Efficiency is what many Philadelphia area businesses and industries aim for these days. It can also apply to our HVAC, lights, and power. That’s one of the reasons why building automation systems may be the best solution for your business needs, allowing operations to run smoothly without the heavy lifting that comes with HVAC systems. ACS Services offers building automation systems for Philadelphia area businesses that are reliable and can get the work done while you focus on other priorities.

Energy efficiency, cost efficiency, and operational control are the key functions of these systems. Best of all, they are one of the modern solutions that you can invest in for your business.

Why Do Philadelphia Buildings Need Smarter Automation Systems?

To begin, Philadelphia is a city with architecture dating back to the last two and a half centuries. The city has a mix of classical historical buildings and modern high-rises. Nevertheless, there are plenty of buildings that are currently operating on control systems that are outdated or lacking a certain cohesive coordination between their lighting systems, HVAC, and power systems. As such, a unified platform can make things more efficient, even in older buildings.

Here’s a glimpse of what might occur without building automation systems:

HVAC, lighting, and security systems operate separately and in silos
A business staff may lack clear insights into system performance
Maintenance is more reactive than it is preventative

With this in mind, building automation for Philly area buildings (whenever and wherever applicable) can create seamless integration for all systems and devices that should function properly. Plus, ACS Services has the technicians and the know-how to install these systems so they can be up and running for your business in no time.

What Makes Building Automation Systems Crucial?

A building automation system (BAS) is designed to monitor and control numerous systems that are essential for regular operation. This includes your HVAC, lighting, shading, security, access systems, and more. In addition, it’s programmed to optimize energy usage, reduce overall costs, and improve overall safety and comfort. A BAS system learns and adapts, while doing a lot, such as:

Maintains climate zones and lighting based on the occupancy of each room of a building
Reduces energy waste and operational costs
Offers actionable trend data and insights

These are some of the best examples of what a BAS can offer for Philadelphia area businesses. If you think about it, you’ll notice that you’ll be paying less on your energy bill as well as any operational costs compared to not using a BAS. Think about what you could do with that extra money you have saved. You could grow your business and invest in the greater priorities while a BAS works in the background, ensuring that your building’s functions are all running seamlessly and in sync.

What Are The Critical Components of a BAS?

High-quality BAS setups will utilize numerous key elements to ensure the entire system is working together. What consists of these setups? Here’s a look at the following components:

Sensors: These measure various environmental variables, including humidity, temperature, CO2 levels, occupancy, and light intensity.
Controllers: Processes the sensor data and takes the necessary actions based on that data itself.
Actuators: They can carry out numerous commands such as opening valves, dimming lights, adjusting dampers, and more.
User interface: These centralized control panels or software dashboards are used for monitoring, adjusting, and scheduling systems. Facility managers can access these for such purposes.
Network infrastructure: A BAS utilizes communication lines (be it wired or wireless) and protocols so that the components are connected and speak with each other without any kind of issues.
Integration modules: These are responsible for building a bridge between the different systems. Meaning that HVAC, lighting, and security are all built into a single central and cohesive platform.

While it may seem like a bit to take in, you may notice that these components are what make a BAS system work together. You’ll have to worry about less heavy lifting because these systems do the job for you. No longer do you have to worry about adjusting the temperature of the HVAC system or shutting off the lights at the end of the day.

What Is The Link Between BAS and Industrial Automation?

BAS systems can also be operated in manufacturing plants, laboratories, distribution centers, and similar settings. With industrial automation for Philadelphia area businesses, it can overlap with BAS systems. As such, these environments that use industrial automation will need the following:

Precise climate control, especially in areas where sensitive materials need to be protected
Integrated fire protection and safety systems
Real-time monitoring of areas that are at-risk for hazards
Coordination with production equipment to ensure energy savings

The entire facility can be connected and working together for the purpose of efficiency and safety. With ACS Services, they can develop an industrial automation system tailored for industries that operate continuously and cannot afford any downtime.

Benefits of BAS for Philadelphia-area Businesses and Industries

Philadelphia-area businesses can enjoy numerous benefits when their BAS is fully operational. Here’s a look at what they are:

Energy savings: Utility costs can be reduced anywhere from 10 to 30 percent on average thanks to smart scheduling and responsive controls.
Comfort & productivity: Your employees, customers, clients, and visitors can be in a comfortable building where the temperatures are consistent, the indoor air quality is excellent, and morale and performance is better than ever.
Operational insights: Trend data can be useful for managers to make more informed decisions whenever necessary to keep a BAS system in good working shape.
Reduced maintenance costs: BAS can alert you to minor issues that can be addressed, preventing them from escalating into more significant problems. You’ll be aware of any concerning issues so you can make the right decision and have them addressed accordingly.
Scalability: BAS systems can grow alongside your business or facility if expansions happen. The expansion itself will be seamless and in sync, ensuring that any issues that may arise are resolved without any problems.

