SIEMENS’ BUILDING X OPEN PLATFORM AND DEVELOPER ECOSYSTEM
Introduction and Executive Summary
Siemens is introducing Building X, an open platform designed to accelerate the growth of the smart buildings market. Currently, less than 5% of buildings are smart, but Building X aims to unlock the wider smart buildings ecosystem through hardware-agnostic interoperability and seamless integration with legacy systems. Building X’s greatest appeal lies in addressing sustainability and net-zero targets, given that buildings generate over one-third of all emissions.
Building X Open Platform Leverages Developer Ecosystem to Bring Solutions to the Market
Building X enables third-party developers, system integrators (SIs), and building managers to develop custom applications tailored to specific needs and regions. This approach mirrors a smartphone operating system, where third-party developers add a wide range of functionalities. Siemens has launched a suite of developer support tools, including SDKs and low-code software development, to foster a vibrant third-party ecosystem. The Siemens Xcelerator marketplace facilitates application discovery and seamless Business-to-Business (B2B) commerce, making it a critical component of Siemens' openness strategy.
The Role of Building X in a Fast-Evolving Smart Buildings Market
Building managers face numerous new challenges, including:
- Energy Efficiency: Reducing energy consumption and costs.
- Sustainability and Net-Zero Buildings Regulations: Implementing renewable energy sources and reducing carbon emissions.
- Circularity Regulations: Using recycled materials.
- Increased Security Risks: Protecting facilities from physical and cyber threats.
- New Building Usage Modes: Adapting to new tenant types and remote working habits.
- Increased Expectations around Convenience and Comfort: Sophisticated HVAC systems and remote control capabilities.
Siemens’ Answer: Building X
Building X is defined as a "digital building platform" that helps customers digitalize, manage, and optimize building operations, leading to improved sustainability, operational performance, and higher building value. It enables:
- Enhanced user experiences for occupants.
- Real-time data from various sensors and devices.
- Energy savings of up to 30%.
- Expanded commercialization through the Siemens Xcelerator Marketplace.
- An open and agile platform for third-party software developers to design solutions for a wide range of use cases and verticals.
Key Data Points
- Energy Savings: Up to 30% energy savings for customers.
- Deployed Components: Over 51,000 "Building X components" already deployed.
- Key Clients: SYK (university facilities), Cloudline Solutions (SI), PRODEA Investments (real estate investment company), and Mobile Energietechnik (service providers).
- Market Rank: Top-ranked in Commercial and Industrial Energy Management Systems and Smart Building Management Platforms.
Building X positions Siemens at the center of a growing smart buildings ecosystem, enabling it to address the future challenges of building management effectively.
