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November 2016
Column
AutomatedBuildings.com

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A Look Back

Since in January, there will be a new columnist, this month I will focus on looking back over the last decade of controls and building automation, and next month, I will offer my perspective on the future.



Paul Ehrlich & Ira Goldschmidt
Building Intelligence Group

As published
Engineered Systems 
November Issue - BAS Column

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For the last decade, I have had the privilege of being an Engineered Systems columnist. The magazine selects columnists who are actively involved in project design and implementation.  My career is shifting from being actively involved in the development of projects to research on new areas for building controls and the interaction between buildings and the electrical grid. Since in January, there will be a new columnist, this month I will focus on looking back over the last decade of controls and building automation, and next month, I will offer my perspective on the future.

When we look back at the last 10 to 15 years, there have been some positive changes that have occurred with controls and building automation along with a number of industry challenges. 

Positive Movement:

There are a number of positive changes that have occurred in the area of controls and building automation.  These include:


[an error occurred while processing this directive]Industry Challenges:

Probably the biggest challenge for the buildings industry as a whole was the great recession of 2007 - 2008.  This dramatic collapse resulted in a plunge in new construction and retrofit activity and significant financial challenges for system designers, contractors and suppliers.  In the years prior to the collapse, BAS suppliers had gone through consolidation with smaller firms being acquired by larger firms. These large, multinational suppliers managed to weather out the economic storm, but also were limited in their ability to invest in new products or systems.  As a result, over the last decade we have seen little in terms of innovative new systems, and products.

Next month, I will dig deeper into some of the innovation that we need to work on as an industry. 
 









About the Authors

Paul and IraPaul and Ira first worked together on a series of ASHRAE projects including the BACnet committee and Guideline 13 – Specifying DDC Controls. The formation of Building Intelligence Group provided them the ability to work together professionally providing assistance to owners with the planning, design and development of Intelligent Building Systems. Building Intelligence Group provides services for clients worldwide including leading Universities, Corporations, and Developers. More information can be found at www.buildingintelligencegroup.com  We also invite you to contact us directly at Paul@buildingintelligencegroup.com or ira@buildingintelligencegroup.com


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