Are “smart buildings” the same as an “intelligent buildings” and can we use the phrases interchangeably? In this presentation we will prove that while some buildings have “smart” systems, the potential to be intelligent only exists when you ingest all of the disparate smart systems into a single software solution that can allow the systems to communicate together and become actionable.
A smart building can and generally has multiple systems that are in and of themselves – smart. However, most of these systems stand alone with little integration into each other, or into other actionable systems – think CMMS, IWMS, EAMS, CAFM, BIM, Digital Twins. An intelligent building solution will ingest data from multiple disparate smart systems with other software data systems (weather, utility billing forecasting, historical utility trend data, class schedules, etc.) while leveraging new and improving artificial intelligent (AI) tools to improve the overall performance of the built environment through reporting and action. Connect. Collect. Analyze. Act.
After completing this session, participants will be able to:
1. Differentiate between smart building systems and intelligent buildings.
2. Understand how multiple disparate systems interact within facility and campus environments.
3. An introduction to a single pane of glass data lake type system.
4. Understand the “connect” portion to ensure smart systems can connect to make the campus / facility truly intelligent.
5. What actionable can really mean for an intelligent building.
Gary’s current role is a Senior Director, Senior Sales Engineer and Content Development for Wesco’s CSS IoT and Platform Sales group focusing on the entroCIM software platform. He’s a facilities professional with 41-plus years of experience in all facets of facilities operations and management. Gary retired from the USAF as a Chief Master Sergeant with 22 years of service in facilities and training career fields.
His experience in differing roles has defined a Facilities Management leader whose background and future visions extends beyond the conventional. With a well-developed strategic focus proven by successes with project planning, execution, and team building, he has navigated complex facility construction and operations while championing sustainable practices and achieving milestones such as ISO 55001 Certification at the “World’s busiest airport” and LEED EB O+M certification for AT&T Park.
Gary’s expertise is underpinned by a track record in higher education, aviation, technical manufacturing, and other diverse sectors. He has managed large capital programs ($6B to $20B) and multi-project portfolios (up to $400M) with rigorous analytical skills, ensuring operational and maintenance budgetary excellence with budgets up to $100M-plus. Gary was instrumental in the intelligent building journey for Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport during his tenure.
A seasoned educator, Gary designed and taught classes at every level from Georgia Tech graduate programs to higher education clients to fortune 500 clients and government agencies. He enjoyed a 13-year stint as an Adjunct Professor at Georgia Tech in their School of Building Construction designing and teaching Integrated Facilities Management and Safety (with Business Continuity and Response) and within their College of Lifetime Learning teaching their capstone class for their Professional Master’s in Occupational Safety and Health program.
Athens, GA | October 6-10, 2025
