Tech Watch

Jul 1, 2008 12:00 PM

Building automation systems (BAS) typically provide computerized control and oversight of various mechanical, electrical, climate-control and lighting systems within a facility. Now, many automation platforms are also integrating access control, life safety, video surveillance and asset protection systems to create truly intelligent - and protected - buildings. Here is a sampling of available BAS products.

Building Automation Systems

SUPPORTS END-TO-END WIRELESS INFRASTRUCTURE

Johnson Controls' Metasys Building Management System integrates building systems and equipment to provide centralized monitoring and control and a high degree of automation. The system's software organizes and interprets events, audits and other critical data, and allows monitoring and control from any Web-enabled device. The upgraded version supports end-to-end wireless monitoring and control using the ZigBee Field Bus Router System. Previous system versions required dedicated connections between the network control engine, field controllers and zone sensors. Components can now communicate wirelessly without added hardware, thus reducing installation costs and eliminating the need to run wires through walls and ceilings. Metasys Building Management System, Johnson Controls (johnsoncontrols.com) Circle No. 1 or visit securitysolutions.com/productinfo.

Building Security System

INTEGRATES WITH ANY BUILDING AUTOMATION SYSTEM

Alerton's Web-based BACtalk Building Security System integrates access control, intrusion detection and alarm monitoring processes. Users can manage and monitor their facility using any Web browser. The system also integrates with any building automation system to allow users to control lighting, HVAC equipment and other BACnet-based building systems in response to access event and alarm conditions. A Web-based access controller, which contains a Web server, embedded database and security application software, performs all control logic and stores security appliance data, such as cardholder information. A Remote 2 Reader (R2R) module provides a Wiegand interface and two additional card reader inputs and connects to the controller over an RS485 network. An I/O module includes eight supervised inputs for security loop monitoring, eight relay outputs for annunciation and controlled devices and two unsupervised inputs for controller battery and tamper protection. BACtalk Building Security System, Alerton (alerton.com) Circle No. 2 or visit securitysolutions.com/productinfo.

Web-Based Security Management System

CONNECTS TO ANY BUILDING AUTOMATION SYSTEM

Built upon the NiagaraAX Framework, Tridium's Vykon Security platform is a Web-based security management system that integrates with any building automation system to enable the user to control lighting, HVAC equipment and other building systems in response to access events and alarm conditions. The system features an IP-based controller that eliminates the need for on-site PCs or thick client software. Security administrators can manage credentials, access rights, access control, intrusion detection and alarm monitoring from anywhere through a Web browser interface. Tridium's NiagaraAX Framework, a leading automation infrastructure platform, allows for integration with building control systems via BACnet, Lonworks and Modbus, and supports enterprise connectivity through XML, SNMP, oBIX and HTTP. Vykon Security, Tridium (tridium.com) Circle No. 3 or visit securitysolutions.com/productinfo.

Facility Protection Platform

MANAGES BUILDING SECURITY PROCESSES THROUGH COMMON IT INTERFACE LAYER

Viscount Systems' MESH (Multi-Media Embedded Security Hub) is a building security operating platform that uses standard IT servers and accessories. The MESH software integrates a facility's badging, access control, digital video recording, alarm monitoring, visitor entry and emergency notification systems. Additionally, the system can integrate control over HVAC and lighting systems as well as human resource and IT database functions, such as credential authentication, employee scheduling and time-and-attendance. System administrators can monitor the MESH system using any standard Web browser. The system can be deployed on a single server or on a number of synchronized servers that reside in one building on the Local Area Network (LAN) or in numerous buildings connected to a Wide Area Network (WAN) or Virtual Private Network (VPN). A range of interoperable accessories and add-on functions are available. MESH Automated Facility Protection, Viscount Systems Inc. (viscount.com) Circle No. 4 or visit securitysolutions.com/productinfo.

Building System Integration

CENTRALIZES CONTROL OF SIX AREAS IN ONE WORKSTATION

Using open architecture and industry standards, Honeywell Building Solutions' Enterprise Buildings Integrator (EBI) integrates 90 percent of all existing building systems, providing single workstation management for the operator. The EBI suite includes applications that offer control over six key management areas. A Building Manager provides single-window control of HVAC, lighting and electrical equipment. A Security Manager integrates building access and security systems in a single operator interface. The system's LifeSafety Manager integrates life safety systems such as smoke and fire detectors, alarm platforms and emergency communication devices. A Digital Video Manager integrates and manages security video within the enterpise. An Asset Locator manages tracking and monitoring of RFID-tagged physical assets and personnel, and the system's Energy Manager helps manage energy consumption more effectively to reduce operating costs. Enterprise Buildings Integrator, Honeywell Building Solutions (honeywell.com/buildingsolutions) Circle No. 5 or visit securitysolutions.com/productinfo.

Integrated Building Management System

FEATURES ENHANCED DIGITAL VIDEO AND NETWORK INTEGRATION

TAC's upgraded version of the Vista building management system (version 5.1) now integrates with Pelco's digital and network video systems. The modular Vista system efficiently controls, checks and analyzes the daily operation and economical running of a building. The Vista Server provides access to the environmental and security controls for operator workstations, and is the primary operator interface to the control system. The Vista Workstation displays daily operations through a graphical user interface, providing operators with ready access to alarms, historical logs, data trend logs and standard and custom reports. With Pelco integration, users can view live video while managing other building-related tasks without switching to a different application. Users can also control camera movement, recall positions, configure preset positions, initiate recordings, set automatic recording upon an alarm trigger and playback recordings. TAC Vista 5.1, TAC by Schneider Electric (tac.com) Circle No. 6 or visit securitysolutions.com/productinfo.

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