BAM Episode 009: Implementing Green Rating Programs

Join Phil Zito in Episode 454 of the Smart Buildings Academy Podcast as we delve into the intricacies of Building Automation System (BAS) Project Management. Unlike traditional construction project management, BAS project management brings its own set of challenges and skills. This episode not only highlights the differences but also categorizes BAS project management into four distinct buckets: new construction under a subcontractor, new construction owner-direct, and retrofit owner-direct, each with its unique demands.

Episode Highlights:

• Phil outlines the essential qualities of a BAS project manager and emphasizes the importance of treating each project as its own profit and loss center to ensure financial success.
• Discover the pivotal stages of the BAS project management process, including the sales to operations handoff, project kickoff meetings, subcontractor agreements, labor assignments, and the critical role of submittal creation and submission.
• Gain insights into the importance of a well-orchestrated project kickoff process for setting the stage for project success, including ensuring clear communication between sales and operations to avoid costly misunderstandings.
• Learn about the vital process of scope management, including the use of scope matrices, RFIs, and RFCs to ensure all project aspects are clearly defined and agreed upon.
• Phil discusses the nuances of labor, material, and subcontractor management within the BAS industry, offering strategies for effectively managing these key resources to maintain project timelines and budgets.
• Financial management is explored in depth, with Phil advocating for proactive billing and cash management practices to keep projects financially viable.
• The episode concludes with a discussion on the importance of meticulous project closeout procedures, including point-to-point checkouts, functional testing, and thorough training for the building operators to ensure a smooth handover and long-term project success.

Whether you're a seasoned BAS project manager or looking to break into the field, this episode offers valuable insights and practical advice for managing BAS projects efficiently and profitably.

Dive into the complexities of BACnet IP with Phil Zito in Episode 453 of the Smart Buildings Academy Podcast. This episode provides a thorough examination of BACnet IP, including BBMDS (BACnet Broadcast Management Devices), Bdts (BACnet Distribution Tables), and the use of Wireshark for network analysis. Designed for those with a foundational understanding of IT concepts, this session covers the essentials of BACnet IP communications, the functionality of virtual links, and practical insights into network configurations for building automation systems.

Episode Highlights:

1. Introduction to BACnet IP: Phil sets the stage for an in-depth exploration of BACnet IP, emphasizing the episode's technical depth and encouraging live audience interaction for clarity.

2. Understanding BACnet IP: Key concepts such as BACnet IP addressing, the role of UDP (User Datagram Protocol), and the importance of the OSI model in understanding BACnet communications are explained.

3. BBMDS and Bdts Explained: The function of BBMDS and Bdts in extending BACnet communication across different subnets is discussed, alongside the mechanisms that enable these processes.

4. Wireshark Analysis: Phil demonstrates how to use Wireshark for analyzing BACnet IP traffic, providing insights into reading and interpreting the data for troubleshooting and system optimization.

5. Practical Network Configuration: The episode covers network configuration strategies, including the management of broadcast domains and the scalability of network segments, to facilitate efficient BACnet IP integration.

Join Phil for this technical deep dive into BACnet IP, offering valuable knowledge for professionals seeking to enhance their understanding of network communications within building automation systems. This episode is an essential listen for anyone involved in the design, implementation, or management of BAS, looking to deepen their expertise in BACnet IP.

Unravel the mysteries of IT for Building Automation Systems (BAS) with Phil Zito in Episode 452 of the Smart Buildings Academy Podcast. Geared towards the non-technical audience in the BAS field, this episode serves as a comprehensive guide, introducing key IT concepts essential for BAS professionals. Whether you're a building owner, MEP spec designer, salesperson, or operations manager, this episode aims to equip you with a foundational understanding of computers, RAM, storage, networking, and more, tailored for effective communication with IT groups or handling BAS IT-related tasks.

Episode Highlights:

1. IT Basics for BAS: An exploration of fundamental IT components including computers, RAM, storage, and networking, essential for anyone in the building automation industry.

2. Network Connections and Devices: Dive into network connections, understanding the role of network devices in BAS, and the significance of servers and databases in the IT infrastructure.

3. Decoding Catalog Sheets: Learn how to interpret catalog sheets for BAS products, focusing on server requirements, networking protocols, and hardware specifications.

