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Managing your smart building networked assets and infrastructure

smart building is a structure with automated and centralized control of the building’s operations such as heating, ventilation, lighting, air conditioning, humidity, security, and work space control. These operations are optimized for the occupants’ comfort and safety, while energy and maintenance costs are minimized.

Based on the predictions of Research and Markets and MarketsandMarkets, the smart building industry, also known as building automation, will grow between 23% and 34% by 2025. Although smart buildings offer significant advantages, managing the networked assets and infrastructure in a smart building poses real challenges.

This article describes what a smart building is, and illustrates the typical challenges with the management of their related infrastructure. Following this, it outlines how a suitable software solution can help you overcome these challenges.

What is a smart building?

smart building is a structure with automated and centralized control of the building’s operations such as heating, ventilation, lighting, air conditioning, humidity, security, and work space control. These operations are optimized for the occupants’ comfort and safety, while energy and maintenance costs are minimized.

To implement these operations, networked devices, such as sensors, controllers, and actuators (some of which are referred to as IoT devices), are embedded in the smart building network infrastructure. The amount, variety and inter-dependencies of these network devices can constitute a very complex system, that is vulnerable to failure if not managed correctly.

Read more: The rise of IoT: why you need software to manage your office network infrastructure.

How to successfully manage a smart building?

Typically, the initial focus will be on implementing a Building Management System (BMS), which makes sense when it comes to managing and monitoring the devices themselves. However, a BMS won’t track the end-to-end physical layer connectivity (including the patch panel and switch connectivity) and whereabouts of the devices, and this leaves a gap in the capability to effectively troubleshoot and manage operational changes. This can be overcome with the implementation of a cable and asset management software solution to supplement the BMS.

Supplementing the BMS with a cable and asset management software solution

Key requirements of a cable and asset management solution to supplement the BMS are:

  • Integration capabilities: to achieve the benefits of the systems working together, the solution should offer extensive bi-directional API (Application Programming Interface) capabilities.
  • Detailed end-to-end physical layer connectivity and asset tracking: to be able to troubleshoot the connectivity and assets that constitute the smart building, the solution should offer detailed modeling, visualization and reporting capabilities. These capabilities should be applicable to not only the BMS components, but also the network switches and patch panels in the equipment rooms.
  • Operational change management: to be able to control change and auditing processes, the solution should offer comprehensive change management capabilities across all components of the smart building infrastructure.

PATCH MANAGER as the best cable and asset management solution to supplement your BMS.

PATCH MANAGER is a powerful software solution to manage your smart building infrastructure. Its flexibility and extensive template library allow you to model and manage smart building assets and connectivity in a realistic, accurate, and detailed manner. User-defined data fields enable you to store custom information against any asset. With PATCH MANAGER, not only do you have detailed insight into your smart devices’ whereabouts, you can also easily and quickly report on anything you need to know about your smart building’s assets and connectivity.

PATCH MANAGER provides a comprehensive Work Order system for managing your ‘Moves’, ‘Adds’ and ‘Changes’, with a wide array of features to seamlessly coordinate work across teams and projects.

PATCH MANAGER offers a mature and extensive REST API for integration with your BMS.

If you would like to know more about PATCH MANAGER’s features and benefits, request a personal online demo here!

Aside from managing smart building infrastructure, if you are interested in how PATCH MANAGER can help you manage your office building network more efficiently, read our previous article, which focuses on this topic.

Templates Engineer

Wouldn’t you like to directly contribute to the success of a software solution that will be used by some of the world’s most well-known companies? This is your chance!

As a templates engineer at Patchmanager B.V., you will be creating high-quality templates of network components based on manufacturer specifications for our PATCH MANAGER product. You will work in a dynamic environment and be part of an inspiring team.

For this position, we value your desire to learn and attention to detail more than your work experience and educational background. We will provide you with all the training you need to create high-quality templates!

Patchmanager B.V.

Since our founding in 2002, Patchmanager B.V. is an established company specialized in Cable and Asset Management Software. From our head office in Amsterdam and offices of international resellers, we offer solutions to a rapidly growing international customer base across a wide variety of market sectors. We operate with a flexible, customer-focused culture and take pride in exceeding customer expectations with our product, the support we provide and the services we offer.


To strengthen the team, there is a vacancy for a templates engineer. As a templates engineer, you will be responsible for the production of accurate, detailed and high-quality interactive templates of network components.

