Smart controls in building automation systems are increasingly becoming the "new normal" in commercial structures, according to Dennis Withem, president of Provectus Solutions LLC. "Smart buildings" monitor and control what the industry refers to a buildings' automated systems. Integrated computer programs track and regulate such functions as heating, air conditioning and lighting as well as oversee other systems such as security, fire sprinkler systems and elevator operations.
Integrating smart devises with a Computer Aided Dispatch System is a logical extension of control in businesses operating in the 21st century. As a forward thinking company, Boeing decided to fully integrate its' monitoring systems to automatically dispatch security guards or repair personel in response to disruptive events. Management looked to their dispatch software provider for help. Provectus Solutions has been working with Boeing for over 5 years since their 2005 purchase of a customized CAD program.
"Automated management systems are linked directly to a company's network, sounding alarms when elements are not operating within set parameters," Withem stated. "Our job is to link the cause and effect sides of the equation. We wrote a new interface to allow the building managment system to speak with the dispatch software." Whether it is a security breach or simply a power surge in the HVAC system, central controllers can quickly dispatch appropriate personnel to the scenc, saving critical time, energy and money.