How Internet of Things (IoT) impacts real estate

01 Apr 2019 CW Staff

“IoT and data-driven decision-making technologies such as artificial intelligence are making buildings more intuitive and sustainable,” observes Thanik B, Director, Product Management, Digital Energy, Schneider Electric India.

While the market for IoT-enabled solutions for all types of housing is still at a nascent stage, Pramoud Rao, Managing Director, Zicom Electronic Security Systems, affirms that Zicom has evolved from being a product company to IoT-based security services, in keeping with his belief that “connected, intelligent homes will be the future norm”.

Zicom has introduced a host of IoT-based subscription monitoring services, which have considerably brought down the cost of security. For instance, ATM e-surveillance has reduced the cost of security from Rs 40,000 per month to just Rs 4,000. Zicom’s subscription-based security services cover ATMs, gold loan companies, commercial establishments, senior citizens, children, assets, etc.

Also, “technology advancements that have enabled security solutions to be deployed on the same broadband fibre network as Internet-based televisions and CCTV cameras have reduced the cost of deploying security products by 25-30 per cent,” says Pithawalla.

Solutions aside, materials that enhance security such as bullet glass and laminated glass are considerably cheaper than they used to be, observes Dikshu C Kukreja of C P Kukreja Associates. “By embracing the wide array of available security technologies, architects needn’t restrict their design,” he adds. “They must just ensure that they integrate technology in such a way that it doesn’t become an eyesore.”

For the best outcomes, Srikanth Srinivasan, President - Procurement, Puravankara suggests security technologies be customised to suit the needs of individual projects.

- CHARU BAHRI

A newer technology powering security in real estate is the Internet of Things (IoT), “the concept of putting any device that can have an address, on the Internet, to take commands from a remote location,” to quote Mehernosh Pithawalla, Vice-President and Global Head, Marketing, Sales & Innovation, Godrej Security Solutions. “IoT and data-driven decision-making technologies such as artificial intelligence are making buildings more intuitive and sustainable,” observes Thanik B, Director, Product Management, Digital Energy, Schneider Electric India. While the market for IoT-enabled solutions for all types of housing is still at a nascent stage, Pramoud Rao, Managing Director, Zicom Electronic Security Systems, affirms that Zicom has evolved from being a product company to IoT-based security services, in keeping with his belief that “connected, intelligent homes will be the future norm”. Zicom has introduced a host of IoT-based subscription monitoring services, which have considerably brought down the cost of security. For instance, ATM e-surveillance has reduced the cost of security from Rs 40,000 per month to just Rs 4,000. Zicom’s subscription-based security services cover ATMs, gold loan companies, commercial establishments, senior citizens, children, assets, etc. Also, “technology advancements that have enabled security solutions to be deployed on the same broadband fibre network as Internet-based televisions and CCTV cameras have reduced the cost of deploying security products by 25-30 per cent,” says Pithawalla. Solutions aside, materials that enhance security such as bullet glass and laminated glass are considerably cheaper than they used to be, observes Dikshu C Kukreja of C P Kukreja Associates. “By embracing the wide array of available security technologies, architects needn’t restrict their design,” he adds. “They must just ensure that they integrate technology in such a way that it doesn’t become an eyesore.” For the best outcomes, Srikanth Srinivasan, President - Procurement, Puravankara suggests security technologies be customised to suit the needs of individual projects. - CHARU BAHRI

Infrastructure Energy

14 Oct 2025

Mizoram To Build Rs 139 Billion Pumped Storage Power Plant

Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma on Friday announced plans to construct a 2,400 MW pumped storage hydroelectric power plant in Hnahthial district, marking a major step towards achieving energy self-sufficiency in the state. Addressing the Mizo Students’ Union general conference in Hnahthial town, the Chief Minister said the plant would be developed across the Darzo Nallah, a tributary of the Tuipui river. Once operational, the project is expected to play a pivotal role in meeting Mizoram’s rising electricity demand and reducing dependence on imported power. Officials from the State Power..

Infrastructure Energy

14 Oct 2025

Centre Plans Nationwide Opening Of Power Retail Market

India is preparing to open up its retail electricity market to private companies nationwide, effectively ending the long-standing monopoly of state-run power distributors in most regions, according to a draft bill released by the Union Power Ministry on Friday. The move will enable major private sector players — including Adani Enterprises, Tata Power, Torrent Power, and CESC — to expand their presence across the country’s electricity distribution landscape. A similar reform attempt in 2022 had faced strong opposition from state-run distribution companies (discoms), which currently dom..

Infrastructure Energy

14 Oct 2025

CEA Sets 100 GW Nuclear Target For India By 2047

In a landmark step marking its 52nd Foundation Day, the Central Electricity Authority (CEA) unveiled an ambitious roadmap to develop 100 gigawatts (GW) of nuclear power capacity by 2047, aligning with India’s long-term Net-Zero commitment and energy security objectives. The event, held at the Central Water Commission auditorium in New Delhi’s R.K. Puram, was attended by Pankaj Agarwal, Secretary, Ministry of Power, who served as the Chief Guest. The roadmap sets out a detailed plan to expand India’s nuclear capacity from its current level of approximately 8,180 MW as of early 2025, outl..