The Highlights
- Openness drives scalability, cost savings and interoperability; this allows building owners and managers to integrate systems from multiple providers while remaining adaptable to future technologies
- Broad interoperability and open APIs unlock analytics/AI use cases, while zero-trust security and BACnet Revision 19 strengthen cyber posture
- Open access tools allow teams to program via a web client while the server remains online. Commissioning time drops up to 95%, speeding rollouts, updates and interlocks across multi-site portfolios
The move away from siloed systems
As buildings continue to move toward greater intelligence and interconnectedness, the debate between open and closed building automation systems (BAS) has never been more relevant. Closed BAS platforms limit hardware, software, servicing and future scalability to a single provider. While this may provide simplicity, it can restrict choice, flexibility and value in the long term.
In contrast, the Metasys platform from Johnson Controls demonstrates how an open BAS delivers broad capabilities, cost efficiency and future-ready performance. It’s built around four measures of openness: protocols, access, APIs and procurement – that empower facilities teams, maximizes system longevity and allow users freedom of choice.
Open protocols are the foundation of interoperability. Metasys supports several industry-standard protocols that include BACnet/IP, BACnet/SC, BAC/net MS/TP, N2, Modbus, M-Bus, LonWorks®, and more. Together, they enable HVAC, fire, security, lighting and third-party systems to communicate seamlessly. With capacity for 1,300 IP devices and up to 65,000 objects per server, Metasys helps reduce hardware requirements and expands integrations across complex environments. This integration enables broad service options and future-proofs buildings for innovations including AI-driven optimization.
Data spotlight: Metasys offers increased scalability, supporting up to 1,300 IP devices and 65,000 objects per server – supporting even the largest-scale deployments.
Open procurement provides organizations the freedom to select products and service partners based upon availability, price and performance. With open access, facility teams have control over everyday system configuration without the need for proprietary tools or vendor intervention.
Finally, open APIs extend BAS’ data value and enable integrations with advanced analytics, custom dashboards and third-party applications. While supporting openness, Metasys maintains strong cybersecurity through encrypted communication, zero-trust architecture, and compliance with global regulatory standards.
Across hospitals, campuses, manufacturing and mission-critical environments, Metasys delivers a unified, intuitive platform. It also enhances visibility, efficiency, energy performance and security, which are the game-changing advantages of adopting openness in building automation.
Learn more about the four measures of BAS openness and how they can help you better manage your facility.
