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Phil Zito


Recent posts by Phil Zito

23 min read

SBA 469: How To Grow Your Service Business

By Phil Zito on Nov 7, 2024 7:00:00 AM

Episode Description:

Episode 469 dives into strategies for growing your service business in the building automation space. With the increasing demand for BAS expertise in ongoing operations, this episode guides listeners through the essentials of building a profitable, customer-focused service arm. You’ll gain insights on the value of expanding into owner-direct work, along with methods to foster long-term client relationships that keep your business top-of-mind. This episode is packed with practical advice to help you capture recurring revenue and optimize your approach to service delivery.

Key takeaways you’ll get:

  • Market Positioning for BAS Service Success: Discover the best verticals to target and how to identify high-impact opportunities in each.
  • Closing Your First Service Contracts: Learn effective ways to approach and win over initial clients for long-term service agreements.
  • Building a Service Playbook: Understand the importance of documenting processes to ensure consistent, quality service delivery.
  • Recurring Revenue Models: Explore strategies for maintenance contracts, health checks, and other recurring services that build predictable income.
  • Effective Team Training and Staffing: Get tips on staffing your service engagements and cultivating a skilled, customer-oriented service team.

Tune in to SBA 469 to unlock the full potential of your service business and transform how you support clients in the BAS industry.

Topics: Podcasts
19 min read

SBA 468: Guideline 36 Part 1

By Phil Zito on Oct 31, 2024 6:00:00 AM

Episode Description:

Episode 468 explores advanced airside HVAC sequences, offering building automation professionals an in-depth look at ASHRAE's Guideline 36. This episode unpacks strategies for optimizing energy efficiency through standardized control sequences, helping listeners understand how to achieve predictable and repeatable system performance. You'll gain insights into best practices and considerations for implementing these strategies across different building scenarios, with a focus on practical, real-world applications.

Key takeaways you’ll get:

  • The Principles of Trim and Response: Understand how this control strategy minimizes energy use while maintaining optimal HVAC performance.
  • Handling Zone Requests and Zone Groups: Learn about managing cooling and heating demands across multiple zones for better system efficiency.
  • Implementing Economizer Control: Discover how to leverage outdoor air conditions for free cooling to reduce energy consumption.
  • Effective Reheat Control Techniques: Explore how reheat strategies can improve comfort, especially in colder climates.
  • Key Factors for New Builds and Retrofits: Get guidance on sensor calibration, system integration, and adapting strategies for project success.

Tune in to SBA 468 to enhance your understanding of Guideline 36 and elevate the performance of your building automation systems.

Topics: Podcasts
16 min read

SBA 467: BACnet BTL Deepdive

By Phil Zito on Oct 24, 2024 6:00:00 AM

Episode Description:

In episode 467 of the Smart Buildings Academy Podcast, you’ll dive deep into BACnet Testing Laboratories (BTL) and how understanding BTL listings can significantly impact your work in building automation. Whether you’re a contractor taking over a building or a facility manager looking to specify BACnet systems, this episode offers essential insights into device capabilities, interoperability, and conformance. By the end of the episode, you’ll be equipped to make smarter decisions regarding BACnet device selection and deployment.

Key takeaways you’ll get:

  • Understanding BTL Listings: Learn how to interpret protocol implementation conformance sheets and what they reveal about device capabilities.
  • Device Profiles and Interoperability: Explore the different BACnet profiles (such as AAC, B-BC) and how they apply to your systems.
  • Functional Groups and Building Blocks: A breakdown of BACnet interoperability blocks, like data sharing, alarming, and trending.
  • Network Capabilities: Discover how network compatibility impacts system integration and device communication.
  • The Role of BACnet Testing Laboratories: Why BTL certification matters and how it ensures system functionality and compliance.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to enhance their knowledge of BACnet standards and BTL listings. Listen now to stay ahead in your building automation projects.

