Consulting-Specifying Engineer - November 2007 - (Page 52)

Management Report a safe, central location, data are stored 12,000 centrally on historians, and Internet10,000 enabled thin client 8000 workstations, laptops, and even PDAs 6000 are used to monitor 4000 and control a build2000 ing or buildings. The data and con0 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 trol commands also are packaged in a Figure 1 Total shipments of HVAC control systems will see a steady way that equipment rise through 2011. The market exceeded $10 billion in 2006 and is and control systems forecasted to near $13 billion in 2011. Source: ARC Advisory Group from differing venAccording to the report, service dors are more likely to recognize. accounts for nearly two-thirds of revIntegrating HVAC systems without enues for most leading suppliers, and the use of IT standards historically this is the fastest growing revenue has required expensive customization, source relative to hardware and softwhich hinders building owners as they ware. Most suppliers are expanding acquire buildings with differing autotheir direct service forces in a two-part mation systems. When building data strategy. First, they want to capture as are repackaged using standardized much service revenue as possible; sec- Internet communication protocols, it ond, the complexity of their systems reduces the amount of customization keeps increasing, so they want more required and makes it possible to use control over the quality of the customer existing Internet infrastructure. Howexperience. ever, the migration requires: The in-house training and specialized • The buy-in and support of the product expertise of direct supplierbuilding IT department, because they employed staff is becoming more criti- control the network cal for installation, commissioning, and • Stronger IT skills on the part of the maintenance. There is still an enormous people who install, operate, and mainneed for skilled technicians, and this tain these systems. remains one of the most interesting A lack of mutual understanding contradictions in the market. On one between IT engineers and facilities manhand, new systems feature improved agers is a common problem. This human interoperability, remote, real-time factor needs to be addressed for a system management over the Internet, more to be implemented and operated effecuser-friendly human-machine interfactively. Education, communication, and es, and enhanced optimization intelleadership at a senior level are essential ligence and automation; on the other to overcoming this issue. This is relevant hand, there is an increasing requirefrom both a sales and operations point ment for IT networking and program- of view, and numerous supplier execuming skills to make all of this work. tives explained that the customer’s chief The HVAC industry’s adoption of IT technology officer and chief information standards serves to simplify the manofficer are becoming just as important in agement of building data. The operat- the bidding and implementation process ing system is located on a Web server at as the traditional facilities manager. 14,000 Finally, suppliers responding to the ARC survey report that customers in educational markets often buy systems for a network of buildings. This could consist of a public school system spread out across a town or city, or a university with dozens of buildings on a sprawling campus. Such schools are in a unique position to leverage the networking capabilities and multi-vendor interoperability of modern Web-based control systems to consolidate many buildings onto a centralized control system. This reduces staffing levels and provides a single point of control. This is in stark contrast to the office building sector, where ARC has identified a disconnect between owners, who usually want to build the building as cheaply as possible, and tenants, who want a comfortable and convenient environment. End users benefit by outsourcing this responsibility to experts while they focus on their core competencies. Suppliers, systems integrators, and contractors should evaluate their capabilities in this area and anticipate the evolving needs of the increasingly sophisticated, cost-conscious, and environmentally friendly building owners. Information about purchasing ARC Advisory Group’s full report, “HVAC Control Systems–Worldwide Outlook,” is online at www.csemag .com. This 100-page report provides an overview and analysis of the HVAC controls market, the trends driving this market, the market share and profile of leading controls suppliers; and a five year forecast broken down by region, market segment, building type, and by hardware, software, and services. 52 Consulting-Specifying Engineer • NOVEMBER 2007

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Consulting-Specifying Engineer - November 2007

Consulting-Specifying Engineer Contents Editor's Viewpoint Letters In The News M/E Roundtable Emergency Power for Healthcare 2007 Products of the Year Industrial-strength Lighting Hazardous HVAC Codes and Standards Management Report Jobs/Classifieds Specifier's Notebook On-Peak Performance Contents Best Battery Selector in Engine Starting Applications NEC 708: Practical Impact on Backup Power Systems Protecting Power: Specifying Outdoor Generator Enclosures Investing in Backup Power Systems Coes, Consultants, Manufacturers, and Standby Power Systems

Consulting-Specifying Engineer - November 2007

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