Responsive BMS user interfaces
March 2015
IT in Manufacturing
Built for use in control rooms where the desktop PC reigns, building management system (BMS) applications have been slow to adapt to use on tablet PCs and smartphones. At best, they deliver a ‘clunky’ experience. To meet the rapidly growing requirement for anytime, anywhere access to the BMS via multiple device types, Johnson Controls has made a responsive interface the focus of the latest upgrade to its Metasys BMS.
“Users have become more mobile and use of smart devices has grown,” says Johnson Controls Building Efficiency for Africa general manager Neil Cameron. “At the same time, building systems have become more sophisticated and automated. To realise the potential this represents, Johnson Controls has focused its attention on ensuring Metasys users are able to access BMS information quickly and easily on any smart device.”
In enabling the front-end user interface of the BMS for different devices, Johnson Controls has ensured the user experience is as intuitive as possible, with relevant or critical information prioritised and displayed in a format that is accessible via the device. For example, a small format smartphone may more readily display system performance values graphically, while a tablet PC may facilitate viewing a dashboard display.
“This will put critical information at the fingertips of users, empowering them remotely to control building systems, pre-empting rapid response to situations from wherever they may be,” adds Cameron. “In addition, as system interfaces are easily configurable, users with different profiles, e.g. an electro-mechanical engineer versus the building manager, can easily adapt the interface to display whatever information they find most useful.”
To remain relevant and maximise the functionality of their BMS applications, users need to relook the capability of their solutions. This will become increasingly important as building management job functions continue to specialise, the systems become more automated, and decisions need to be made and acted on faster.
“BMS systems have advanced significantly in the last decade and they will continue to do so.
“To make those advances effective, ease of access to data and reports is essential, as is being able to action those decisions in a timely manner. Better user interfaces make that possible. It is a good time for users to revisit this functionality in their BMS’ and make the necessary upgrades,” concludes Cameron.
For more information contact Johnson Controls, +27 (0)11 921 7141, [email protected], www.johnsoncontrols.com
Further reading:
Revolutionising mining operations with MineOptimize
IT in Manufacturing
Now more than ever, mining and mineral processing companies need to boost productivity, ensure safety, and protect the environment. ABB’s comprehensive electrification, automation and digital solutions portfolio is ideally positioned to meet these challenges across all mining processes, from mine to port, transforming performance in a digital world.
Read more...
Buildings in Africa’s urban evolution
Schneider Electric South Africa
IT in Manufacturing
Africa is now an urban continent. How does the continent mobilise to accommodate urban dwellers and maintain and implement critical infrastructure that allows for this expansion? Building management systems provide a tangible solution to optimise resource use, lower operations costs and ultimately contribute to a growing continent that also employs green practices.
Read more...
TwinCAT Vision functionality extended
Beckhoff Automation
IT in Manufacturing
The image processing and camera integration capabilities of Beckhoff’s TwinCAT 3 Vision software have been expanded.
Read more...
Automation software to future-proof your operations
Adroit Technologies
IT in Manufacturing
As the official partner of Mitsubishi Electric Factory Automation, Adroit Technologies empowers businesses with cutting-edge solutions that reduce costs, improve quality and increase productivity.
Read more...
Siemens automation portfolio, your bridge to the industrial metaverse
Siemens South Africa
IT in Manufacturing
Step into the future with Siemens’ automation portfolio, your bridge to the industrial metaverse. Our cutting-edge solutions integrate AI, digital twins and real-time simulation, driving smarter, more efficient production.
Read more...
Transform your manufacturing efficiency
TransLution Software
IT in Manufacturing
MÄDLER offers a wide range of gears in various materials, modules and designs, available directly from stock.
Read more...
Optimise the cutting of metal materials
IT in Manufacturing
KRON Cutting is a comprehensive web-based system designed to optimise the cutting of metal materials, including rebar, pipes and profiles.
Read more...
Black Rock Mining centralises mining operations with AVEVA
IT in Manufacturing
Black Rock Mine Operations replaced and upgraded its existing infrastructure, and installed additional capacity to expand production from 3 to 4,6 million tons in three years. The new system is powered by a suite of AVEVA solutions.
Read more...
The strategic role of technology in today’s economy
IT in Manufacturing
In an era of economic uncertainty and persistent market volatility, businesses are under immense pressure to manage costs while maintaining operational effectiveness. The role of chief information officers and chief technology officers has never been more critical, as they are tasked with leveraging technology not just as a tool for efficiency but as a strategic asset in navigating these turbulent times.
Read more...
Minutes to meltdown: surviving a cyber attack
IT in Manufacturing
Commvault recently hosted its Minutes to Meltdown event. Led by the company’s security experts, this was an interactive and detailed ransomware attack simulation designed to help companies understand how to respond in the event of a cyber attack.
Read more...
printer friendly version