A Dutch technology company is set to revolutionise how universities around the world manage their facilities.
Lone Rooftop has signed a partnership with higher education resource management firm Scientia to provide its cloud software applications to clients.
The Position Intelligence Engine software uses location data anonymously sourced from existing Wi-Fi networks to optimise the utilisation of university buildings, many of which are reaching the limits of their teaching capacity.
Scientia has more than 450 clients across six continents, including Regent’s University in London.
Its partner manager Jonathan Armstrong said: “Our timetabling and room booking products are complemented with real-time data that displays how space is actually being used, versus the planned classes.
“This is used to realise significant cost and space savings, by addressing smaller-than-planned and shorter-than-planned classes, or complete no-shows.
“The technology will enable our customers to schedule more lectures and increase student numbers, all within their existing building capacity.”
The technology is already being used at Wageningen University & Research in the Netherlands.
“With the single push of a button, my team gains insight into lectures that are consistently underutilised and how many ‘no-shows’ have taken place in a period, or for specific lectures,” said Fred Jonker, information services policy officer at the university.
Marcel Lamers, CEO at Lone Rooftop, added: “We believe that Intelligent Buildings – those that can identify the real-time location of people and fully adapt to that – can encourage process changes that will ultimately lead to the optimisation of space, time and energy, and a reduction of waste.
“The value of our technology can be extended to drive improvements in facilities and real estate management, security, climate, lighting and energy management, among other possibilities.
“This partnership has great potential for Scientia’s customers when it comes to efficient use of building space.”