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Communications & Networking


The Internet of Things Revolution: Integrating Smart Devices with BAS

Building Automation Systems (BAS) have transformed building management, offering centralized control and automation of various building functions like HVAC, lighting, and security. However, the emergence of the Internet of Things (IoT) presents exciting new opportunities for BAS. By integrating...

Powering Efficiency: BAS and the Pursuit of Sustainable Buildings

Building Automation Systems (BAS) have revolutionized how buildings operate, transforming them from static structures into dynamic environments that can adapt to changing needs. One of the most compelling applications of BAS lies in its ability to optimize energy consumption, contributing...

Life Safety & Security Systems


Biometric Access Control in Building Automation

Biometric access control systems use unique physical or behavioral characteristics, such as fingerprints or facial features, to verify individuals' identities. This technology has gained significant traction in building automation, particularly for entry and sensitive area authorization, promising...

Life Safety & Security Systems: The Interoperability Challenge

Building automation holds the promise of enhanced security and streamlined operations through centralized management and intelligent coordination across various systems. However, many buildings face a significant hurdle: legacy security infrastructure. Often, essential systems like access control,...

HVAC Systems


Wireless Sensor Networks and the Impact on HVAC Monitoring

Traditional building automation systems have often relied on a relatively sparse network of wired sensors to monitor temperature, humidity, and perhaps a few other basic parameters. Wireless sensor networks are disrupting this model, enabling the deployment of far denser arrays of sensors,...

Protecting HVAC Systems within a Building Automation Network

In modern buildings, the HVAC system is rarely an isolated entity. Building automation systems (BAS) integrate HVAC components with an array of sensors, controllers, and a central management platform — all connected through networks. This interconnectivity provides significant benefits in...

Building Automation

Automation Standards 101

Understanding industrial and commercial automated systems

BY DONALD DUNN, International Society of Automation

To improve energy and operational efficiency, and leverage advances in smart technologies, electric power companies and other process industries are rapidly implementing automated systems.

The global industrial automation market is predicted to grow from $159.8 billion in 2012 to more than $200 billion by 2015, according to findings by IMS Research. The worldwide market for electric utility substation automation is expected to...

Building Automation Articles