BAS integration has long fed our hopes for a future with greater building intelligence.

In May 2017, this column addressed additions to existing BAS. It recommended that most building owners should sole-source these projects using the base-building’s BAS manufacturer.

Another year has passed for me as an avid observer and designer of BAS. These columns have generally focused on the present and near-term future, good or bad, along with how this has been influenced by the past.

I am often asked why BAS terminology is so confusing, and whether there should be a standard to address this issue.

Manufacturers are touting some interesting new BAS technology developments on their websites.

Older BAS are typically replaced when BAS controllers and/or operator interface (the “brains”) are at the end of their useful life.

Integration of a variety of non-BAS controls and systems has become an increasingly important aspect of building projects.

In many situations, sole-sourcing a BAS offers some definite advantages as long as you can skirt around any requirement to bid the work out.

Is it time for a total system replacement or a phased approach?

There are various situations where integrating BAS products from multiple manufacturers can be useful.