4. Navigating IT Conversations: Gain confidence in discussing IT requirements for BAS deployments, including server configurations, memory, storage needs, and understanding network connectivity options.

5. Software and Database Essentials: Phil sheds light on the importance of selecting the appropriate operating system and database software for BAS servers, including tips for ensuring compatibility and performance.

6. Q&A Session: An interactive segment where Phil addresses listener queries, providing deeper insights into IT concepts relevant to BAS, enhancing listener understanding and application in real-world scenarios.

Join Phil Zito in this enlightening session, designed to bridge the gap between BAS professionals and the world of IT. Perfect for those looking to enhance their IT literacy within the context of building automation, Episode 452 demystifies complex concepts, making IT approachable and understandable for all.

Uncover the essentials of BACnet integration in Episode 451 of the Smart Buildings Academy Podcast with Phil Zito. This episode is an invaluable resource for professionals embarking on BACnet integration projects, offering a comprehensive overview of BACnet protocols, communication methodologies, and practical integration strategies. Whether you're tackling a retrofit or adding new components to your building automation system, Phil's expert insights will guide you through the complexities of BACnet integration.

Episode Highlights:

• BACnet Basics: Phil introduces BACnet as the standard protocol for building automation, explaining its role in structuring communication and defining data structures within BAS environments.
• Understanding BACnet Objects: Delve into the world of BACnet objects, including devices, inputs, outputs, and values. Learn about the significance of discovering device objects and the process of mapping points within a BAS.
• MSTP vs. IP Integration: Explore the differences between BACnet over Master-Slave/Token-Passing (MSTP) and BACnet over Internet Protocol (IP), including their application scenarios and challenges in integration processes.
• Integration Fundamentals: Phil provides a step-by-step guide to BACnet integration, covering essential aspects such as wiring, baud rates, MAC addresses, and device IDs, ensuring a smooth integration experience.
• Real-World Integration Scenarios: Gain insights into practical BACnet integration examples, including troubleshooting tips and strategies for overcoming common integration challenges.

Phil Zito's expertise shines in this episode, offering listeners a deep dive into BACnet integration tailored for both novices and seasoned professionals in the building automation field. If you're looking to enhance your understanding of BACnet and improve your integration skills, Episode 451 is a must-listen, equipped with the knowledge and confidence to tackle BACnet integration projects successfully.

In Episode 450 of the Smart Buildings Academy Podcast, Phil Zito dives deep into the process of conducting site audits for building automation systems. This episode is a comprehensive guide aimed at both professionals looking to retrofit existing systems and building owners seeking to upgrade their building automation systems. Phil emphasizes that this audit focuses on assessing the system rather than energy usage, aiming to gather critical information for making informed decisions about retrofits, scheduling changes, or updates within a building automation system.

Key Highlights:

1. Understanding the Scope: The importance of meeting with the customer or evaluating your needs to understand the specific issues or goals, ensuring the audit collects relevant information.

2. Collecting Essential Documentation: Gathering mechanical, electrical, building automation, and IT documentation is crucial. This includes equipment nameplates, MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing) documents, control submittals, and IP network diagrams to understand the existing infrastructure thoroughly.

3. Building Automation System Exploration: Performing a system export to identify controllers, the system tree, logical and physical points, graphics, and program copies. This helps understand the operational scope of the BAS and identify any discrepancies between planned and actual operations.

4. Assessing Deficiencies and Risks: Documenting deficiencies discovered during the audit, discussing these with the customer, and planning how to address them. This includes considering the project's scope, timeline, budget, and any potential risks or impacts on the building's operations.

5. Creating a Comprehensive Report: Compiling the findings into a detailed report to guide decision-making for retrofits or upgrades. This report is a crucial tool for outlining the project scope, timeline, and budget in collaboration with the customer.

6. The Importance of a Thorough Audit: Phil stresses the value of a detailed site audit, which can reveal risks and necessary considerations for a project, potentially extending beyond the initial scope to ensure all aspects of the BAS and related systems are adequately addressed.

Join Phil Zito in this episode for an insightful discussion on conducting effective building automation system site audits, a vital process for any retrofit or upgrade project. Whether you're a professional in the field or a building owner, this episode offers valuable frameworks and strategies for assessing and planning BAS projects.

