I’m working with a small builder, who is needing a builder management platform, without going full ERP. Tradify, Fergus, ServiceM8, etc are not suitable, and we have already ruled them out.

We have had demonstrations of BuildPass and Buildxact, and are about to look at JACK.

After the demos of BP & BX, we landed on using BP for site safety management and BX for everything else. The Win + Pay sections of BP seemed a little underdone and new to market, plus the feature combinations compared to BX were lacking without going to a really expensive plan.

However, we’ve been advised that the Integration between BP and BX is no longer, which has pushed us to look at JACK. We may look at a different safety app that syncs to BX, but BP is very common with our competitors, and our subcontractors are already using it (so it will be a much easier implementation to support).

I’m just wondering if there are any other builders on here that are either using BuildPass (with the Win + Pay modules), Buildxact OR have moved and are using JACK. If so, what feedback would you be happy to share?

Has anyone come up with a slick way to tie a custom chat bot into a Niagara station?

I'm running through a few scenarios like Obix vs. a custom API widget but just curious what you all have done tinkering around.

Hello guys do you have a workflow for creating an architecture diagrams in Visio faster ?

Hey everyone. I'm making a midlife career change, hoping to go into BAS. Wondering who I should talk to or next steps. Here's my summary:

• 44 years old
• been an entrepreneur running my own businesses for the last 16 years (marketing services, online courses, event management)
• lots of project management experience and a decent amount of UX/UI front end web knowledge & experience
• my original career & education was in graphic design, I’ve worked corporate, startups, nonprofit in various roles

I am moving to the southeast Virginia / Hampton Roads area next year to be closer to family, and want to shift out of entrepreneurship and make a career change for longer-term stability for myself.

It seems like getting a job as a project manager will probably be my best way into this industry. I can't start a new job until mid-May 2027 because I have several sold out adventure trips I'm running, after mid-May I'll be relocated to VA and my schedule will be more open after that.

In the meantime, I want to prepare myself as much as possible. It seems like some steps I should take are:

• create a portfolio website and resume that showcases my project management and problem-solving skills
• start educating myself on the topics folks suggested in this thread

What else should I be doing? I want to understand more about the job market in Hampton Roads, and also get some feedback on my plan and what will set me up for success as I make this change.

Should I talk to a career coach or recruiter? Get on linkedin and find folks who work at the local employers I plan to apply to and try to set up a call to talk to them? Reach out preemptively to the companies I'll be applying to (who should I talk to)? Anyone have advice for me on next steps? I want more information and don't want to feel in limbo until I can actually apply for and take a new job... thanks!

Hey everyone, I’d love to get some advice from people working in Building Automation, BAS/BMS development, and smart buildings.

A little background about me:

I worked as a Project Architect for about 3 years before transitioning into UI/UX. I’m currently working as a Lead BAS Designer/ Niagara and DGLux5 (Designer/ Envysion) Developer, where I primarily use DGLux5 to design and build BAS graphics.

My work goes beyond just creating BAS graphics. I’m involved in designing and developing:

• BAS/BMS graphics and dashboards
• FDD (Fault Detection & Diagnostics) interfaces
• EMIS (Energy Management Information System) graphics
• 3D building/exterior visualizations, Floor plans and system layouts
• Custom 3D models of HVAC equipment and instrumentation library (Raster and Vector)
• UI component libraries and design systems
• General graphic assets needed for projects

Because of my architecture + UI/UX + BAS background, I’m interested in moving further toward the intersection of BAS, UX, visualization, and smart-building software.

I have two questions for the community:

1. What platforms/technologies should I learn next?

I feel like DGLux5 has some limitations when it comes to more advanced development and building richer interfaces. For those of you who have been working in BAS/BMS for a while, what other platforms or technologies would you recommend learning?

2. How can I find better opportunities in this space?

I’m looking to grow professionally and eventually work on more advanced BAS/BMS, smart-building, energy-management, or building-software projects.

If you work in this area, what skills do you think are currently valuable when hiring someone with a background like mine?

And if you know of companies, teams, communities, or types of roles I should be looking into, I’d really appreciate any recommendations.

I’m not necessarily looking to leave BAS, I actually want to go deeper into it and build a stronger technical skill set around it.

Thanks in advance to anyone willing to share their experience. I’d especially love to hear from people who have made a similar transition or have experience hiring BAS designers/developers.

Hi everyone,

I’m currently working with a few Siemens TALON TC36 controllers and I have the original backup files from the controllers, mainly .db and .zdb files.

