Graphics are the window through which system operators (facilities personnel) comprehend and view the associated systems. Looking through a small or smudged window affects how you perceive what you are viewing. Similarly, poorly implemented graphics affect how well the operator can understand and operate the connected devices. Graphics are frequently an afterthought and their low priority oftentimes results in poor implementation. Creating robust graphics for operators is a critical part of project design, construction and commissioning. Each of these groups has a significant role to play in providing a set of graphics that will serve the facility’s operators well.
This article’s content is geared toward building automation system (BAS) graphics used in health care controls systems for custom MEP equipment, specifically HVAC. These thoughts are with summary equipment graphics in mind (see Figure 1 for an example), but some concepts also apply to floorplans and other graphics. Examples of commonly missed items are based on personal experience. Many of the observations noted below will not apply to packaged pieces of equipment. There is a brief section at the end for implementation of packaged controls.