Many companies claim to be capable of installing a full-scale Building Automation System (BAS) implementation, but who can you really trust to integrate your building critical systems with today’s increasingly complex building management systems?
In this blog, we’ll uncover how to choose a BAS integration provider to upgrade your existing systems or roll out a completely new implementation. Read on to get smart about selecting a BAS integration partner.
Plugged In: How to Choose a BAS Integration Partner
These days your building is as much a collection of safety and environmental management systems as a physical structure. And, although those systems might work well in parallel, connecting and integrating their operations through a building automation system (BAS) offers some major advantages.
By automating systems like HVAC, lighting, and security, a well-integrated BAS can boost efficiency and reduce energy use while improving occupant comfort significantly. Over time, that translates into major cost savings and improved sustainability.
That said, installing and integrating a BAS is usually a significant investment. To ensure your system delivers the expected short-term gains and long-term savings, it’s important to work with an experienced, knowledgeable integration partner.
Key Factors in Choosing a BAS Integration Provider
Some very important qualifications should give you an immediate idea of an equipment provider’s skills, experience, and reputation.
1. Experience
Many companies claim to be able to provide BAS integration services. The proof of the pudding is always in the industry experience they bring to bear. Look for companies that have been doing integrations for a decade or more, with demonstrated evidence of completed projects across a wide range of industries and building types.
The more diverse your provider’s experience, the more likely they will be able to handle the specific challenges your integration may involve. They’re also better equipped to deliver BAS implementations customized to your specific needs, rather than off-the-shelf solutions.
Perhaps most importantly, providers with a longer track record will have more experience integrating older systems with newer equipment. This may allow you to keep more of your existing systems in place while still reaping the benefits of facility-wide BAS integration.
2. Technical Expertise
It can be hard to evaluate a provider’s technical expertise from the outside, but there are tell-tale signs of exactly how proficient a supplier might be. Look for an ability and willingness to deliver a wide range of services, from initial consultation to design and implementation to after-sales support, training, and managed services.
Seek out those with expertise integrating equipment from several equipment manufacturers and an ability to work with both existing proprietary systems as well as emerging open-source technologies like BACnet. Suppliers who provide only proprietary equipment from one manufacturer will most likely lock you into that maker’s systems with off-the-shelf rather than customized solutions.
3. Customer Satisfaction
Look for signs of satisfied customers who continue to enjoy a good relationship with their installation providers. Happy customers are more likely to have their company logo displayed on the provider’s website and may also provide written testimonials about the services they received.
Check out any case studies showing how the provider developed solutions for a customer’s specific integration challenges. Ideally, you will want to see case studies covering a diverse range of facility types showing how various problems were overcome with innovative solutions.
A provider who maintains good relationships with current and past clients is more likely to deliver a quality, hassle-free BAS integration.
What Should You Expect from a Provider?
Now that we know what to look for in a provider, let’s consider what you should expect from a good integration partner throughout your BAS installation project and beyond.
Clear Communication
Your BAS integration will only work as well as you can communicate your needs and expectations to your integration provider. Start by laying out the goals you have for your integration project including:
- Required functionalities
- Timelines
- Budget
Establish expectations for clear communication and updates during project implementation to avoid misunderstanding and manage unforeseen situations. Ensure lines of communication are clear from the outset and be wary of any provider who seems reluctant about remaining in contact during and after project rollout.
Collaboration
For best results, your provider should be communicating directly with your involved staff and management. This can help the integration team get to grips with the layout and characteristics of your existing control systems, and understand in detail the day-to-day requirements your staff have from their integrated BAS.
Again, this is particularly important for large-scale projects, or complex integrations that include upgrading existing systems or highly customized options. Rather than a potential obstacle, close collaboration between in-house and integration teams should be seen as an opportunity to deliver a higher-quality solution driven by creative, multi-disciplinary problem-solving.
Flexibility
Even the best-laid plans change. That’s why it’s important to talk with your provider about their ability to adjust or rework your integration on the fly when the unexpected occurs.
Shifting budgets, unsupported equipment, and unforeseen challenges can all require a re-evaluation of your project’s goals and aims. An experienced integration partner brings multiple possible solutions and is better able to make real-time adjustments to keep your project on track.
Scalability
A good BAS integration not only meets your current needs but also looks ahead to how your requirements might change over time. Thoughtful installations and the use of non-proprietary equipment make it easier to upgrade or expand your BAS in the future.
In many cases, it makes sense to add extra capacity to your communications and control infrastructure now, rather than trying to retrofit it when your operational needs increase. A good provider will advise you on how to get the best return on your integration investment.
Evaluating Provider Proposals
You’ve done your due diligence and now you’ve asked for proposals from two or more potential integration services providers. Let’s take a look at some key considerations to keep in mind as you evaluate offers.
1. Compatibility with Existing Systems
Providers should prioritize integration with your existing equipment from the outset, rather than simply advocating wholesale replacement of entire systems. Instead, experienced providers should be able to tailor their proposals to leverage as much of your existing “legacy” infrastructure as possible.
Here’s where experienced providers like Conexus have a clear advantage. With deep experience in both older technology and non-proprietary systems, we’re often able to integrate existing and new equipment — sometimes by installing legacy drivers for existing protocols to allow legacy proprietary equipment to communicate.
2. Cost-Effectiveness
You likely have a pretty good idea of what your “ideal” BAS integration would accomplish. Unfortunately, your aspiration will always be limited by the budget you have for your project. A good proposal should take careful note of your bottom-line considerations and deliver plenty of functionality for the price.
It’s very important to evaluate proposals and costs not only on the immediate functionality that your integrated BAS will provide but also on the long-term value and ROI it will deliver.
3. Post-Installation Support
For leading providers, the job is not done when the physical integration is complete. For maximum efficiency and return on investment, your system needs to be professionally commissioned. It will require maintenance and possibly repairs over time.
Look for proposals that include “add-on” services like commissioning, maintenance, staff training, and even long-term operating contracts. Again, the up-front costs may be higher, but you will likely save money by choosing an end-to-end full-service integration provider.
Conexus: Your End-to-End Integration Provider
Integrating your building’s systems into a fully-fledged BAS is a big step, and choosing the right provider for the job is a big decision.
At Conexus, we offer expert BAS integration with a focus on open source systems, and a full range of supporting services to make the most of your building automation investment. We are an accredited Master Systems Integrator capable of rolling even the most complex BAS implementations in large multi-building facilities.
No matter the size or complexity of your integration challenge, we offer the same mix of skills, experience, and a deep commitment to leveraging the power of open, non-proprietary technology to deliver you an excellent BAS solution.
Bring us your BAS integration challenges. Whether you’re looking to upgrade existing systems or roll out an all-new installation, trust us to help you make the most of your budget to deliver a smart, flexible, and scalable solution.
Click below for a free quote or to learn more about Conexus’ approach to systems integration.