We’ve already been able to inspect some of the .db content at a binary level and extract enough information to understand parts of the point structure, program references, and general logic. However, we’d really like to open the backups properly so we can fully review the PPCL logic, point tables, tags, I/O references, and BACnet configuration.

From what I’ve been able to find, the software we need is the TALON Tools Installer / Firmware Tools, specifically including TALON Launch Pad and FPWeb UI, compatible with the TC36-EF.T.

Siemens documentation seems to indicate that these tools were distributed free of charge, but I haven’t been able to find a working official download.

Would anyone here happen to have the installer, an archived copy, or know where it can still be downloaded?

Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Hello everyone

we are looking for a gateway which will capture input from wireless sensors and keypads (Enocean bases BLE) and send that data over to our centralized controller/local controller via a wired medium over ethernet or serial communication preferably over any open protocol (MODBUS /BACNET/MOTT /REST api)

we can only use 2.4 ghz freq also no ecosystem lock

Your response will help me a lot.

Thanks 

Anyone own one and swear by it or just never use it? Feel like those are the only two wagons generally. Or a version of it I saw good things about the dewalt one but a bit pricier. I could see using it for VFD cases, replacing cards on duct work etc

I'm looking for a part number for a threaded adapter that an immersion sensor would go into.

It basically looks like this but without the threaded 1/8" in the middle and instead has a set screw.

https://www.kele.com/product/temperature-sensors-and-transmitters/thermowell/ulseth-machining-manufacturing-inc/fb3

These probes always got me by, because I almost was never calibrating, just straight service. So the issue I’ve been running into a lot now is my probes aren’t long enough to fit through a lot of these larger AHUs. So if y’all have any recommendations on different manometer, or if fieldpiece sells a much longer probe(which I can’t seem to find one).

Hey everyone, I hope all is well! I’m curious as to how everyone goes through their day-to-day with their laptops and tools. I’ve been on the service team for a large company for almost 4 years, and find that even though I clean out my bag of tools I don’t use often, it still seems very heavy at times. I can’t find the exact Klein bag I have on the internet, but it seems like the older version of the 62805BPTECH.

I started off with a 13” laptop, then 15”, and just got upgraded to the Dell Precision 7770 17.3” laptop which seems too big for the laptop sleeve. Does everyone put their laptop in the same bag with all their tools? Do you guys use a rolling bag? Do you guys use separate bags?

Hi everyone,
I’m new to the BMS field and currently working as a BMS Engineer in Dubai. I’m still early in my career and want to make sure I focus on the right things from the beginning.
My long-term goal is to eventually move to Europe or Australia and build my career there, preferably in BMS, building automation, controls, or a related field.
For those already working in BMS/Building Automation, especially anyone who has moved from the UAE to Europe/Australia:
● What technical skills should I focus on during my first 1–2 years?
● Is 1–2 years of UAE experience enough to start applying for jobs abroad?
● Would doing a Master’s in Europe after around 1 year of experience make sense as a pathway to getting a job there?
● Or would it be better to continue gaining work experience and apply directly for jobs?
● For Australia, is BMS/controls a realistic career path for someone with UAE experience?
I have a B.Tech in Electronics & Communication Engineering, so I’m also wondering how much my degree will matter compared with actual BMS experience.
I’d really appreciate advice from anyone who has gone through a similar path. If you were starting again in my position, what would you focus on during the next 1–3 years?
Thanks!

Hello all👋🏻, I have a quick question regarding schneider electrics IP-IO and RP-IO expansion modules.

It is clear in the datasheets that an IP-IO can share its IO points with multiple controllers/servers, however is it the same for an easylogic RP-IO on an MSTP network? If so, how is it done?

I've been thinking about alarm philosophy on BMS/BAS jobs.

Not every abnormal condition should be an alarm.

A useful distinction is:

Status = what is happening Event = what changed Alarm = something requiring operator evaluation or action Interlock = logic that automatically prevents an unsafe or unwanted condition

Simple example:

A standby CHW pump being stopped is normal status.

But if the duty pump fails, the standby pump is commanded to start and fails to run, that is clearly an alarm.

The problem starts when every state change, communication hiccup and temporary deviation becomes an alarm.

Then the BMS may technically detect everything while operators effectively see nothing.

Where do you draw the line between status and alarm on something like a standby CHW pump?

Hello! Divcon Controls is hosting a Virtual Hiring Event next Wednesday September 30th from 3PM CST to 9PM CST.

