Episode Description:

Join Phil Zito in Episode 460 of the Smart Buildings Academy Podcast as he continues the technician onboarding series, focusing on Building Automation System (BAS) input types. Following a general introduction to BAS, Phil delves into the specifics of input types, output types, and the various tiers of BAS architecture. This episode is essential for new technicians and those looking to deepen their understanding of how building automation systems monitor and control building environments. With a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical insights, Phil explains the differences between physical and logical inputs, the process of selecting appropriate sensors and devices, and the significance of understanding specifications.

Episode Highlights:

BAS Input Types Unveiled: Discover the differences between physical and logical inputs in BAS and the roles they play in system functionality.

Sensor Selection Process: Learn how to read specifications and identify the necessary sensors and devices for BAS applications, enhancing your skillset in equipment selection.

Introduction to Physical Inputs: Phil breaks down the most common physical inputs—resistive, voltage, current, contact, and pulse inputs—providing examples and their applications within BAS.

Logical Inputs Explained: Gain insight into logical inputs, including writable and non-writable types, and understand how they impact system programming and operations.

Practical Application and Specifications: Through real-world examples and a walkthrough of reading a specification, Phil demonstrates how to translate theoretical knowledge into practical application.

Future Learning Path: Phil outlines the upcoming topics in the series, including output types, controller types, communication buses, and more, setting the stage for comprehensive BAS learning.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone starting their journey in building automation or seeking to refine their technical skills. Through detailed explanations and practical examples, Phil Zito provides listeners with the tools needed to understand and work with BAS input types, paving the way for future episodes that will explore the depths of building automation systems. Tune in to enhance your understanding of BAS and prepare for the continued learning journey in subsequent episodes.

Episode Description:

Dive into the intricacies of Building Automation System (BAS) operational structures with Phil Zito in Episode 459 of the Smart Buildings Academy Podcast. This episode is a crucial part of our ongoing business series focused on the management side of BAS, designed for P&L holders, business owners, and anyone involved in the operational aspect of building automation. Phil breaks down common team structures within the BAS industry, including construction, service, and facility operations, and discusses the key roles, processes, and growth strategies for each. Whether you're scaling a new BAS business or refining the operational efficiencies of an existing one, this episode provides valuable insights into organizing your team for optimal performance.

Episode Highlights:

• BAS Team Structures Explained: Learn about the three primary structures in BAS operations - construction, service, and facility operations - and the specific roles and responsibilities within each.

• Growth and Structure Strategy: Discover how to identify the right structure for your business based on current size and projected growth, focusing on the evolution from technical leads to specialized roles.

• Role Deep Dive: Phil provides an in-depth look at the significance of technical leads, designers, programmers, project leads, and admins within the construction structure, offering insights on when and how to expand your team effectively.

• Service Structure Unpacked: Understand the nuances of service operations in BAS, including the roles of service techs, retrofit techs, service leads, and the crucial function of service admin for dispatch and coordination.

• Facility Operations Framework: Explore the operational side for facility owners, detailing the transition from operators to engineers and the importance of a construction lead in new building projects.

• Processes for Success: Gain clarity on essential processes based on your chosen operational structure and learn strategies to offload tasks efficiently to scale your business or department.

Join Phil as he navigates the complexities of building a cohesive and effective BAS team. Whether you're at the helm of a burgeoning controls department or steering facility operations, this episode arms you with the knowledge to structure your team for success and scale your operations with confidence.

Episode Description:

In this foundational episode of the Smart Buildings Academy Podcast, Phil Zito launches a vital series dedicated to teaching building automation from the ground up, perfect for new entrants to the field. Episode 458 serves as the gateway, introducing the very basics of Building Automation Systems (BAS), the architecture of such systems, and the crucial components that make up a BAS. Through detailed explanations and visual aids, this episode aims to demystify the core aspects of building automation, including inputs and outputs, controllers, and the significance of visualization in managing complex building systems. Whether you're a new employee seeking to grasp the BAS industry or an employer looking to onboard fresh talent effectively, this series promises to be an indispensable resource.

Episode Highlights:

• BAS Overview: A high-level introduction to Building Automation Systems, explaining their purpose and how they've evolved from electromechanical and analog systems to digital controls.
• Key Components: Insight into the basic components of a BAS, including inputs, outputs, controllers, and supervisory devices, and how they interact to automate building functions.
• Architecture Explained: Simplifying the three-tier architecture of BAS, detailing how data moves from field devices to the operator's interface for actionable insights.
• Visualization and Control: Discussing the role of supervisory devices and software in visualizing and managing building systems, highlighting the shift to web-based interfaces for remote management.
• Educational Approach: Phil Zito outlines the series' structure, focusing on foundational knowledge before progressing to more complex concepts and applications in building automation.

Join us every Wednesday at 10 am Arizona time for live sessions, where you can engage, ask questions, and deepen your understanding of building automation systems. This series is designed to build a strong foundation for those new to the BAS field, offering a step-by-step guide to mastering the basics and beyond.