Evaluating the Roadmap of 5G Technology Implementation for Smart Building and Facilities Management in Singapore

TLDR

Smart building and facilities management aim to improve occupants’ living standards, yet current networks suffer from low bandwidth, high latency, and limited IoT connectivity, while 5G offers high bandwidth, low latency, network slicing, and sustainability benefits. This paper examines the challenges and benefits of 5G adoption in SFM, outlines Singapore’s 5G rollout plan, and presents a roadmap for developing 5G‑enabled SFM use cases. The authors analyze current network limitations, describe the Singapore government’s 5G implementation strategy, and detail the 5G Advanced BIM Lab’s collaborative framework for creating use cases and training programs to upskill stakeholders.

Abstract

The concepts of smart building (SB) and smart facilities management (SFM) are crucial as they aim to uplift occupants’ living standards through information and communication technology. However, the current network possesses several challenges to SFM, due to low bandwidth, high latency, and inability to connect a high amount of IoT (Internet of things) devices. 5G technology promises high-class network services with low latency, high bandwidth, and network slicing to achieve real-time efficiency. Moreover, 5G promises a more sustainable future as it will play a crucial role in reducing energy consumption and shaping future applications to achieve higher sustainability goals. This paper discusses the current challenges and benefits of implementing 5G in various use cases in SFM applications. Furthermore, this paper highlights the Singapore government rollout plan for 5G implementation and discusses the roadmap of SFM use case development initiatives undertaken by 5G Advanced BIM Lab (Department of Building, National University of Singapore) in alignment with the 5G implementation plan of Singapore. Under these 5G SFM projects, the lab seeks to develop state-of-the-art 5G use cases in collaboration with various industry partners and developed a framework for teaching and training to enhance students’ learning motivation and help mid-career professionals to upskill and upgrade themselves to reap multiple benefits using the 5G network. This article will serve as a benchmark for researchers and industries for future progress and development of SFM systems by leveraging 5G networks for higher sustainability targets and implementing teaching and learning programs to achieve greater organizational excellence.