If you’re like most building managers, you’re probably under constant pressure to improve the efficiency and reduce the operating costs of your facilities. And, while modern building automation systems (BASs) promise to cut inputs and improve comfort, rolling out these systems can seem overwhelming, especially if you have existing systems in place.
In this blog, we explore some of the challenges and common mistakes that can complicate BAS installations and upgrades, as well as some key strategies to simplify and streamline installation or integration of a new BAS system or additional automation functionality.
Read on to learn more about how fast-evolving BAS technology can make it easier for you to deliver on your automation promises.
Choosing a Simpler Path to Building Automation
Modern Building Automation Systems (BAS) integrate various building functions—such as HVAC, lighting, and security—into a cohesive and manageable system. This integration not only enhances operational efficiency but also simplifies the day-to-day management of facilities.
Getting there can often be challenging, especially for building managers expected to deliver maximum performance for minimum input. Fortunately, improved integration technology and smarter management technologies are making it easier than ever to install new automation systems or integrate improved technology with existing automation equipment.
Let’s start by taking a look at some of the common mistakes and most frequent challenges that can make rolling out a BAS more challenging than it should be, before considering how new technology — and a reliable automation partner — can simplify the process.
Common BAS Integration Mistakes and Challenges
Here are some of the most common ways that building managers make installing and upgrading BAS systems harder than it should be.
1. Lack of Regular Service
While a BAS should reduce and simplify the amount of upkeep your critical systems need, that does not mean it’s ok to neglect regular maintenance. BASs require consistent inspection and testing to ensure optimal performance and returns on investment. Otherwise, minor issues can quickly escalate into significant problems, leading to costly repairs and system downtime
2. Proprietary Systems
Choosing for proprietary equipment can lock building managers into a single vendor for parts and services, resulting in higher costs and limited support, especially for older systems. Today, the increasing use of standardized protocols and open-source technologies means it’s easier than ever to get equipment from different vendors to plug in and play together.
3. Complexity
If you’re the manager of a large facility or one where previous upgrades have been poorly carried out, the proliferation of standards, protocols, features, and settings can become overwhelming, leading to inefficient use of your system’s true capabilities. It’s best to work with an equipment supplier who is comfortable with both large BASs and complex system demands.
4. Outdated Systems and Equipment
Unless you have property stakeholders who have been willing to upgrade equipment regularly, you may be stuck with legacy equipment that may not integrate well with the newer equipment your facility needs. While experienced installers can work wonders with older systems, often upgrading to newer systems will deliver the best performance and investment returns.
Improvements in Building Automation Systems
BASs have seen significant improvements in performance, efficiency, and interoperability in recent years. These changes include:
- Multiple System Integration: Modern BASs now allow HVAC, lighting, security, and other critical systems to be managed from one central interface. This simplifies management and provides comprehensive operational insights so you can make informed decisions quickly.
- Remote Access Capabilities: The integration of BAS functionality with cloud and mobile technology means most building functions can now be managed remotely, allowing issues to be addressed promptly and making oversight more effective.
- User-Friendly Interfaces: Better technology, user-focused design, and data visualization techniques have made system interfaces simpler to understand and navigate. This lowers the learning curve for new users, makes managing complex systems easier, and ensures you can leverage the full power of your installed BAS capacity.
- Expert Configuration: It’s hard to overstate the value of expert installation and configuration. A qualified, experienced equipment supplier like MACC will help ensure your system is tailored to the specific needs of your building and its operations, potentially saving you hours of expensive troubleshooting and do-overs.
5 Strategies to Simplify Building Automation
Now let’s consider some specific strategies that can simplify and optimize building automation, helping to cut costs and ensure comfort and convenience for occupants.
1. Regular Maintenance
Benefits: Prevents problems, extends equipment lifespan, and saves on-site staff time.
Regular inspections, testing, calibration, software updates, and component replacements ensure your system is running at maximum efficiency, limiting downtime and preventing minor issues from escalating into major problems.
2. Keyless Entry Systems
Benefits: Enhanced security and convenience, reduced management burden.
A well-implemented keyless entry system eliminates the time and hassle involved with managing physical keys and enhances overall building security by allowing access to be managed and controlled in real-time. It’s a smart way to invest in technology that delivers wins for tenants, management staff, and stakeholders alike.
3. Upgraded Graphical Interface
Benefits: Improved monitoring and control, improved efficiency.
Investing in an improved graphical user interface for your BAS may seem like a luxury, but it delivers real benefits by allowing you to understand complex processes simply and easily. That makes it easier for new management staff to get up to speed and ensures you are getting the full benefits of your system’s rated performance.
4. Full System Integration
Benefits: Comprehensive operational insights
An experienced installation partner like MACC can integrate all of your building systems into a single, complete BAS for one-stop oversight and control. By centralizing control of your HVAC, lighting, security, and other systems, managers gain a complete view of building operations and can see how different systems interact to maximize energy savings.
5. Expert Configuration
Benefits: Tailored, reliable, user-friendly system
Ensuring your BAS is configured by experts can greatly streamline the automation process. Professional configuration tailors the system to your building’s specific needs, enhancing reliability and ease of use. An experienced installer like MACC can also often figure out how to integrate your legacy systems with cutting-edge equipment to maximize return on investment.
Benefits of a Simplified Building Automation Process
Here are some of the key benefits of following through on a simplified, streamlined BAS installation or upgrade with the help of an experienced integration partner.
- Energy savings: By optimizing the operation of HVAC, lighting, and other systems, a well-configured BAS can reduce energy consumption and lower utility costs. Efficient energy management not only cuts expenses but also contributes to sustainability.
- More control: A simplified BAS provides your building managers with more precise control over building operations. With a user-friendly interface and integrated systems, managers can easily monitor and adjust settings to maintain optimal conditions.
- Improved tenant satisfaction: The better you can understand and control your BAS the more capable you will be of delivering a building environment and services that help boost client productivity and have higher job satisfaction.
- Reduced maintenance costs: Better monitoring and oversight and improved control help keep maintenance costs in check while helping to prevent costly breakdowns and repairs. That lowers your staffing and building operating costs.
- Enhanced Security: By integrating security features like keyless entry systems, a streamlined BAS improves building security while reducing the time and hassle involved in managing and monitoring access control.
MACC: Your Streamlined BAS Installation Partner
Taking smart, targeted steps to streamline your BAS installation has an outsized influence on the performance and efficiency of your system. If you’re serious about reducing costs and maximizing return on investment on your BAS installation or upgrade, then it’s essential to take steps to simplify and optimize your rollout.
The best way to achieve this is to work with an equipment supplier and integration specialist with the skills and experience to deliver full functionality in a simple, effective package that you and your staff can use effectively.
MACC was founded on a commitment to making the most of your existing BAS infrastructure while leveraging the power of cutting-edge building control technology. By harnessing the power of emerging open-source technologies like BACnet, MACC can deliver powerful, simple control systems that keep existing technology in use while delivering measurable savings.
With decades of experience rolling out BAS installations across a wide range of industries, we’re ready to help you make your BAS installation or upgrade simpler and easier. Contact us today to talk about your building automation needs, or click below to request a free consultation.
