by Robert Louth
Altieri continues to push the boundaries of low voltage engineering by integrating AI-driven workflows into traditional review and analysis processes. Our focus is on strategically automating repetitive, time-intensive tasks and thereby allowing our engineers to concentrate on higher-value analysis, critical decision-making, and delivering deeper technical insight to our clients.
For a recent performing arts project, the contractor requested expedited technical review of an early bid package for procurement of the electrical switchboard. Four vendors submitted documentation packages, each containing over 250 pages of materials and information detailing equipment specifications, performance data, and compliance information. Altieri was tasked with rapidly assessing whether each submission aligned with project requirements. The construction manager did not want to pre-vet the information before handing it over to us, so rather than relying solely on manual review methods which likely would have taken two employees three days to accomplish, our team leveraged advanced AI platforms to do the job more efficiently and rapidly, taking one employee just a few hours. By applying AI-assisted analysis, we were able to do a quicker review of the large volumes of technical documentation. This approach significantly accelerated the review timeline while maintaining the rigor and precision expected from our engineering team. Ultimately, it enabled more informed, data-driven decisions that identified which equipment solutions met the project’s performance criteria.
Across the industry, we are seeing a wide spectrum of AI adoption, particularly within intelligent building systems. For example, in modern building management systems (BMS), AI is being used to enhance operational efficiency through predictive analytics. By continuously monitoring air handler performance and analyzing sensor data within air streams, AI can provide proactive maintenance recommendations, such as predicting optimal filter replacement intervals based on real-time air quality conditions.
Another use case is leveraging the video analytics of security cameras within a museum that is currently under construction. The AI analytics – now built into the cameras – can provide information related to patrons moving around the various galleries. Museum staff receives information about where the groups are heading which, in turn, helps direct docents to those locations. The analytics can also inform the mechanical systems in advance to allow adjustments in air temperatures for the comfort of the patrons and art within the spaces. This particular case highlights how owners benefit from more information through analytics and AI, without overburdening staff or requiring additional staff.
These applications reflect a broader shift toward smarter, more responsive infrastructure. As an industry leader in the design of environmentally responsible MEPF systems within architecturally challenging institutional environments, Altieri is at the forefront, combining extensive low voltage engineering expertise with AI innovation to deliver faster insights, improved system performance, and greater value to our clients.
With AI models evolving at an unprecedented pace, we are seeing advancements that far exceed what the industry anticipated even a short time ago. For low voltage engineering, this rapid progression is not just in incremental improvements, but often represents significant leaps. Tasks that once required extensive manual effort, time, and layered review processes can now be enhanced with highly sophisticated analysis tools that continuously improve accuracy, speed, and contextual understanding.
At Altieri, we view this acceleration as an opportunity to further enhance our technical depth. Using AI to enhance our work flows and remove time-consuming tasks allows us to optimize our designs. We are able to integrate emerging capabilities directly into our engineering workflows enabling optimized evaluations, deeper insights, and more proactive system design strategies. This ensures that our clients benefit not only from our core low voltage expertise, but also from the most advanced tools available in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.
Robert Louth
Robert Louth, PE, RCDD, CTS, ECSE is principal at Altieri.
