Do you find that building automation and controls can be one of the most frustrating parts of a project? For designers, there may be a last-minute push to get the details for the specifications, points list, sequences, and diagrams completed before the project can go out to bid. Often, that means working with limited time and without enough hours available to put much effort into the design. Working with the controls contractor can be a challenge as well — from prices that exceed the project’s budget to problems with the products, design, and performance. After the project is complete, the owner seems to continue to complain that the controls don’t seem to work as expected. It seems like there has to be a better way to design and deliver controls.
If you can relate to this, you should realize you are not alone. The processes of designing, installing, programming, commissioning, and operating control systems are complicated and fraught with problems. In fact, in many ways, we are fortunate to have projects that work as well as they do.