The Smart Buildings Academy Podcast | Teaching You Building Automation, Systems Integration, and Information Technology

Have you ever considered getting into BAS Programming but didn't know where to start? The BAS programmer is one of the most sought after roles by individuals and companies.  But how do you get started? In this episode we discuss: How to learn programming The three types of BAS programming How to find a job as a BAS Programmer

In this episode we discuss the BAS Designer role. What is a BAS Designer? What does a BAS Designer do? What skills does a BAS Designer require? How do you get hired as a BAS Designer?

In this episode we discuss the BAS Technician role. What is a BAS Technician What does a BAS Technician do? What skills does a BAS Technician require? How do you get hired as a BAS Technician?

In this episode we discuss the benefits of a career in building automation and how to get started.

A lot of BAS companies lose money during the warranty phase.  But it doesn't have to be that way.  In this episode we discuss how you can protect yourself and establish a warranty process that avoids project slippage.

In this episode we discuss how to design and perform owner training so that you don't get deluged with warranty calls.

Learn how to close out your building automation projects while avoiding slippage, warranty issues, and chargebacks. 

In this episode we discuss how to work with and support commissioning agents on your building automation projects.

In this episode we discuss how to estimate, schedule and prepare to support test and balance in our building automation projects.

In this episode we discuss how to work with IT groups and IT personnel on your building automation projects.  You will learn what roles exist within IT groups, when to engage IT groups, and how to work with IT groups to get your project needs met.

In this episode we discuss how to write building automation programs from scratch.  We discuss the programming process, how to use design patterns, and strategies for writing programs from sequences. 

Often times what the customer sees is what defines the "quality" of your project.  The reality is that graphics and the "functionality" of your building automation system are what shape the perceived quality of your installation. In this episode we discuss strategies to implement user friendly graphics while also setting up your BAS front-end correctly.

Do you want to avoid callbacks on your building automation projects? In this episode we discuss how to validate installation and how to perform point-to-point checkout on your building automation projects so you can get off your current project and onto the next project.

In this episode we discuss how to manage project costs and strategies for cost reduction and cashflow in your building automation projects.

Scheduling out labor for building automation projects can be a pain. In this episode we discuss how to approach labor scheduling and labor management in your building automation projects.

In this episode we discuss how to line out your subcontractors so that they can properly execute your BAS projects.

In this episode we discuss how to create submittals and project documents for your building automation projects.

In this episode of the Smart Buildings Academy Podcast we discuss how to perform takeoffs and reestimates after the sales to operations handoff process.

In this episode we discuss how and why to perform sales to operations handoffs for your building automation projects

In this episode we discuss how to approach starting and advancing a career in building automation.  We also look at the mindset of investing in your employees and seeking growth experiences throughout your BAS career.

In this episode I share random things that are on my mind about sales, building automation, technology, and training. I hope you enjoy this glimpse into my thoughts and beliefs.

In this episode we take a slightly biased look at the pros and cons of IP enabled controllers versus MS/TP controllers.  Enjoy!

In this episode we discuss how to sell very complex integrations. We discuss the importance of identifying your vertical market and stakeholders, we also discuss how to tailor integrated solutions to meet your customer's needs. We then cover how to address the risk of selling access control to building automation integrations. 

Integrating access control systems into your building automation systems can be difficult.  In this podcast episode we discuss strategies and tips for integrating access control systems into your BAS.

In this episode we explore the complex world of access control integrations. You will learn the basics of access control systems and the basics of approaching access control integrations.