In this episode, we discuss how to respond to troubleshooting calls.
You will learn how to apply the five-question methodology to pinpoint troubleshooting issues and how to potentially address the issue before even showing up on site.
Phil Zito
Recent posts by Phil Zito
11 min read
SBA 235: BAS troubleshooting Basics Part 2
By Phil Zito on Jan 18, 2021 6:00:00 AM
Topics: Podcasts
18 min read
SBA 234: BAS troubleshooting Basics Part 1
By Phil Zito on Jan 11, 2021 6:00:00 AM
Have you been struggling to troubleshoot building automation, HVAC, and IT systems?
If so you're not alone. In this episode of the Smart Buildings Academy Podcast, we discuss how to effortlessly troubleshoot systems.
Topics: Podcasts
1 min read
SBA 233: Top 5 Areas You Should Focus on in 2021
By Phil Zito on Jan 4, 2021 2:06:41 PM
2020 has been a challenging year and I firmly believe 2021 will be even more challenging. In this episode of the Smart Buildings Academy Podcast, we are going to discuss what you can do to prepare yourself and your business for the changes coming to our industry.
Topics: Podcasts
18 min read
SBA 232: Engineering BAS Inputs and Outputs
By Phil Zito on Dec 28, 2020 6:00:00 AM
Learn how to layout BAS inputs and outputs for your controls hardware designs in this episode of the Smart Buildings Academy Podcast.
We discuss:
- How to determine what devices to select
- Where to start when engineering systems
- How to avoid overengineering systems
- How to address scope gaps and irregularities
Topics: Podcasts
17 min read
SBA 231: The 5-step Building Controls Hardware Engineering Process
By Phil Zito on Dec 14, 2020 6:00:00 AM
In this week's episode of the Smart Buildings Academy Podcast, you will learn the 5-step building controls hardware engineering process.
We will discuss:
- How to perform proper takeoffs
- How to evaluate device selection'
- How to size systems
- How to handle add alternates
- How to design physical architectures
- And much more
Topics: Podcasts
1 min read
SBA 230: Cyber Security Basics for BAS
By Phil Zito on Dec 7, 2020 6:00:00 AM
Is your building automation system secure?
Does your BAS need to be secure?
And what does secure even mean?
In this episode of the Smart Buildings Academy podcast, we discuss the fundamentals of cyber-security. We look at what cyber-security is, how to evaluate the need for cyber-security controls, and what cyber-security approaches you can use to better secure your building automation system
Topics: Podcasts
13 min read
SBA 229: Expectation Handling in the Contracted Environment
By Phil Zito on Nov 30, 2020 6:00:00 AM
Have you ever run into a project delay that wasn't your fault?
Did you find yourself running into wall after wall when you tried to get the project team to help you out?
If so this episode is for you!
In this episode we discuss how to manage project expectations in the contracted environment.
Topics: Podcasts
19 min read
SBA 228: The OJT Myth
By Phil Zito on Nov 23, 2020 6:00:00 AM
What if I told you that you can develop a BAS Technician in 6 months? Would you believe me?
The OJT myth is a belief that the only way we can develop technicians is to put them in the field for several years until they "figure out" how to "do it".
In this episode we look at alternative employee development models and we explore how and when to best use OJT.
Topics: Podcasts
19 min read
SBA 227: 7 Things Every BAS Professional Should Know About IT
By Phil Zito on Nov 16, 2020 6:00:00 AM
In this episode of the Smart Buildings Academy Podcast we look at seven key concepts that every building automation professional should know about information technology.
Topics: Podcasts
10 min read
SBA 226: 4 BAS Retrofit Sales Strategies
By Phil Zito on Nov 9, 2020 6:00:00 AM
We are entering a retrofit market. Are you prepared to maintain your building automation sales pipelines in this new retrofit market?
I remember when capital work largely dried up in 2009 and the only thing that kept me employed was my retrofit projects.
In this episode, we discuss how to sell retrofit work.