At AHR Expo 2026 in Las Vegas, we gathered a panel of industry leaders for a critical conversation on a topic that no building professional can afford to ignore: cybersecurity in an era of evolving building automation systems. As BAS networks transition from legacy architectures to hybrid models and fully cloud-connected environments, the session “Connected and Secure: Building BAS Across Legacy, Hybrid, and Cloud Networks” tackled the pressing question of how to make security foundational rather than an afterthought.
The discussion, summarized here, explored the latest strategies for securing operational technology (OT) networks, aligning them with IT best practices, and protecting connected systems from growing cyber threats. The panel emphasized that balancing connectivity with resilience is not just a technical challenge but a business imperative. By applying practical safeguards and building trust across diverse environments, owners, integrators, and designers can keep buildings both adaptive and secure. Key themes included the convergence of IT and OT, the dangers of vendor lock-in, the importance of data ownership, and the critical need for clear governance and accountability across all project phases.
How purpose-built analytics tools can transform complex, siloed trend logs into clear, actionable intelligence. By breaking free from vendor lock-in and automating the path from raw data to visual reports, we can move beyond reactive maintenance toward proactive optimization, ultimately enhancing occupant comfort, energy performance, and progress toward ESG goals.
Key Highlights
Turn Raw Data into Actionable Insights
Building automation systems generates vast amounts of data, but without the right tools, those insights remain trapped. Advanced reporting software now allows facility managers to transform complex BACnet trend logs into clear, visual reports without coding. This accessibility helps you quickly identify what’s working, what isn’t, and where improvements can be made.
Own Your Data, Control Your Future
Vendor lock-in has long been a challenge in the building industry. By maintaining ownership of your building performance data, you gain the freedom to integrate with multiple tools, switch service providers without losing historical context, and customize analytics to meet specific needs. This approach also strengthens cybersecurity by letting you control exactly who has access to your building systems.
Automate Reporting, Save Valuable Time
Manual data pulling and formatting is a thing of the past. Modern building analytics tools can schedule customized reports directly to your inbox and to key stakeholders. This automation ensures consistent, timely updates on energy use, equipment performance, indoor air quality, and occupancy without the administrative overhead.
Document Progress Toward Sustainability Goals
For organizations committed to ESG targets, LEED certifications, or energy compliance, having documented proof of performance is essential. The right analytics platform helps track improvements over time, benchmark against historical data, and generate the documentation needed for audits and sustainability reporting.
A Tool Built for Every Stakeholder
Whether you’re a facility manager focused on occupant comfort, a consulting engineer needing compliance documentation, a building owner tracking ESG goals, or a dealer looking to add value for clients, having complete access to visualized building data transforms how you operate. When you can see performance clearly, you can make faster, more informed decisions that improve efficiency, comfort, and long-term sustainability.
This summary is based on the insights shared by the following experts during their session at AHR Expo 2026 in Las Vegas. You can connect with them on LinkedIn using the links below.
- Jacob Fenley, Director of Tech Services, Cochrane Supply
Jacob Fenley on LinkedIn - Aaron Brondum, Senior Director Business Development, Neeve
Aaron Brondum on LinkedIn - Michael MacMahon, Principal, Newcomb & Boyd
Michael MacMahon on LinkedIn - Thano Lambrinos, SVP Digital Buildings & Innovation, QuadReal Property Group
Thano Lambrinos on LinkedIn - Josh Reding, President, Sunbelt Controls
Josh Reding on LinkedIn
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