As property management professionals start looking at not only the first cost but also the total cost of owning and operating their assets, the question lies, “how does one assess the total cost of selecting a particular product or service partner?” Depending on the piece of equipment or particular service, calculating the total cost of ownership (TCO) may be simple, but with technology as complex as building automation systems (BAS), there is an abundance of factors to consider. Below, we have put together a comprehensive checklist of potential expenses associated with the operation of a BAS over 5 to 10 years. For more information on this topic, you can also download our Ebook or view our webinar on Understanding the Life Cycle Cost of a Building Automation System.
Tag Archives: Building Automation
Computrols Announces Building Technology Podcast
This October, Computrols will begin broadcasting its very own podcast covering technology we find in today’s “smart buildings.” The conversations will expand far beyond just building automation as we aim to keep our listeners informed on all things digital in facilities management. The episodes will last approximately 30 minutes and will primarily be hosted by Scott Holstein, Compturols’ Marketing Manager. We’ll invite third-party and in-house subject matter experts to share their expertise and bring a new perspectives. If you have topic suggestions or would like to be featured on our podcast, please email us at info@computrols.com.
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Optimal Virtual Metering In Building Automation
On March 21, 2018, Computrols Director of Research and Development, Mike Donlon, presented on the topic of “Optimal Virtual Metering In Building Automation” at the Globalcon Conference in Boston, MA. The below information is a transcribed excerpt from his session.
Continue reading Optimal Virtual Metering In Building Automation
The Greatest Thing to Ever Happen to Building Automation
With building automation technology advancing at an unprecedented pace, most industry professionals would probably identify the Internet of Things, wireless sensors, analytics, open source tagging, or BACnet as the greatest thing to happen to building automation in recent years. The piece of the BAS puzzle that is most frequently overlooked though is the facility manager. Now, not every facility manager falls into this category. In fact, it’s likely that less than half of those who hold this title are truly an asset to their facility’s building automation system. We call these select individuals “self performers,” and they are the greatest thing to ever happen to building automation. Continue reading The Greatest Thing to Ever Happen to Building Automation
3 Emerging Technology Trends in Building Automation
Generally speaking, we see technology trends progress at a much faster rate in consumer products like cell phones and televisions than we do in the building automation industry. This is mostly because the building automation industry is slow to adapt to new technology, wanting to see it proven in other fields before implementing it in large-scale commercial applications. Here are a few technology trends that we see in your daily lives that we are starting to see or will soon see in building automation. Continue reading 3 Emerging Technology Trends in Building Automation
AHU Supply Temp Sets the Stage
In one of our recent articles, we discussed static pressure control and variable air volume (VAV) systems. We mentioned that by modulating the leaving air temp from an air handling unit (AHU) we can promote energy efficiency while also having an effect on static pressure. This time, we’ll look into how AHU supply temp sets the stage for efficient VAV operations.
Typically, VAVs are equipped with a means of reheating the supply air provided by the corresponding AHU. Continue reading AHU Supply Temp Sets the Stage
Building Automation System Project: Miami Tower
Miami Tower is one of the most prestigious buildings in Miami’s central business district, standing 37 stories tall, situated on top of 10 stories of parking and ground-level retail space. Continue reading Building Automation System Project: Miami Tower
7 Tips for Selecting a Building Automation System
Recently, FacilitiesNet published the article titled “7 Tips For Selecting a Building Automation System.” The piece walks readers through considerations that they should take into account when replacing their current BAS, including how facility managers will interact with the system. We found the article to be helpful and related to our own recommendations. Below, we have addressed each of their recommendations from Computrols’ perspective.
1. People are more important than technology. Buy-in from the operating engineers is crucial to a successful upgrade. It’s important to involve operating engineers in the selection, design, and installation of the new BAS. Ideally, bringing the engineer to visit buildings with the prospective BAS installed will allow them to demo it first hand, without the manufacturer or installation contractor present. Continue reading 7 Tips for Selecting a Building Automation System
Computrols at the Podium
Over these past few months, Computrols’ experts have presented at multiple industry conferences around the country.
Computrols Vice President of Operations, Drew Mire, presented to the Louisiana School Facility Managers Association (LSFMA) at the their fall conference on October 20th. The LSFMA is made up of facility managers from K-12 schools throughout the state of Louisiana. The aim of the organization is to give their members an opportunity to network with like-minded professionals and learn about what they can do to better their campuses. Continue reading Computrols at the Podium
Computrols in the News: Looking Beyond Basic BAS
“For decades, building owners and managers have relied on building automation systems (BAS) to control HVAC systems, lighting, etc., in order to keep occupants comfortable and reduce energy consumption. Today’s BAS can do so much more. They collect massive amounts of data as well as offer energy procurement and management, monitor equipment remotely, control performance, and more.” Read the full article at achrnews.com