In Act 1, Tyler tells a building story comparing the process of investing in smart building services to the perils of purchasing wine either in a retail shop or at a restaurant due to the potential intimidation that accompanies making choices in a world full of them. He surmises that it's the building automation industry's responsibility to guide these decisions, but asks: what is the best way to help get customers started down that path?

In Act 2, we are joined by James Mylett, Vice President of Channel Development for US Digital Energy at Schneider Electric. James reminds us to never argue with the data, but that in order for it to be useful we must find appropriate methods to communicate it in a way that building operators understand, and can use to apply to their most important desired outcomes. The best way to find out what those outcomes are and how to communicate the value is by speaking with your customers. James explains how the value received from initial investments in smart building services will create a virtuous cycle of repeating that process to generate other positive outcomes with different streams of data. The process is transferable once you learn it - but you've got to start somewhere in order to start learning!

Throughout the conversation, James marvels at the rate of speed at which innovation happens today and the effect this has on customer and occupant expectations. He also notes the importance of using lighthouse projects to help guide the way for customers and businesses to take the first steps down a smart building services journey. Data has value that is being harnessed in many facilities, but others will need to identify what desired outcomes can get them started down the path to intelligent services - and that's where our industry can help.

Outro Music: "Black Sail" by Chastity Belt