Noah Reding with Accruent

Scott MacKenzie hosts the Industrial Talk podcast, celebrating industrial professionals who innovate and solve problems. At the Accruent Insights event in San Antonio, Texas, Scott interviews Noah Reding, General Manager for Accruent's Workplaces Business. Noah discusses the importance of customer-centricity and collaboration, highlighting the complementary products EMS and Famous 360, which focus on space management and facility maintenance. He explains the concept of smart buildings, emphasizing predictive maintenance and energy optimization. Noah also touches on the future of space management, the impact of hybrid work, and the use of data from sensors and Wi-Fi to optimize space utilization.

Action Items

• [ ] Reach out to Noah Reding on LinkedIn (Noah Reding) to collaborate further.

Outline

Introduction and Welcome to Industrial Talk Podcast

• Scott MacKenzie, highlighting his passion for industry innovations and trends.
• Scott welcomes listeners to the Industrial Talk Podcast, celebrating industrial professionals for their boldness and problem-solving skills.
• The podcast is being broadcasted on-site at Accruent Insights in San Antonio, Texas, surrounded by problem solvers and collaborators.
• Scott humorously mentions making the new guest, Noah, feel uncomfortable in the “hot seat.”

Noah Reding's Background and Role

• Scott asks Noah to introduce himself, and Noah shares his background as the General Manager for Accruent's Workplaces Business.
• Noah has 15-20 years of experience in product management and is excited to work with customers at Accruent.
• Scott inquires about Noah's thoughts on the event, and Noah highlights the enthusiasm of the almost 500 attendees.
• Noah emphasizes the importance of understanding customer problems and learning from them.

Overview of EMS and Famous 360 Products

• Scott asks Noah to explain EMS and Famous 360, which are products focused on space management and facility maintenance.
• Noah describes EMS as a space management system and Famous 360 as a maintenance management system that work together to streamline workflows.
• EMS handles space reservations and maintenance, while Famous 360 focuses on the health and maintenance of the facility.
• Noah explains that Famous 360 approaches facility management from a facility-first perspective, rather than an asset-first view.

Defining Smart Buildings and Their Benefits

• Scott asks Noah to define a smart building, and Noah explains that it involves making buildings more self-aware and intelligent.
• Smart buildings use predictive maintenance and data from space management systems to optimize usage and reduce burden on facilities teams.
• Noah provides an example of how smart buildings can save money by optimizing HVAC systems based on occupancy data.
• Scott and Noah discuss the potential bottom-line impact of smart buildings, particularly in terms of sustainability and energy consumption.

Current Trends and Future of Smart Buildings

• Scott inquires about the future of smart buildings, given the current challenges and changes in work environments.
• Noah describes the current state as a period of experimentation and flexibility, with companies and universities testing different policies.
• Noah emphasizes the importance of flexibility and iterative processes in managing smart buildings.
• Scott asks how Accruent stays current with industry trends, and Noah mentions the importance of customer interaction and market research.

Optimizing Space and Utilizing Data

• Scott asks about strategies for optimizing space and gathering data in facilities.
• Noah explains the use of sensors and Wi-Fi access points to monitor occupancy and usage.
• Scott and Noah discuss the continuous evolution of smart building strategies and the need for iterative adjustments.
• Noah highlights the importance of using data from tools like EMS to make informed decisions about space optimization.

Creative Uses of Space and Revenue Generation

• Scott asks about the impact of vacant assets and creative uses of space.
• Noah suggests using space for revenue-generating activities, such as hosting small conferences or events.
• Scott and Noah discuss the potential for generating revenue from underutilized space, making it a valuable asset.
• Noah emphasizes the importance of being creative and flexible in managing space and resources.

Conclusion and Contact Information

• Scott asks Noah for his contact information, and Noah provides his LinkedIn profile.
• Scott thanks Noah for the interview and encourages listeners to reach out to him for collaboration.
• Scott wraps up the podcast, emphasizing the importance of managing assets and buildings in the current environment.
• The podcast ends with a call to action for listeners to reach out and collaborate with the Industrial Talk community.