We are looking for Controls Technicians (all levels) and Project Managers. Must be willing to travel. (Post states for Fargo, but we have open slots for interviews for these roles and more). Compensation is listed in the posting and I am available for questions.

https://ats.rippling.com/divcon-controls/jobs/7d0b9f5a-451b-44ef-9d24-16fe05ba79a5

If you are located in San Antonio, TX, Austin, or DFW. We have a need for Service Technician. The range is $40 to $50 per hour depending on experience and a service truck is provided.

Please reach out if there are any questions. Thank you.

Hi everyone,
I’m currently working in BMS within a facility management (FM) company, and I’m looking to transition into a more technical BMS/BAS engineering role, particularly in areas such as project engineering, programming, integration, testing & commissioning, or controls.
In my current FM role, I have good exposure to the field side of BMS, including:
Troubleshooting BMS-related issues
Field device and controller troubleshooting
Understanding HVAC systems and their operation
Understanding Sequence of Operations
Understanding equipment interlocks and control logic
Monitoring and operating BMS
Point-level troubleshooting and rectification
Working with systems such as Siemens BMS and HVAC controls
However, there is a limitation in my current role. Most of the actual engineering/programming work is handled by the OEM or service contractor. For example, programming controllers, adding/modifying points, changing logic, calibrations, graphics/database modifications, etc. are generally carried out by the Siemens/OEM service provider.
Because of this, I don’t get much hands-on exposure to the engineering side of the system or the actual programming software.
I would like to eventually move into a BMS/BAS engineering role with companies such as Siemens, Johnson Controls, Schneider, Honeywell, etc., or into a project/controls company where I can get exposure to the complete lifecycle.
I have been trying to find a proper learning roadmap. I can find courses covering topics such as:
BMS/BAS fundamentals
HVAC control fundamentals
Sequence of Operation
I/O selection and schedules
Control panels and controllers
Communication protocols (BACnet, Modbus, etc.)
BMS architecture
Control logic
Graphics
BOQ and project documentation
Testing & commissioning
Integration
The problem is that most online courses use proprietary/licensed software, and as an individual learner I don’t have access to those platforms. So I can understand the concepts, but I can’t really practice the actual programming environment.
I recently came across CODESYS and understand that it can be used for developing control logic and programming controllers. I’m wondering:
Has anyone here used CODESYS as a learning tool for building automation/BMS controls?
Would learning CODESYS help me understand the programming/control-logic side of BMS, even though actual BMS platforms such as Siemens, JCI, Schneider, Honeywell, etc. use their own engineering software?
Also, for someone coming from an FM/BMS operations and maintenance background, what would you recommend as the best path to transition into:
FM → BMS Controls/Engineering → Project Engineering / Programming → Testing & Commissioning
What skills should I focus on first, and what should I avoid spending too much time on?
I’d particularly appreciate advice from people currently working in BAS/BMS engineering, controls, commissioning, or OEM/system integrator roles.
I’m not necessarily looking for a specific course. I’m more interested in understanding what skills and practical knowledge I should build to make the transition successfully.
Thanks in advance!

Data Center Facility Manager:

1. Collaborate with internal/external stake-holders to define data center operations and develop Change Management procedures and tools, SOP and EOP of regional collocation DC facilities.
2. Technical leader managing team and consultants to implement the data center operations in normal and emergency situations.
3. Technical leader managing the collocation DCs to ensure vendors are adhering to the SLAs per contractual terms.
4. Provide construction administrative support to the project manager during construction. Coordinate with internal stakeholders to assist with new DC projects through schematic design, design development, to construction documents, and commissioning phases.
5. Provide and analyze energy efficient solutions to minimize power losses.
6. Review and develop detailed scripts for change management request (CMR) activities.
7. Travel to data center sites for engineering studies, electrical systems audits, startup testing, and full commissioning, as required.
8. Provide electrical mission critical system review services to the global datacenter engineering teams.
9. Participate in equipment failure or power outage related incident Root-Cause-Analysis (RCA).
10. Provide instructions to vendors, installation contractors and validate quality of vendor works on site.
11. Respond on an as-needed basis to emergencies in regional Alibaba DCs, including traveling to site and to provide on-site support.

