BACnet and SmartCore
BACnet stands for Building Automation and Control Networks; it is a building communication protocol established in 1987 and has continued to be developed and grow in popularity. The motivation behind the protocol was to create a standardised, interoperable solution that allows building services and systems to communicate seamlessly.
Other proprietary protocols have hindered the progress of smart buildings as Building and Facility Managers find they have to manage multiple systems through various interfaces, which becomes very costly and time-consuming.
However, BACnet is one method of unifying control; it allows all BAS devices to be modelled so that they are network viewable and pulls all building systems together, allowing them to be controlled in one dashboard.
This means that devices and systems from various manufacturers can work together harmoniously, resulting in huge resource, installation, maintenance, and energy savings.
The latest release of amBX SmartCore includes a range of new gateway products that are supported, including BACnet to DALI solutions such as Tridonic’s SceneCOM and native BACnet device control and sensor reading is now possible.
This added functionality provides more choice and flexibility for users throughout the supply chain. It allows SmartCore to control BACnet devices and enables the possibility of controlling blinds, doors, TV screens, etc. For example, a building occupant within an office building could walk into a meeting room and use a smart switch, tablet or voice command to enable ‘presentation mode’, which could then trigger various events allowing building services, devices and systems within the meeting room to react.
The open architecture of SmartCore and BACnet provides the ability to control any building automation process. We share a common goal, transcending the traditional barriers that have hindered the smart lighting and smart building industry for many years.
We are an enabler of smart buildings; SmartCore has a built-in translation layer which means it can understand multiple protocols simultaneously communicating information both up and downstream so that everything within the chain can speak to each other.
So how does this benefit Specifiers, OEMs and Contractors?
BACnet with SmartCore for Specifiers
Allows more flexibility and creative potential as SmartCore and BACnet aren’t limited by the traditional, proprietary ways the industry has adopted.
Allows unified control solution to be offered to end-users and Facility Managers, making the control and management of a building easier and more energy-efficient.
It is now easier to create healthy spaces through improved connectivity. There are many benefits for occupants health and wellbeing.
The overall aesthetic of each space within a building is essential for the various tasks carried out. Lighting also plays a huge role in being able to create something visually pleasing.
Having the ability to react dynamically to various cues, whether from a safety point of view, by integrating with BMS, security, or other systems. Or whether it is a reaction to a voice command or the amount of daylight shining through the window - BACnet allows SmartCore to receive this data and act quickly and seamlessly; real-time changes create the very best experience for building occupants.
Improved sustainability - Virtual and physical sensors ensure that electricity waste is kept to a minimum, improving a building's sustainability.
Future-proofed - SmartCore allows a building to become part of the internet of things via smart lighting software. The open protocol allows for system adaptions to be made as and when required.
BACnet with SmartCore for OEMs
Smart enable your products - SmartCore can act as a route into the 'smart' world, giving you the control software required to create the best experience for the end-user. This can be via an amBX branded or a white-label solution.
Additional functionality that has not been possible before - Traditional on/off switches, where lighting has one colour, intensity, and direction, is no longer fit for purpose. BACnet opens the ability to send large amounts of sensor data about the environment and send commands back to devices (lights), taking physical lighting capabilities to the next level. Various light scenes can be selected or triggered for different tasks or to help create different moods.
Our advanced Circadian Plus software supports user health and wellbeing as their circadian cycle can maintain its natural rhythm.
BACnet with SmartCore for Contractors
Unifies various vendor systems, simplifying the process allowing various manufacturers to work together harmoniously.
Access more parts of the project - closed protocols are no longer an issue.
SmartCore includes a range of smart dashboards that make the installation and commissioning process much easier; no rules-based programming is required. Up to 75% of the installation can be completed off-site, meaning Installation Engineers are only on-site for a short period of time to do the final set-up.
SmartCore makes the installation process easier by breaking down the connectivity issues previously encountered.