While places of worship tend to be fairly behind other facilities when it comes to adopting new technologies, some churches have found key uses for IoT and sensors in their buildings. These include:
- Safety and security
- Audiovisual/lighting
- Facility management
Safety and security
Perhaps the most important use of IoT and sensors in churches is to keep the premises secure. Sensors at the doors and in the hallways, coupled with wireless cameras, trigger alarms if someone breaks in. Moreover, sensors also allow facility managers to monitor the building itself.
When connected to a central system or app, sensors and smart cameras make it easy to keep a close eye on the current status of each entrance to the building. If an exit is left open after a certain time, a notification is sent, allowing the situation to be resolved.
Audiovisual and lighting
Another common use for IoT and sensors in houses of worship is to enhance AV and lighting.
For instance, lights in individual rooms can be triggered by motion sensors as well as controlled through a remote app. This allows those in charge of facilities management to make sure all lights are off when the building is not in use.
AV equipment such as wireless microphones and sound systems are central to the functions of many large places of worship. When connected to a central remote hub, it’s easy to monitor power, current status, and other data related to each connected piece of equipment.
Facilities management
One more use of IoT is in facilities management. Monitoring HVAC equipment, pipes, and the like with IoT sensors can help churches keep on top of building maintenance and prevent costly issues from arising. For a house of worship that’s striving to make the most efficient use of their donations, the potential cost savings may make an investment in IoT worthwhile.
Additional uses
On top of security, AV, and facilities management, churches might also find uses for IoT in improving accessibility, facilitating donations (giving through an app rather than carrying cash), and event planning.