Responsibilities

  • As part of the template team, you create high-quality templates of network components based on manufacturer specifications for our PATCH MANAGER product.
  • Independently research network components specifications (on-line).
  • Work closely with the graphics design team.
  • Monitor and safeguard the graphics production process, including planning workload and managing deadlines.

Desired profile

  • Attention to detail.
  • An interest in or affinity with information and network technology.
  • Preferably secondary vocational education (MBO) degree.
  • Interested to work as part of a team.
  • A good understanding of written English.
  • Eager to learn.
  •  

Offer

  • A meaningful and creative job in which you will directly contribute to the success of our product with a team of highly competent professionals.
  • Attractive remuneration:
    • Good salary
    • Secondary benefits
  • Based in Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
  • Possibility to partially work remotely.
  • Training budget.

Application

Send your CV and motivation to info@patchmanager.com.

Graphics Engineer

Wouldn’t you like to make graphics that will be used and appreciated by some of the world’s most well-known organizations? This is your chance!

As a graphics engineer, you will be a driving force behind PATCH MANAGER customer satisfaction. Your graphics will directly contribute to the success of our product and be used by our customers around the globe. You will work in a dynamic environment and be part of an inspiring team.

Patchmanager B.V.

Since our founding in 2002, Patchmanager B.V. is an established company specialized in Cable and Asset Management Software. From our head office in Amsterdam and offices of international resellers, we offer solutions to a rapidly growing international customer base across a wide variety of market sectors. We operate with a flexible, customer-focused culture and take pride in exceeding customer expectations with our product, the support we provide and the services we offer.

To strengthen the team, there is a vacancy for a graphics engineer. As a graphics engineer, you will be responsible for the illustration of accurate, detailed, and high-quality images for templates of network components.

Responsibilities

  • As part of the graphics design team, you design and create high-quality images of network components based on manufacturer specifications for the PATCH MANAGER product.
  • Work closely with the template team and with information provided by the template team.
  • Monitor and safeguard the graphics production process, including planning workload and managing deadlines.

Desired skills and experience

  • An interest in or affinity with information technology.
  • Talent for graphics design, and preferably relevant secondary vocational education (MBO) degree.
  • Experience with GIMP and Adobe Illustrator.
  • Attention to detail.
  • Ability to independently execute creative work.
  • Interested to work as part of a team.
  • 0 to 2 years of relevant work experience.
  • A good understanding of written English.

Offer

  • A meaningful and creative job in which you will directly contribute to the success of our product with a team of highly competent professionals.
  • Attractive remuneration:
    • Good salary
    • Secondary benefits
  • Based in Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
  • Possibility to partially work remotely.
  • Training budget.

Application

Send your CV and motivation to info@patchmanager.com.

Software Solution Consultant

Be the driving force behind PATCH MANAGER customer satisfaction!

Patchmanager B.V.

Since our founding in 2002, Patchmanager B.V. is an established company specialized in Cable and Asset Management Software. From our head office in Amsterdam and offices of international resellers we offer solutions to a rapidly growing international customer base across a wide variety of market sectors. We operate with a flexible, customer-focused culture and take pride in exceeding customer expectations with our product, the support we provide and the services we offer.

To strengthen the team, there is a vacancy arisen for a Software Solution Consultant. As a Software Solution Consultant you will be responsible for the successful implementation of the PATCH MANAGER software at prospective clients and customers.

Responsibilities

  • Overall responsibility for assigned PATCH MANAGER implementation projects
  • Providing remote and on-site training and instruction sessions to clients and customers
  • Become an expert on the PATCH MANAGER products and solutions
  • Cooperation with external partners to support the successful implementation of the PATCH MANAGER products and solutions
  • Occasional travelling to international customer and partner premises

Desired skills and experience

  • A successful professional with proven experience in enterprise application software, preferably related to Systems Management, Asset Management, Infrastructure Management or Physical Network Management
  • A person with good understanding of the underlying software technologies
  • An analytical thinker with a proven ability to translate complex business needs into feasible, valuable solutions
  • Effective at communicating with excellent presentation skills
  • Good at building effective relationships with a strong customer service focus
  • Strong at planning and organizing with a proven ability to meet project deadlines
  • A team player
  • University degree
  • Minimum 3 years relevant experience
  • Fluent in written and verbal English
  • Must have valid driver’s license

Offer

  • A challenging job in a team of highly competent professionals
  • A multi-dimensional job with responsibility
  • Very attractive remuneration:
    • Excellent salary
    • Secondary benefits
  • Based out of Amsterdam, Netherlands

Application

Send your CV and motivation to info@patchmanager.com.

