BAS can be quite complicated, especially if you are not well-versed in modern computer technology. However, it is also true that BAS has almost become a prerequisite for commercial buildings – meaning it will be difficult to ensure the best performance of a company without one. Below are some tips to further optimize your existing BAS by tweaking or upgrading some of its aspects:
- Start by creating a user-friendly interface – the best building automation systems actually have some of the simplest user interfaces you may ever see. The reason is simple: it is the job of the computer to perform the complex decisions and calculations, whereas the operators have to only input the required instructions and data. Accordingly, a good reason why your BAS may be not functioning very well can be because your interface is too complex for users to properly understand. It is common nowadays to have employees without the required training operating a BAS, and therefore, it is all the more important to create an interface that is easy to operate.
- Set up scheduling zones – another common reason for an inefficient BAS is not configuring scheduling zones. A scheduling zone is basically an area within the building. By separating the building into different zones, you will be capable of isolating each area from the other, and using its DDC controls to turn on or off the specific systems of that zone only. To simply explain this, imagine a home: the living room, bedroom, kitchen, bathroom, etc. are separate scheduling zones. Unless there are individuals in the bedroom, the BAS can turn off the lighting and HVAC for that specific room, thereby cutting down utility costs.
- Set up and correctly prioritize alarms – alarm systems do not solely exist for the purpose of warning you when an issue has arisen. They also exist to warn you of impending issues (i.e. before they actually happen) if you program them correctly. Since your BAS is made up of delicate sensors, your alarm systems can be easily programmed to warn you in like manner. The only thing you should be looking into is correctly programming the alarms – that is, understanding the specific control points and personalizing the settings for your building – and correctly prioritizing the alarms. Do not make the mistake of giving every alarm the same priority – if all your alarms go off, you won’t know which to prioritize. Carefully consider what is more important, and decree priority accordingly.
- Provide remote access to your system – twenty-four surveillance and reporting is another strong point of BAS. However, to ensure the functionality of this last, it is important to also set up remote access to your system – basically, you should be able to access the system from another location. This can also greatly help when the system needs to be maintained, repaired or checked by a professional (i.e. he or she can do this without physically coming to the company). For more information, please click here.
