Innovis is an international consulting company that offers digital transformation solutions. It is part of the M2C holding company, only operating in the market for 30 years. It provides integrated facility management services to Czech and international partners from various industries.
Innovis is a technology partner for companies from the initial idea through development to implementation of the solution. It focuses primarily on building technology security, automation and data processing using IoT, AI and advanced analytics. We were introduced to its activities by Managing Director František Leiter.
What is hidden under the Innovis name?
It is the technology division of M2C, a technology and software solutions provider. We want to demonstrate that M2C Holding is not only a supplier of facility management, but also a partner for technology solutions. At Innovis, we want to focus on technology to improve our products and offer better and more comprehensive solutions to our customers. We are a “solution provider” and have a full range of products and services.
Examples include a complete automated concierge, an electronic reception, an application to manage technicians on site, management of sales representatives on site, inspection management, remote monitoring of maintenance and security, or an energy management and monitoring system. So a really broad platform. Our surveillance centre Space plays an important role in this.
What does the Space remote and surveillance approach do?
We can monitor signals from various devices, e.g. cameras, etc. We obtain information about the activities in the building, which allows us to streamline the operation of physical security, for example. To put it bluntly, there is no more patrolling and running around the facility, but we can do it through technology. We monitor what’s happening on the cameras, get alarms from them and respond to them.
What are the other possibilities when using Space?
It’s currently a big hit for cities with CCTV systems. We’re able to put a video solution in there that can assess potential criminal acts, such as carjacking, robbery, or detect a person who is moving inappropriately and is presumed to be drunk. A signal is sent to the Space monitoring centre about such activity and the operator then qualifies this and assesses whether it is a genuine alarm. If it is, he will pass the information on to the police.
That’s an interesting service. Is there any interest?
Now with the expansion of Smart Cities, it’s a big topic for municipalities. We develop the software ourselves and partially outsource it.
Where is Space going next?
We are currently focusing on energy. We control the measuring and control systems and monitor energy consumption in buildings. Our analysts who work at Space can use the data collected from the system and their analyses to determine where savings can be made or how to manage energy flows in the building more efficiently. I think this is also a big topic at the moment. In general, we can help anyone who manages a property or a site. The second level is processes and software, because our solutions are applicable to pretty much any building.
What is the practice like?
Given the changes in the energy sector this year and the EU’s direction with ESG, this is a big topic. So the demand is big. It’s not just demand generated by our sales department, but both existing and potential clients come to us for advice.
Can Innovis be described as a start-up?
We don’t quite feel like a startup because we have a strong mother behind us. However, because we are a relatively independent and strong technology division, we can afford to operate like a startup. When we have an idea, we can implement it quickly, test it, and not be held back by any lengthy processes. And I think that’s an incredible advantage of Innovis.
Are you able to apply new technologies in older buildings?
In order to transform an older building into a more innovative one, we need to implement certain technologies to optimise its operation. New technologies can address the automatic control of the building’s operation, from heating, ventilation, lighting, security systems and other smart technologies.
Is it possible to make every old building smart?
Every building can be improved to some extent, or its value can be increased, its operation can be optimised, or simply its attractiveness can be enhanced. All this is possible, but of course the question is to what extent. It always depends on the individual assessment.
How can more efficient operations and reduced costs be achieved?
By using our solutions and implementing them. As an example, I can mention our automatic door entry for industrial and logistics sites, which is a big hit at the moment, and I think that within a few years every site will be equipped with an automatic door entry. This solution removes the financial burden of having to have people there 24/7.
And why, when the whole process can be automated?
The problem today is that people, which you don’t even have in the first place, cost a lot of money even in that gatehouse. That means we are forced to look for solutions.
Can you give any other examples?
I was talking about Space, the remote viewing centre. It’s very similar there. I will give you an example: you have a facility that is guarded by several security guards, and the question is how effective that is. We are of the opinion that there is always room for more efficiency in the various processes, and most of the premises can be monitored remotely from one location.
If you’re a chain store, you don’t have to have a monitoring centre in each of your premises, but you can bring everything into one point and monitor it centrally. This creates some optimization and increases efficiency.
Can an automated receptionist really replace a human?
I was thinking more of an automated concierge in logistics and industry, which is used to check in and control the entry of trucks, etc. But when we are talking about an automated receptionist for office buildings and hotels, it can serve as a supplement if you have a large reception area. You still need a certain “human touch”. However, there are no longer two people needed, but only one person. The automated process can be checked in via an electronic reception. Another advantage of an electronic receptionist is that it never sleeps, so when you have an evening operation you can use it without a concierge having to be there all night because of several visitors. Another advantage of it, besides the efficiency and speed of check-in, is that the building also gains some appeal by going digital and you as an operator or manager are more technologically progressive.
The data from Innovis can also be used for marketing purposes. In what form?
For example, we install smart sensors in shopping centres, thanks to which we can count visitors, evaluate their movements, predict or optimise the overall operation of the building and obtain some marketing information (what products people are interested in in the retail store, where they congregate, how much time they spend there, etc.). This is further transformed into data visualizations in the form of familiar heatmaps, etc. and helps owners in evaluating their business.
