” said Dave Venezuela, Superintendent, Three Rivers School District. “AIWX technology has provided the district a level of information we never had before and has proven to, not only avoid costs and improve productivity, but help us achieve peace of mind.” Learn more about AIWX capabilities in the K-12 environment.

Brenau University’s partnership with AIWX Connect resulted in demand-driven cleaning that empowered a 49% increase in staff efficiency with APPA Level 2 cleanliness quality maintained. In addition, real-time indoor air quality diagnosed a previously unknown humidity spike in the library that houses a rare book collection, helping the university safeguard the assets while improving room comfort and reducing energy use. Read more in the case study.

Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University partnered with Aramark to deliver on the Board of Trustees’ request to engage technology to capture real-time voice of the student feedback. AIWX Smart Restrooms were deployed across 11 campus buildings, including eight Residence Halls. Servicing based on student needs and restroom utilization resulted in a 29% increase in student satisfaction within the Residence Hall restrooms over four months of AIWX Smart Restroom Usage. Furthermore, a campus survey revealed that 45% of students agree or strongly agree that the state of the restrooms on campus improved after AIWX installation. Read more in the case study.

Deployed throughout healthcare, education, business, sports and entertainment, and other commercial environments that partner with Aramark, AIWX Connect informs operational actions that improve service delivery, enhance the user experience, improve workplace management, and create safer environments for occupants.

Original source can be found here.