Greener, smarter, safer: how building automation is transforming the world of offices and warehouses

Buildings are getting smarter and more sustainable—and that’s good news for business. From security and AI to cloud-based and wireless technologies, intelligent systems are playing a key role in helping companies succeed. We saw this firsthand at the Niagara Forum 2025 in London, where Tibor Móritz, CEO of Propx, and Róbert Hadházi, Head of SmartNode, gathered insights from the frontlines of innovation.

Organized by Tridium, the Niagara Forum is a global industry event that brings together experts in building automation and IoT. The conference is named after Tridium’s own Niagara Framework, one of the world’s leading integration platforms that connects smart systems across buildings and infrastructure.

Beyond trendspotting, the event also offered a unique chance to benchmark the Hungarian market against global peers.

Knowledge-sharing at its core

This was Propx’s first time attending the Niagara Forum, and we were pleased to see that meaningful knowledge-sharing was at the heart of the event. From visionary talks to hands-on case studies, the program offered a clear glimpse into the future of building automation and IoT.

One clear takeaway: Hungary is keeping pace with global tech trends, thanks to an open and connected ecosystem. However, we also need to stay ahead of incoming EU-level regulatory shifts, many of which are set to become dominant in the Hungarian market within the next few years.

Tech trends to watch: cloud, security, and wireless innovation

One of the most talked-about topics was the evolution of cloud-based services. The new Niagara Cloud Suite is making data management more flexible and secure, paving the way for complex, next-gen services that once seemed out of reach.

Cybersecurity also took center stage—not just in terms of building protection, but also data integrity. From the EU’s NIS2 directive to the rise of virtualization and container-based systems, it’s clear that tomorrow’s buildings will need digital defenses as robust as their physical ones.

Wireless technology is another fast-moving frontier. And we’re not talking about basic solutions, such as Bluetooth. These are low-energy, long-range systems that are ideal for modernizing existing buildings—from offices and warehouses to hotels, malls, and assembly plants. These systems make it possible to integrate previously standalone devices into centralized platforms without disrupting day-to-day operations.

AI and machine learning in smart buildings

Naturally, AI was another hot topic at the Forum. While it’s still more of a potential than a daily reality, we’re already seeing real-world applications: from machine learning and anomaly detection to fault prediction. Some of these tools are already being embedded into smart building systems.

Thanks to its open architecture, the Niagara Framework can also support AI integrations built on top of third-party automation solutions—unlocking even more possibilities.

IoT beyond buildings: smart cities and agriculture

The Forum wasn’t just about offices and warehouses. It also highlighted the role of IoT in smart cities and precision agriculture. From smart irrigation and temperature control to livestock monitoring and water infrastructure, intelligent systems are transforming how we grow food and manage urban spaces. Smart street lighting, traffic control, and public transport optimization were all key areas of focus.

Inspiring case studies and pratical solutions

One standout session showcased our long-standing collaboration with Hungarian industrial developer HelloParks. Their approach is a perfect example of how building automation can be made intuitive and accessible for both technical and non-technical users.

Their user-friendly app solutions not only support operational teams but also make life easier for tenants and property managers. Even more impressive, the HelloParks system already aligns with future EU expectations, including taxonomy compliance and ESG reporting.

Addressing the talent gap through education

One of the key challenges in Hungary remains the shortage of skilled professionals. To address this, SmartNode offers certified training programs backed by decades of experience in automation, energy monitoring, and building management systems.

Developing integrated platforms that bring multiple subsystems together also helps streamline operations and reduce resource demands—ultimately lowering costs for tenants and boosting system efficiency.

What’s next?

Looking ahead, it’s clear that wireless IoT systems, cloud services, and cybersecurity will be the next big leaps in the sector. At Propx, we’re committed to making these technologies widely accessible to our clients and partners so they can operate more efficiently and gain a competitive edge.

As the Niagara Forum made clear: progress is unstoppable. And the winners will be those bold enough to lead the change. We intend to be among them—and to help our clients stay one step ahead of the curve.