Honeywell separates fact from fiction for facilities managers 13 December 2013

Facilities managers and consultants should find it easier to select the best building management system for their needs, following publication of a white paper by Honeywell.

'Open Systems: Working with the Fact, not the Fiction' explains the differences between three, largely independent open system types – open protocol, multi-vendor and user-managed.

It clarifies the realities of each concept and sets the context within which engineering professionals should select a system that provides the most benefits, most cost-effectively, across its lifetime.

Simon Redvers, strategy and marketing leader for Honeywell Building Solutions in the UK, explains that it's all about helping managers who want to specify open systems to avoid getting locked into a single service provider.

It's not always clear what is meant by 'open', he says, giving the example that some people use the term 'open protocol' – which describes the technical interoperability of the system – when really they are looking for service flexibility.

An open protocol system gives freedom of choice in matching software systems and field devices, but because all devices have to look the same to the software, any unique or advanced features may not be supported – so reducing system functionality to the lowest common denominator.

Meanwhile, multi-vendor systems give building managers a choice of service providers for installation and support, meaning they can be sure of competitive pricing and are not tied to one provider.

However, as systems tend to be custom-engineered to meet requirements, the result is a system which is as specialist as the site itself. And as complexity increases, it becomes increasingly impractical to consider changing service providers – thereby tying the building manager to one provider and negating the supposed benefit of open systems.

"Choosing a building management system creates a raft of technology and supplier choices that will have a big impact, not only on the upfront purchase price, but also on the system's lifecycle costs, reliability, flexibility and on the risks and issues it creates or avoids," comments Redvers.

"This document will help to make sure that the final decision is the right one, by ensuring it is made based on a firm understanding of the pros and cons of each solution."

Honeywell supports open protocols including BACnet and LonWorks in control and energy systems, ONVIF standards for CCTV and the use of standard, multi-function MIFARE smartcards for access control.

The new publication is available by calling 03333 455499 or emailing hbsuksales@honeywell.com

Brian Tinham

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