Monitoring-Based Commissioning leverages various technology platforms and analytics tools to collect, analyze, and act on building performance data.
Building Automation Systems (BAS) serve as the primary data source for MBCx. Modern BAS platforms (Honeywell, Johnson Controls, Siemens, Tridium, Distech, Schneider Electric, etc.) collect operational data from thousands of points, temperatures, pressures, flows, equipment status, and energy consumption. MBCx programs extract this data for analysis.
Fault Detection and Diagnostics (FDD) platforms apply rule-based algorithms or machine learning to automatically identify operational problems. Examples of commercial platforms include but are not limited to:
SkySpark by SkyFoundry
Clockworks by KGS Buildings
Analytika by Cimetrics
These platforms continuously analyze BAS data, identify anomalies, diagnose root causes, and prioritize issues by severity and energy impact.
Energy Management Information Systems (EMIS) track energy consumption, compare to baselines, identify trends, and support ISO 50001 energy management systems. Platforms include EnergyCAP, Schneider Electric EcoStruxure, Siemens Navigator, and Trane BuildingIQ.
Submetering systems provide granular energy consumption data beyond utility bills. Electric, gas, steam, and water meters at system or equipment level support detailed analysis. Platforms like Onicon, Flexim, Dent Instruments, and Schneider Electric integrate metering data with analytics.
Remote monitoring services allow MBCx providers to access building data without on-site visits. Secure VPN connections or cloud-based BAS platforms enable remote analysis and troubleshooting.
Data visualization and reporting tools present analysis results to building operators and owners. Dashboards show key performance indicators, trends, savings, and priorities. Tools range from customized platforms to standard solutions like Power BI, or Tableau.
IoT sensors and wireless monitoring supplement existing BAS points where additional data is needed. Wireless temperature/humidity sensors, occupancy detectors, and power meters add monitoring capability without extensive wiring.
The specific platform selection depends on BAS compatibility, building portfolio size, analytical sophistication desired, budget, and whether monitoring is in-house or outsourced to MBCx providers.
For guidance on MBCx technology platform selection and implementation, contact Catalyst Commissioning Group at info@catalystcx.com.