Dive into the world of Building Automation System (BAS) point objects with Phil Zito in Episode 449 of the Smart Buildings Academy Podcast. This episode is dedicated to demystifying BAS point objects, a fundamental concept for professionals in the building automation industry. Whether you're new to BAS or looking to refresh your knowledge, this episode provides valuable insights into different types of point objects, their applications, and how they interact within a BAS environment.

Episode Highlights:

• Introduction to Point Objects: Phil begins with an overview of the basic types of point objects found in building automation systems, including Boolean, Numeric, and Enumerated objects, and their common aliases (Binary, Analog, Multistate).

• Deep Dive into Point Types: Explore the characteristics of Boolean (Binary), Numeric (Analog), and Enumerated (Multistate) points, including their functions, how they're used in BAS, and nuances across different BAS software.

• Priority Arrays Explained: Gain a clear understanding of priority arrays, a crucial concept for managing point object priorities within a BAS. Learn how priority arrays influence the behavior of BAS objects and ensure desired outcomes in automation logic.

• Practical Applications: Phil discusses real-world applications and scenarios where different point objects are utilized within a BAS, providing listeners with practical knowledge to apply in their daily work.

• Interactive Q&A: The episode includes an interactive Q&A session, where Phil addresses listeners' questions, offering further clarifications on point objects and their use in building automation systems.

Join Phil Zito for this informative session on BAS point objects, designed to enhance your understanding and mastery of building automation systems. This episode is a must-listen for anyone involved in designing, implementing, or managing BAS, providing the foundational knowledge needed to navigate the complexities of automation with confidence.

In Episode 448 of the Smart Buildings Academy Podcast as he delves into the essential strategies for developing self-sufficient technicians in the building automation industry. Discover a comprehensive framework designed to minimize repeat support calls by addressing common gaps in technician training and knowledge.

Episode Highlights:

• Introduction to Self-Sufficiency: Phil outlines what it means to be a self-sufficient technician, emphasizing the ability to execute job roles efficiently, troubleshoot effectively, and engage in problem-solving.

• Identifying Gaps: Learn how to pinpoint the areas where technicians frequently require support, distinguishing between individual gaps and systemic issues.

• Framework for Improvement: Phil introduces a four-step approach: Identify, Rectify, Track, and Validate, offering actionable advice to close knowledge gaps and enhance technician autonomy.

• Bloom's Taxonomy Applied: Explore the application of Bloom's Taxonomy in training, focusing on ensuring technicians remember, understand, and can apply crucial knowledge.

• Practical Tools and Strategies: Discover the power of intellectual shortcuts, such as checklists and work process instructions, to simplify complex tasks and foster independence.

• Monitoring Progress: Emphasis on the importance of tracking the effectiveness of implemented strategies and making adjustments as needed to ensure continuous improvement.

• Validation and Continuous Learning: Phil stresses the need to validate that technicians not only can perform tasks independently but also understand the rationale behind their actions.

Tune in for an enlightening discussion on empowering your technical team, filled with insights and practical tips. Whether you're a manager looking to enhance your team's capabilities or a new technician seeking guidance, this episode promises valuable lessons on achieving self-sufficiency in the fast-paced world of building automation.

#buildingautomation #techtraining #selfsufficienttechs #smartbuildings #bacnetintegration #technicalskills #workprocessimprovement #bloomtaxonomy #automationindustry #professionaldevelopment

Episode Description:

Dive into the intricacies of building automation programming with Phil Zito in Episode 447 of the Smart Buildings Academy Podcast. This technical episode takes a deep dive into the art and science of writing effective building automation programs, focusing on sequences of operations, design patterns, and translating complex sequences into graphical programming interfaces.

Episode Highlights:

• Introduction to Building Automation Programming: Phil sets the stage for a comprehensive exploration of programming fundamentals, emphasizing the transition from theoretical knowledge to practical application.

• Understanding Sequences of Operations: Learn how to dissect and understand general sequences of operations, focusing on economizers as a primary example to illustrate the process of identifying patterns and translating them into code.

• Graphical vs. Line Code Programming: Phil explains the difference between graphical and line code programming, focusing on the use of graphical blocks to represent programming logic, making it accessible for beginners and seasoned professionals alike.

