FIX Consulting, LLC.

Open Protocol is the promise and the reality

Open Protocols for the building controls industry were developed in the mid-to late 90s. There are basically two types of protocols that are widely used and are considered open.

The first one is BACnet, a standard that was developed in the public domain through the hard work of ASHRAE. The second protocol is LonWorks, which was developed by a private enterprise called Echelon. There are numerous other protocols such as Modbus that are in the open domain but are not widely used in the building controls industry.

The promise of open protocols was to allow multi-vendor systems to talk to one another and allow for greater competition for both service and additions. This sounded great and the expectations were high that this would be accomplished through an open and fair marketplace.

The reality is very few systems are actually implemented within an open environment. Yes, there is multiple pieces of equipment that are tied into one platform but that is exactly the problem. These systems or "facility nodes" are tied into one platform that is in control of the facility enterprise.

Even though we have open protocols we still have not standardized on several items which include the physical medium, programming language, and the look and feel and how a facility enterprise is configured. Yes, open protocols are better than proprietary protocols but they are not a panacea for open and true competition.

Our staff includes LEED Accredited Professionals, application engineers, electricians, and a fleet of field engineers and account managers. Our staff has achieved numerous certifications and accreditations including (LEED AP), and maintains active membership in a number of trade and professional organizations such as ASHRAE and the USGBC.

We provide our clients with a total implementation process, completely integrating a facility using Open Technology, existing relationships, and partnerships.

The goal is to provide a building that is not only commissioned properly, but one that is designed for the future. We work to provide the innovative solutions you would expect while striving for consistent quality service you deserve.

Demands for establishing a roadmap for the life of your building are higher than ever before. Therefore, resources, specialized training, specific skills and expertise can be critical factors needed for your project or existing facility.

FIX Consulting, LLC. is the program manager for your facility integration.

Decision support for your every need!

We work with Open Technology, existing relationships and partnerships to completely integrate your facility. This provides a building that is not only commissioned properly, but one that is designed for the future.
We know you are striving to balance energy efficiency requirements, comfort demands, and environmental pressures, so, ensuring interoperability is crucial in meeting the needs of end users with integrated building management systems.

Managing and Delivering Sustainability Goals

Our open system framework provides solutions that will effectively connect equipment from various manufacturers using a myriad of different protocols.

Our goal is to bring your facility into a complete Open Standard where you have control. If your enterprise system is not open, expandable and in your control then we haven’t done our job!



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USGBC— Green fits message of worship buildings

The FIXnet™ Team - Saturday, January 02, 2010

As Americans are becoming more environmentally conscious, more religious groups are looking to make their worship spaces sustainable. The efforts range from small country congregations using energy-efficient bulbs to megachurches complying with complex green-building codes.

By going green, most worship buildings can cut their energy costs by 30 percent, said Jerry Lawson, of the Environmental Protection Agency's Energy Star Congregations program. About 2,000 of the nearly 310,000 houses of worship in the U.S. participate in the EPA program.

 
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Where It's Greener

The FIXnet™ Team - Friday, January 01, 2010

"Where It's Greener: As sustainability becomes more important, these cities are setting the standard"
Author:    Tiffany Meyers
Source:    US News & World Report
Date Written:    1/27/2009

Cities across the U.S. have at last realized the need to take action against global warming. Implementing some of the most innovative, far-ranging environmental programs and plans for residents and, in particular, business owners, the 10 cities featured here have earned themselves a rightful place on Entrepreneur's sustainability map.

Chicago
Population: 2,836,658
LEED -Certified Buildings: 48 (More Than Any Other North American City)
New Take On Futures Trading: The Chicago Climate Exchange Is North America's Only Voluntary, Legally Binding Cap And Trade Program To Reduce Co2--The Future, Indeed.
The Green Exchange: At its launch this year, this renovated factory aims to be the epicenter of green commerce, housing more than 100 green businesses (greenexchange.com). 
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Green-Retrofit Work Thrives In Uncertain Economic Times

The FIXnet™ Team - Friday, January 01, 2010

As the recession grinds on, some consultants are finding an emerging outlet by updating older buildings from power hogs into green stewards. The trend is attracting a fresh round of eco-savvy tenants.

Chicago is home to two large projects, examples of advancing efforts to green up existing buildings. In early December, 172 buildings nationwide were certified under the U.S. Green Building Council's LEED for Existing Buildings Rating System, a program created in 2004. More than 2,000 other buildings are seeking to obtain such certification, according to the Washington, D.C.-based group.

Green-Retrofit Work Thrives In Uncertain Economic Times 
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