News

Proprietary vs. Non-Proprietary Building Management Systems

October 12, 2022 By Mid-Atlantic Controls 4 minute read

Building Management Systems (BMS) are typically classified as either proprietary (closed) or non-proprietary (open). 

Proprietary systems integrate exclusively with equipment and software produced by the company that manufactured the system.

In contrast, non-proprietary building control systems can integrate with various equipment manufacturers and software platforms. They also offer a wide range…

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Upgrading Johnson Controls BAS to Tridium or J2 Innovations

October 2, 2022 By Mid-Atlantic Controls 6 minute read

It’s entirely possible for JCI BAS system owners or property managers to upgrade their legacy system to a more updated and non-proprietary one like Tridium or J2 Innovations.

This migration can produce a far superior system that’s up to date with current technology and is capable of moving forward as technology improves in the future. Read on to learn more about the value and benefits you’ll get…

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Problems with Access Control Systems

September 18, 2022 By Mid-Atlantic Controls 4 minute read

Access control systems are supposed to create a more efficient way for authorized individuals to enter an otherwise restricted or controlled area—while creating a verifiable paper-trail record of entries and exits.

The vast majority of access control issues stem from:

  • Outdated equipment
  • Keycards falling into the wrong hands
  • Incorrect setup
  • Lack of integration with other building systems
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Employee Productivity Vs. Energy Savings: The 2-20-200 Rule

November 12, 2019 By Mid-Atlantic Controls 4 minute read

Here's what you need to know about Employee Comfort Vs. Employee Productivity, LEED, and Environment...

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Distech Controls: Solutions that Reduce Energy Consumption

April 18, 2019 By Mid-Atlantic Controls 3 minute read

If your facility department has been charged with reducing operating costs in 2016, reducing energy consumption is a great place to start. Keep in mind that it’s never worth sacrificing employee comfort to save energy, because productivity has a much greater impact on the bottom line; however, there are ways to reduce energy consumption without sacrificing comfort.

Distech Controls has developed…

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7 Problems with Managing a Hotel Environment

October 19, 2016 By Mid-Atlantic Controls 4 minute read

Overseeing facilities management at a large hotel or resort can be quite challenging. Facility managers deal with a large spectrum of issues that are unrelated to managing a hotel environment, and many are forced to juggle a lot of responsibilities that take time away from big picture strategy and long-term planning.

In this article, we’ve identified a few of the environment-related challenges…

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Does Visualization Improve Building Management?

July 8, 2016 By Mid-Atlantic Controls 3 minute read

One thing almost all facility managers have in common is a serious lack of time. When you manage a large facility or commercial building, there seems to be no end to what can go wrong and what has to be done.

The tunnel vision generated by putting out one fire after another can sometimes leave big picture thinking, strategizing, and planning with a lot to be desired. For many, there just isn’t…

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What is SkySpark Building Analytics?

April 25, 2016 By Mid-Atlantic Controls 2 minute read

SkySpark is an open analytics platform from SkyFoundry that automatically analyzes building data from sensors, automation systems, meters, and other smart devices to provide useful building insights.

SkySpark insights help facility managers, building owners, and business managers identify trends, issues, faults, correlations and opportunities for cost reduction or building improvements.

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12 Open Platform BAS Manufacturers

April 12, 2016 By Mid-Atlantic Controls 2 minute read

When it comes to building automation equipment, open platform equipment puts customers in the driver’s seat. Investing in open building control equipment gives consumers the largest variety of options in the long run.

What if a consumer wants to change vendors down the road? Or pick a different company to service their equipment? Closed platform equipment prevent these sorts of transitions,…

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