Episode Description:
If you're leading teams, overseeing projects, or managing budgets in building automation, this episode is for you. Training isn't just a line item. It affects how fast your jobs get done, how often your clients call back, and how long your employees stick around. This conversation challenges how you think about the cost of training by showing what happens when you measure its value the right way.
Instead of guessing, you'll learn how to track real numbers, get better results, and build a stronger team. You’ll hear case studies, practical metrics, and a clear process for capturing what training actually delivers.
Key topics include:
- The full cost of training, including what most companies miss
- How to measure performance gains before and after training
- Real-world examples showing the business impact of trained teams
- Metrics that reveal where your time and money go
- A step-by-step guide to creating your own training ROI tracker
Start making your training dollars work harder. Listen in now.
Click here to download or listen to this episode now.Podcast Video
Why BAS Training Delivers Real ROI
Training is often viewed as a cost. For building automation professionals, it's time to shift that mindset. Training is not just about checking a box. It’s about driving results that show up on the job site, in customer satisfaction, and in your bottom line.
The Overlooked Value of BAS Training
Every business tracks expenses like travel, materials, and course fees. But few consider the indirect and hidden costs of poor training. When a technician is off the job for a week of training, that time has a price. But what about the cost of mistakes caused by incomplete knowledge? What about callbacks, miswired controllers, or systems running inefficiently for months?
One contractor shared how a simple grounding error cost them thousands in rework. The fix could have been avoided with a 15-minute training module. This is not an isolated case. These problems occur when staff learn on the job without a solid foundation.
Confidence and Retention Matter
A technician with proper training is more confident, faster, and less reliant on others. This independence reduces delays and improves project timelines. A well-trained employee is also more likely to stay. They feel valued and equipped, which lowers turnover and hiring costs.
Training helps build trust with clients as well. Customers notice when technicians are sharp and efficient. It leads to fewer mistakes, fewer service calls, and stronger relationships.
Measuring ROI in Building Automation
Traditional ROI looks at gain minus cost, divided by cost. In the BAS world, gains include fewer callbacks, better installations, faster closeouts, and stronger employee performance. These benefits are real but often go untracked.
To measure ROI effectively, track operational and financial metrics:
Operational Metrics:
-
Error rates during installation
-
Reduction in service call volume
-
Improvements in project timelines
-
Equipment uptime
-
First-time fix rate
Financial Metrics:
-
Labor savings
-
Savings per project
-
Time saved in troubleshooting
-
Reduction in warranty claims
-
Energy savings from optimized configuration
Real-World Results
One contractor sent six technicians to a two-week training. Before training, it took them seven days to commission a job. Afterward, it dropped to 5.5 days. Post-install service calls fell by 30 percent. All six employees stayed with the company for over a year, saving thousands in turnover costs.
A university reduced outsourced support calls by 40 percent after training and uncovered misconfigured air handlers that were wasting money. One training insight paid for the entire program.
Another facility failed to calibrate sensors correctly. Their HVAC ran 24/7. When asked about training, they said they learned on the job. That mistake led to constant inefficiency and unnecessary costs.
Building a Simple ROI Tracker
Start by creating a baseline. Collect data on labor hours, callbacks, and project delays. Estimate where you expect improvements. Assign dollar values to time saved, better labor use, and fewer errors. Track the results over time.
Use a spreadsheet or simple dashboard. Involve your team so they understand the connection between training and performance. When the team sees their own progress, morale improves and retention strengthens.
Even basic tracking can show clear improvements. Highlight those wins. Share them with leadership. Let the data tell the story.
Final Thoughts
Training is an investment. If you measure the results, you’ll see the return. Start small. Be consistent. Turn insight into action. Whether it's saving on labor, improving timelines, or building a more confident team, the ROI on training is clear. When done right, it pays for itself many times over.