Topics: Podcasts
19 min read

SBA 466: How to Find, Develop, and Retain Your Building Operators

By Phil Zito on Oct 17, 2024 8:00:00 AM

Episode Description:

Episode 466 addresses one of the most pressing challenges in the building automation industry today: the growing shortage of skilled building operators. In this episode, you’ll gain insights into how to effectively attract, train, and retain talent in an increasingly competitive market. While contractors are pulling operators away, there are key strategies facilities can use to combat this trend and keep their teams strong.

Key takeaways you’ll get:

  • Why finding skilled operators is getting harder and how to tap into overlooked talent pools.
  • Proven methods for developing operators through hands-on training and systematic onboarding processes.
  • The unique benefits facilities can leverage to retain operators, beyond just salary.
  • How creating a culture of continuous learning and growth can boost employee loyalty.
  • The long-term value of development plans and creative employee recognition programs.

If you’re looking to keep your facility running smoothly by building a loyal and skilled team, this episode is for you! Tune in to learn more about the steps you can take to future-proof your operations.

Topics: Podcasts
21 min read

SBA 465: Robots in the Skilled Trades

By Phil Zito on Oct 10, 2024 8:00:00 AM

Episode Description:

In episode 465 of the Smart Buildings Academy Podcast, you'll discover how robotics are set to revolutionize the skilled trades. This episode explores the cutting-edge advancements in collaborative robots (Cobots) and how they are already transforming construction tasks. You'll gain insights into how robots are tackling repetitive, predictable jobs, and why more complex, multi-step tasks still require human expertise. By the end of the episode, you’ll have a clearer understanding of how automation could impact your job and what skills you need to stay relevant in this new era.

Key takeaways you’ll get:

► How Cobots are working alongside humans on construction sites
► The challenges robots face in unpredictable work environments
► The types of tasks most likely to be automated in the near future
► Practical examples of robots like Tesla Optimus and Boston Dynamics Atlas in action
► Strategies to future-proof your career by developing skills robots can’t replace

If you're ready to explore how robotics are changing the future of skilled trades and learn how to stay ahead, this episode is for you!

Topics: Podcasts
16 min read

SBA 464: ChatGPT Use Cases for BAS

By Phil Zito on Sep 27, 2024 8:00:00 AM

Episode Description:

In episode 464 of the Smart Buildings Academy Podcast, you'll explore the game-changing ways ChatGPT can enhance your work as a building automation professional. From troubleshooting and system design to programming and sales strategies, this episode is packed with practical examples of how AI can streamline your daily tasks and drive innovation in your projects.

Key topics you’ll dive into:

►Leveraging AI to simplify sales pitches and proposals
►Enhancing troubleshooting techniques with AI-generated insights
►Using ChatGPT to assist in creating sequences of operations
►Automating programming tasks for BAS systems
►Unlocking AI’s potential in facility design and optimization

If you're ready to see how AI can transform your approach to building automation, this episode is a must-listen!
Topics: Podcasts
14 min read

SBA 463: 5 Strategies to Improve Your Facility’s Operations

By Phil Zito on Sep 19, 2024 8:00:00 AM

Episode Description:

In episode 463 of the Smart Buildings Academy Podcast, you'll discover how to transform your facility's operations using actionable strategies designed to improve efficiency, extend equipment life, and reduce downtime. This episode focuses on practical steps that facility managers and operators can take today to optimize their building systems. Whether you’re looking to cut costs, streamline your processes, or simply stay ahead of potential issues, this episode offers guidance that’s easy to understand and implement.

Key topics you'll explore in this episode:

- How to simplify and organize your facility's critical documentation
- The role of preventative practices in minimizing unexpected breakdowns
- Tools for managing maintenance and tracking performance
- Proactive monitoring techniques to detect and address issues before they escalate
- Training tips for building a versatile and knowledgeable team

If you're ready to take control of your facility’s operations and avoid costly disruptions, this episode is a must-listen!
Topics: Podcasts
3 min read

SBA 462: 5 Strategies to Reduce Your Facility’s Energy Consumption

By Phil Zito on Sep 12, 2024 8:00:00 AM

Episode Description:

In this episode of the Smart Buildings Academy Podcast, Phil Zito discusses five practical strategies to help facility managers reduce their facility's energy consumption. Phil emphasizes the importance of optimizing existing resources and implementing simple changes that can lead to significant energy savings without the need for extensive retraining or costly upgrades. By focusing on these actionable steps, facilities can better manage energy demands and consumption, ultimately contributing to cost savings and sustainability goals.

