Episode Description:
This episode of the Smart Buildings Academy Podcast focuses on critical discussions that directly impact building automation professionals. Instructors Matt Scott, Ethan Morris, and Michael Roper explore the evolving relationship between BAS professionals and IT departments, common pitfalls in BAS specifications, and the practical value of trend logging. The conversation is centered on real-world challenges and strategies for success in modern building projects.
The team shares insights based on field experiences, addressing issues that affect system performance, project timelines, and professional collaboration. This episode highlights actionable points for building automation professionals committed to delivering better outcomes.
Key Topics Covered:
This episode will help you strengthen your BAS practices and stay ahead in a rapidly changing environment.
Click here to download or listen to this episode now.Podcast Video
Building automation systems (BAS) are evolving rapidly, and the integration with IT departments has never been more critical. In episode 493 of the Smart Buildings Academy Podcast, our team discussed how collaboration between BAS teams and IT is reshaping projects, the real-world risks of miscommunication, and the importance of clear specifications and trend logging. Here are the major takeaways.
In the past, BAS often operated separately from IT infrastructure. That separation is disappearing. Increasingly, BAS devices are treated as IT assets. Controllers, sensors, and systems are now integrated into larger network environments, requiring careful planning around IP addressing, security, and system visibility.
However, collaboration is inconsistent across industries and facility sizes. Larger sites are leading the way, while many smaller buildings lag behind. As cloud computing, IoT, and AI continue to expand, collaboration between BAS and IT will not be optional. It will be required for system functionality, security, and efficiency.
The conversation highlighted a growing trend: BAS equipment is now considered a critical part of the IT ecosystem. With networked controls and IP-based communications becoming the standard, BAS devices must meet IT requirements for cybersecurity, compatibility, and reliability.
New construction projects often specify network integration for BAS systems, including switch planning, IP addressing, VLAN assignments, and firewall security. As more BAS systems are connected to corporate networks, understanding IT standards is essential for BAS professionals.
Failing to coordinate with IT during a BAS deployment introduces serious risks:
Security vulnerabilities: Default passwords, open ports, and outdated firmware can expose building systems to cyber threats.
Network misconfigurations: IP conflicts and improper settings delay deployment and compromise system performance.
Project delays: Lack of planning with IT departments can result in long waits for network access and system integration, especially during the critical final stages of a project.
Proper planning and communication prevent costly rework, protect the client’s network, and maintain project schedules.
Specifications often contain errors or outdated information, particularly when engineers reuse old templates without proper updates. Common issues include equipment mismatches, inaccessible equipment layouts, and conflicting voltage specifications.
Professionals in the field can contribute to stronger project outcomes by:
Building relationships with engineers based on trust and collaboration
Offering constructive feedback through formal channels like RFIs and specification reviews
Providing detailed and site-specific sequences of operations and control strategies
Focusing on collaboration instead of criticism to improve system designs and outcomes
Trend logs remain an underused tool in building automation. They provide critical data for troubleshooting, compliance, and system optimization. Proper use of trend logs helps facility managers and BAS technicians spot hidden problems such as:
Short cycling of equipment
Drift in space temperatures
Energy inefficiencies
Forced or overridden points that impact system performance
Best practices for trend logs include focusing on critical points, using change-of-value triggers instead of frequent polling, compressing data before archiving, and training facility staff on setting up and interpreting trends.
Episode 493 of the Smart Buildings Academy Podcast reinforces that successful BAS projects demand more than just technical skills. They require collaboration, clear communication, strong documentation, and the strategic use of data. As BAS continues to intersect with IT, professionals must evolve their approach to remain effective and competitive.
For a deeper discussion and insights from the field, listen to this episode on the Smart Buildings Academy podcast