Commercial Lead

Be the driving force behind the growth of PATCH MANAGER!

Patchmanager B.V.

Since our founding in 2002, Patchmanager B.V. is an established company specialized in Cable and Asset Management Software. From our head office in Amsterdam and offices of international resellers we offer solutions to a rapidly growing international customer base across a wide variety of market sectors. We operate with a flexible, customer-focused culture and take pride in exceeding customer expectations with our product, the support we provide and the services we offer.

To further strengthen growth PATCH MANAGER is looking for a Commercial Lead. As Commercial Lead you will be (end) responsible for further international growth with the opportunity to in time become a member of the Management Team.

Responsibilities

Develop and Execute Strategic Sales Plans:

  • Collaborate with senior management to develop comprehensive sales strategies aligned with company objectives.
  • Translate strategic objectives into actionable sales plans, setting clear targets and KPIs for both direct and indirect sales channels.
  • Continuously evaluate and adjust sales strategies based on market dynamics, competitor activities, and customer feedback.

Set-up and optimize B2B Marketing:

  • Set-up the marketing processes that are market practice at a B2B software company, including the relevant tooling
  • Develop targeted B2B marketing campaigns, collateral, and messaging that support sales efforts and generate leads.
  • Utilize digital marketing channels, such as email marketing, content marketing, and social media, to engage with B2B prospects and nurture leads.
  • Analyze marketing performance metrics and customer feedback to optimize B2B marketing strategies and tactics.

Drive Direct Sales Efforts:

  • Identify and pursue new business opportunities through targeted prospecting, cold calling, and networking.
  • Conduct thorough needs assessments and product demonstrations to showcase the value proposition of our solutions.
  • Guide prospects through the sales process, from initial contact to contract negotiation and closure.
  • Set up the framework for lead qualification and interventions needed to optimize sales effectiveness (sales enablement).
  • Build and maintain strong relationships with key decision-makers to foster long-term partnerships.

Lead Partner Channel Program:

  • Further professionalize the comprehensive partner program to recruit, onboard, and enable channel partners and develop it further.
  • Provide training, resources, and ongoing support (supported by the operations team) to empower partners to effectively sell and support our products.
  • Monitor and manage partner pipeline and actual performance and provide guidance to optimize channel effectiveness and drive revenue growth.
  • Collaborate with partners on joint marketing initiatives, co-selling opportunities, and lead generation activities.

Cross-functional Collaboration:

  • Collaborate with product development teams to gather customer feedback and insights, informing product enhancements and roadmap decisions.
  • Partner with customer support teams and to ensure timely resolution of customer issues and drive customer satisfaction and retention.

Market Analysis and Reporting:

  • Monitor industry trends, market dynamics, and competitor activities to identify opportunities and threats.
  • Conduct regular analysis of sales performance, pipeline metrics, and customer feedback to drive data-driven decision-making.
  • Prepare and present comprehensive reports and insights to senior management and the Supervisory Board, providing visibility into sales performance and market trends.
  • Work closely together with specialists from Main Capital Partners on reporting and optimizing sales approaches.
  • Optimize current sales & marketing processes by implementing best practice software tooling and implement adequate reporting and monitoring dashboards.

Requirements

  • Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Marketing, or related field. MSc preferred.
  • High level spoken and written English.
  • Proven track record of 4-7 years success in B2B sales, preferably in the software industry and affinity with international sales.
  • Strong drive and ambition to further develop yourself with the goal of becoming the Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) of a globally active B2B software company.
  • Experience managing indirect sales channels and partner programs.
  • Strong negotiation and communication skills with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels.
  • Analytical mindset with the ability to interpret data and market trends to drive informed decisions.
  • Entrepreneurial spirit with a hands-on approach to problem-solving and achieving results.
  • Ability to thrive in a fast-paced (e.g. PE-owned), dynamic environment and adapt quickly to changing priorities.

Offer

  • A challenging job in a team of highly competent professionals
  • A multi-dimensional job with responsibility
  • Very attractive remuneration:
    • Excellent salary
    • Secondary benefits
  • Based out of Amsterdam, Netherlands

Application

Send your CV and motivation to info@patchmanager.com.