Key Takeaways:

  • Optimize Schedules: Adjust building, floor, and space schedules to align with actual occupancy patterns, significantly reducing unnecessary energy usage.
  • Check Sensor Calibration: Regularly verify the calibration of sensors, especially those related to temperature and air quality, to ensure accurate system responses and prevent energy waste.
  • Verify Damper and Valve Operations: Ensure that dampers and valves are functioning correctly by conducting regular checks during preventive maintenance, helping systems operate efficiently.
  • Verify Set Points: Document and regularly review temperature set points, especially after commissioning or retrofitting, to prevent inadvertent changes that could lead to increased energy consumption.
  • Implement Night Setback: Utilize night setback strategies to widen temperature set points during unoccupied periods, allowing for energy savings while maintaining suitable conditions for space recovery.
Topics: Podcasts
3 min read

SBA 461: BAS Output Types

By Phil Zito on Sep 5, 2024 9:58:24 AM

Episode Description:

In episode 461 of the Smart Buildings Academy Podcast, Phil Zito dives into the essential types of outputs used in building automation systems (BAS) and how to manage them effectively. Whether you're a technician, engineer, or project manager, understanding these common pitfalls and output issues can save your projects from costly mistakes and delays. Phil also shares actionable advice on how to improve your team’s performance and avoid project setbacks in the future.

Key Highlights:

  • Discover the most common mistakes made with BAS outputs and how they can affect your entire project.
  • Learn why incorrect wiring is a leading cause of callbacks and how to prevent it from happening.
  • What role does sensor placement play in project success, and how can it be optimized?
  • Explore the critical importance of proper documentation and labeling in BAS projects.
  • Uncover the hidden pitfalls in system integration that are often overlooked, and why testing and verification are essential to success.

Tune in to learn more about avoiding these common errors and ensuring your projects run smoothly!

Topics: Podcasts
3 min read

SBA 460: BAS Input Types

By Phil Zito on Apr 3, 2024 2:39:46 PM

Episode Description:

Join Phil Zito in Episode 460 of the Smart Buildings Academy Podcast as he continues the technician onboarding series, focusing on Building Automation System (BAS) input types. Following a general introduction to BAS, Phil delves into the specifics of input types, output types, and the various tiers of BAS architecture. This episode is essential for new technicians and those looking to deepen their understanding of how building automation systems monitor and control building environments. With a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical insights, Phil explains the differences between physical and logical inputs, the process of selecting appropriate sensors and devices, and the significance of understanding specifications.

Episode Highlights:

BAS Input Types Unveiled: Discover the differences between physical and logical inputs in BAS and the roles they play in system functionality.

Sensor Selection Process: Learn how to read specifications and identify the necessary sensors and devices for BAS applications, enhancing your skillset in equipment selection.

Introduction to Physical Inputs: Phil breaks down the most common physical inputs—resistive, voltage, current, contact, and pulse inputs—providing examples and their applications within BAS.

Logical Inputs Explained: Gain insight into logical inputs, including writable and non-writable types, and understand how they impact system programming and operations.

Practical Application and Specifications: Through real-world examples and a walkthrough of reading a specification, Phil demonstrates how to translate theoretical knowledge into practical application.

Future Learning Path: Phil outlines the upcoming topics in the series, including output types, controller types, communication buses, and more, setting the stage for comprehensive BAS learning.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone starting their journey in building automation or seeking to refine their technical skills. Through detailed explanations and practical examples, Phil Zito provides listeners with the tools needed to understand and work with BAS input types, paving the way for future episodes that will explore the depths of building automation systems. Tune in to enhance your understanding of BAS and prepare for the continued learning journey in subsequent episodes.

Topics: Podcasts

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