• Decoding Design Patterns: Discover the importance of design patterns in building automation programming, including comparative patterns and PID (Proportional, Integral, Derivative) patterns, and how they apply to various automation tasks.

• Practical Programming Demonstration: Through a live demonstration, Phil showcases the step-by-step process of writing a program, from identifying variables to implementing logic blocks and adjusting setpoints.

• Troubleshooting and Optimization: Insights into common programming challenges, such as understanding interlocks, utilizing Boolean logic, and the significance of loop enables for efficient PID control.

• Q&A and Interactive Learning: Phil addresses listener questions and emphasizes the importance of community feedback in shaping future podcast topics, particularly focusing on areas like Priority Arrays and BACnet fundamentals.

Welcome back to the Smart Buildings Academy Podcast with your host, Phil Zito, in Episode 446. After a brief hiatus, Phil dives back into the world of smart buildings, sharing his recent experiences, insights from industry trade shows, and addressing the critical issue of workforce development in building automation.

This episode takes listeners on a journey through the whirlwind of trade shows like AHR, Honeywell Momentum, Niagara Summit, and Controls-Con, offering firsthand observations on industry trends, such as the surprising scarcity of analytics companies and the rise of IP controls. Phil recounts the challenges and revelations from the AHR expo, emphasizing the persistent struggle to attract talent to the building automation sector despite technological advancements.

Phil engages in a candid discussion about the misconceptions surrounding building automation, highlighting the need for increased awareness and understanding of the field. He proposes an awareness campaign to illuminate the vast career opportunities within building automation, from hands-on technical roles to sales, project management, and cybersecurity.

The episode also explores the looming challenge of maintaining legacy systems as seasoned professionals exit the workforce, underscoring the urgency of knowledge transfer and system upgrades. Phil shares insights into the essential skills needed across different roles in the industry, from installation and service to sales, emphasizing the adaptability and varied pathways available to newcomers.

Listeners are encouraged to participate in spreading the word about building automation, leveraging the episode's insights to guide conversations with potential entrants into the field. Whether you're a seasoned professional, someone curious about starting a career in building automation, or anywhere in between, this episode offers valuable perspectives on the state of the industry, the critical need for talent, and the exciting future of smart buildings.

Join Phil as he breaks down complex topics into accessible insights, advocates for a broader understanding of building automation, and calls on the community to welcome new talent into this dynamic and essential industry.

Episode Highlights:

• Recap of trade show experiences and industry trends.
• Discussion on workforce development challenges in building automation.
• Insights into misconceptions about the field and strategies for raising awareness.
• Overview of career paths and skills needed in building automation.
• Encouragement for industry veterans and newcomers to collaborate in fostering growth and innovation.

Don't forget to like, comment, subscribe, and share if you find value in this episode

In this insightful episode of the Smart Buildings Academy podcast, Chief Talent Officer Rachel Zito sits down with the Academy's visionary founder and CEO, Phil Zito, for a deep dive into his entrepreneurial journey and the evolution of the Smart Buildings Academy (SBA).

Episode Highlights:

1. Kick off: The Journey Unveiled - Phil shares his motivations behind opening up about his journey and what he hopes listeners will gain from this episode.

2. SBA History: From Concept to Reality - Discover the initial vision Phil had for SBA, the anticipated and unanticipated challenges faced, and how the business has transformed from its inception.

3. Personal Skills: Growth Beyond Business - Phil reflects on his personal transformation since starting SBA, discussing unexpected skills developed as an entrepreneur and how a particular failure catalyzed significant personal growth.

4. Culture: The Backbone of Strategy - Understand the critical role of company culture in SBA's strategy, including insights on how Rachel's therapy background has influenced their business approach.

5. Reflection: Lessons Learned - Phil looks back to see if there's anything he would have done differently and shares insights on how he balances work and personal life, including how this balance has evolved.

6. Future: Vision for SBA - Phil outlines his vision for SBA over the next 5 years and discusses the implications for his personal development.

Join us for this engaging and revealing conversation, offering a unique glimpse into the heart and mind of a leader who's shaping the future of the smart buildings industry. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, a seasoned professional, or simply interested in the dynamic world of smart buildings, this episode promises to inspire and inform.