AutomatedBuildings.com Review - New Trends in Building Automation


New Trends in Building Automation - a Panel Discussion	By Ken Sinclair

AutomatedBuildings.com was part of the panel discussion at LonWorld 2002 in Toronto, October 31, 2002. Below is a brief review of the session with linkage to pdf print outs of each power point presentation.

Moderator:
Marcia Pugsley, Channel Marketing Manager
Echelon Corporation http://www.echelon.com/

Marcia moderated and organized this panel for LonWorld which addressed how trends in building automation influence the lives and businesses of building owners, integrators, facility managers, tenants, consulting engineers, and OEMs.

The original presentation was to be given by Ron Zimmer, President and CEO of CABA, but Ron was unable to and the presentation was given by David Dern.

Dave's presentation provided highlights from The Technology Roadmap for Intelligent Buildings Technologies research study, over $100,000 in scope, that focused on commercial, institutional and high-rise MDUs.

Rapid movement towards Web Based Facilities Operation involves the creation of virtual identities that reflect the physical form and function of our large buildings and facilities. While these concepts are gaining acceptance as the new operational model it is uncharted territory. The rapid evolution of building operators to Super Operators casting their control over millions of square feet of real estate is becoming common place. The reality of today and tomorrow’s economy is that we will be doing more with less to effectively manage our buildings. Our saviour is that technology in the form of web based everything is now providing us a path to improved communications while simplifying the movement of complex building information to the evolving Building Operations Specialist. The rapid movement of the building automation industry towards web based allows us to interweave critical dynamic building information into a browser based anywhere presentation. This allows us to concentrate and amplify our existing building operation resources and operators into virtual operational centres, in which all critical information is exposed to all stakeholders

Jim's session examined the use of commercial televisions for monitoring and control of both LonWorks networks and high bandwidth audio-video networks. Control strategies were discussed that included, television control of the environmental, security and lighting systems as well as LonWorks network control of television functions. A variety of home and commercial projects were presented, including applications in the security, hotel and convenience store markets.

Anto's presentation discussed the changing landscape of open systems in building controls. With almost a decade of developments, many standardization efforts have come and gone. Where is the industry now, what are the end-users expecting and how does the industry intend to deliver upon these expectations? Is there a battle royal between two standards left standing or can there be peace in building controls, or is there an even bigger challenger to the throne. Where is open systems based controls in the technology adoption curve and how can the industry move forward and reap the benefits of all its efforts. The presentation also addressed the changes that are likely to happen in the industry, specifically in the distribution channel.

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