ACS Services can make sure that building automation systems for Philadelphia area facilities continue to remain in working order, even if expansion plans are underway. Simply put, you’ll still get to enjoy these benefits and more with a BAS that can work in the background quietly and efficiently.

What Are The Challenges BAS Faces (And How ACS Solves Them)

BAS systems can underperform due to poor installation or neglect. That’s why it is crucial to understand what challenges they can face. They can include, but not be limited to, the following:

Lack of maintenance: Such issues can include sensors that are uncalibrated and even outdated firmware.
User confusion: If the interface is too complex, proper use may be discouraged. Thus, a high-quality BAS should be easy to understand and use for managers with proper training.
Siloed systems: This means inefficiencies can occur because legacy equipment isn’t integrated properly.
Reactive repairs: This includes issues that occur after breakdowns have already happened.

ACS Services has technicians who can address any current issues your BAS may have (if you have one already). They can correct the problems before they become even greater. At the end of the day, your facility deserves a fully functional BAS that performs at its best.

How Does ACS Approach Building Automation for Philly-Area Facilities?

ACS Services recognizes that building automation systems can be a significant benefit for many Philadelphia area facilities. How can they approach this for your business or industrial environment? Let’s take a look now at the following aspects of this approach:

Customized integration: ACS Services can create solutions tailored to the size of your building, its use, and any existing equipment you may have.
Seamless upgrades: Modernizing your system without disruptions to primary operations ensures a functional system that is up and running around the clock. Especially when you are looking to scale up your facilities.
Proactive monitoring: This includes regular check-ups, firmware updates, and calibration services to ensure that your BAS is in excellent working order to perform the necessary tasks.
Hands-on training: BAS systems don’t need to be complicated to use. We’ll show your management team how to adjust schedules, review data reports, and utilize a response plan in the event of any alerts that warn them of potential issues.
Root-cause repairs: ACS believes that if repairs are necessary, they should be addressed at the root cause. Our technicians will ensure that such repairs are completed, keeping your BAS functional and reliable for a long time.

If you need a new BAS installed, maintenance, or repairs, ACS Services is ready to assist you. There may be situations such as BAS that can be confusing or outdated, or if different building systems are dealing with “miscommunication issues”. When that happens, our technicians will be ready to help troubleshoot and repair it as soon as possible.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are BAS Sustainability Friendly?

Yes, BAS systems are often part of the process of making sure your building is environmentally friendly. It helps track energy use that can support compliance reports related to sustainability. In addition, it can also help reduce your carbon footprint.

When should I contact ACS Services about BAS Issues?

There are situations where BAS issues may require assistance from ACS Services. This includes instances where energy costs increase without explanation, miscommunication occurs between multiple building systems, occupants experience comfort issues, and outdated or confusing BAS interfaces are present. These issues can be handled accordingly, and our experts can diagnose the problem and outline a solution that will ensure that the system functions properly.

Can BAS be installed in older buildings?

Yes. Historic or aging structures can support BAS technology. ACS Services can assess the current setup and determine if your lights, HVAC, and other systems are compatible.

How often should my BAS be maintained?

Routine maintenance can be done quarterly or semi-annually. This includes making sure that sensors are calibrated, firmware is up to date, and the system is running at a peak level of performance. With regular maintenance and service, it can lessen the risk of costly breakdowns while keeping things efficient.

What building systems can be connected to a BAS?

Numerous building systems, such as HVAC, lighting, shading, security cameras, fire alarms, water systems, access controls, and on-site renewable energy sources, can all be connected to a BAS. During the pre-install assessment, ACS Services can determine what systems you have so they can choose the best BAS for your needs.

Need A BAS For Your Building? Contact ACS Services Today

Don’t worry about energy management or making minor adjustments anymore, as all of your building’s systems can work together seamlessly. You may have a business in an older building or have a BAS that is unreliable and needs a bit of a change. Whatever the needs may be, ACS Services can handle them. Contact us today for more information on how we can assist you with building automated systems.

Building Automation Systems in Philadelphia