Peace of Mind Through Building Automation

Building automation technology equips building engineers to manage any large complex efficiently and proactively. When technology is harnessed properly to manage both the climate and mechanical systems, the result is a combination of control and confidence for the building engineer, collaboration and trust for those working daily within, and comfort and convenience for guests.

Specific immediate benefits resulting from installing building automation solutions in any facility include 1) certainty as to temperature, pressure, humidity and air quality in the various zones, with a simple means to alter these, 2) a graphical overview of all major components in the building, detailing their attributes and interconnections, 3) awareness of real-time load status and energy demand for all heating, cooling and related systems, 4) visible and confirming feedback on valve and damper positions, fan speeds and resulting air flow, 5) a process for detecting and reporting troublesome leaks, 6) available display of momentary current draw, phase voltage, refrigerant and other critical readings, 7) historical reports indicating numerous average and peak loads, 8) the ability to anticipate and adjust for large crowds on-the-fly, automatically or via schedule, 9) the means to adjust lighting, shading, heating or cooling in response to incoming sunlight or outside climate, 10) holiday or special event custom schedules, 11) remote terminal access off-site, after-hours remote troubleshooting or modifying settings, 12) system alerts delivered via email or text message, smartphone app or laptop terminal, 13) analytics and trending data to confirm properly running systems, recognize early stage equipment wear, highlight likely maintenance needs and proactively recommend component replacement prior to catastrophic failure, 14) a naturally resulting ease toward forecasted capital budgets and maintenance costs. Building automation systems make all this possible.

Building operators are professionals and take great pride in the high obligation of managing a large complex and its contents. The engineer’s access to real-time data brings clarity and understanding, high-level insight regarding the systems, plus a sense of preparedness. Rather than being on the defensive with an anxious “fear of the unexpected,” the power of this technology is reassuring, bringing a sense of preparedness and readiness. Trend data provides visibility and foresight, the means to be proactive and on the offensive, prioritizing tasks and in control.

Tenants within the building are stakeholders as well and have needs. Building automation systems that are designed properly are flexible enough such that building operators can easily and efficiently collaborate with tenants and building managers to address unique operational needs or plan together for special events. Flexible programmability and proper training are generally the key.

When things are under control and the building’s operator is sensitive to the needs of the building occupants, these stakeholders view this as competence. It affirms that their needs will be met and that building management is ready to be helpful and responsive. Interactions between building operators and local managers become collaborative and positive, leading to a win-win.

Lastly, building guests can also experience comfort and a feeling of welcome. Valued guests benefit from the previously mentioned climate control functions and safety measures. Additionally, hotel facilities offer guests convenient features such as an app to control systems within the hotel room. Friendly welcome signs integrated into the building automation network can greet guests by name as they approach guest rooms.

Building automation systems provide confidence and ease of control for building operators, comfort and support for busy teams working in the facility, and welcoming conveniences for building guests. Leveraging building automation technology is smart business as it empowers building operators to manage facilities effectively, serve the building tenants and managers responsively, and provide comfort and conveniences to all persons frequenting the building. That is peace of mind.