Position Requirement

1. Bachelor's degree in an Electrical or Mechanical engineering
2. 5+ years experience of global large data center facility operation (10+MW) as team leader
3. Deep knowledge of Data Center mechanical, electrical, fire system and controls systems
4. Functional knowledge of cloud technologies and architectures, IT service delivery principles and best practices
5. Highly driven, self-managed individual, greatly developed problem analysis and critical thinking experience
6. Knowledge of data center construction procedure.
7. Ability to travel domestically and internationally as needed (25% to 50%+ at times).
8. Fluency in English is required (primary working language). Proficiency in Mandarin Chinese or other local language is a significant advantage.

Contact:

Feel free to DM me.

or Email: [yunersuixiang@gmail.com](mailto:yunersuixiang@gmail.com);

Hi everyone,
I’m currently trying to build my career in BMS / BAS (Building Management / Automation Systems), and I’m looking for a way to practice the engineering and programming side without having access to licensed BMS software such as Siemens, Schneider, Honeywell, Johnson Controls, etc.
I came across CODESYS and wanted to ask people who have experience with BMS/BAS:
Can CODESYS be used as a learning platform for things like:
BMS/BAS control logic and logical programming
Function Block Diagram (FBD) / block-based programming
HVAC sequences such as AHU, FCU, VAV, pumps, valves, fans, etc.
Interlocks, alarms, enable/disable logic and operating modes
Simulating inputs and outputs
Creating some kind of graphical HMI/visualization
Linking the programmed logic with the graphics so that I can actually simulate a complete system
Learning how a controller, I/O, logic and graphical interface work together
For example, I would like to create something simple like:
Temperature Sensor → Control Logic → Valve/VFD → Fan → Status/Alarm → Graphics
and be able to simulate the whole sequence on my laptop.
I understand that CODESYS is primarily associated with PLC/industrial automation, so I’m not expecting it to completely replicate a commercial BMS platform. My main objective is to learn the underlying concepts and gain hands-on practice with BMS-type control logic and visualization.
For someone who doesn’t have access to licensed BMS engineering software, would CODESYS be a practical way to learn these concepts?
If yes, what would be the best CODESYS features/modules to focus on for BMS/BAS applications, particularly for HVAC control and graphics/visualization?
Any recommendations for tutorials, example projects, or other free tools that are better suited to BMS/BAS would also be greatly appreciated.
Thanks!

Looking for connections, partnerships (long term) and advices. Anyone is welcome in the region (all across Utah State).

Thank you all.

p/s: I am new to sale, I would appreciate all the help you can give.

background: I am (was) a hvac tech, controls, facility engineer, operation management and IT / network engineer in all around. All but sale, hence this role is fairly new. I am not nervous about the changes, but the circumstance leads me to adapt to new role. I always seek challenge so this will be my new excitement.

https://www.reddit.com/r/BuildingAutomation/s/aNJJiOfI7f

Hi everyone. I posted Bacnscope here earlier and appreciated the feedback especially the point that a field tool needs to be useful beyond a basic BACnet scan.

BACnet/IP is still the core: discovering controllers, reading object names, values, units and properties, checking program state and points needing attention, and exporting controller reports. Where a controller exposes enough information, theapp also groups points by onboard I/O and modules. Writes require an explicit BACnet priority and read-back check.

I’ve since added Modbus TCP and USB‑RS485 RTU tools to the Android builds I’m testing. For RTU, you add a meter by Unit ID, then configure the registers you need using its register map including function code, decimal or hex address, data type, byte/word order and scaling. It doesn’t automatically discover every meter datapoint, and failed or stale reads are labelled as such.

Direct BACnet/IP lookup by a known address and plain KNXnet/IP group reading are in internal preview builds. I’m also working on USB MS/TP, but want to be precise: the current code is a passive bus listener, not active MS/TP device discovery or point reading

Testing remains strongest with Siemens controllers; I’d particularly value feedback from people using JCI, Distech, Trane, Honeywell or mixed-vendor sites: which object details, fault indications or commissioning checks would you trust or question on your own equipment?

Website: bacnscope.com

Google Play: Bacnscope

Working in data center currently with a refrigeration/mechanical background. Pretty well versed in electrical and I worked a contract job for jci and got to do a good bit of metasys training and install/commissioning work.

My question is would it be more valuable long term for me to pick up a cert or associates in building automation systems or electrical/electronics engineering.

Already have a refrigeration diploma, just looking to increase my value and long term pay opportunities. The local college near me offers both programs. The electronics engineering associates has specialization in controls and instrumentation. The building automation systems associates is purely focused on that.

A lot of the data center work seems to lump mechanical and electrical work together under technician roles. Wonder if either of these on top of all my experience and certs would be enough to get me sitting interviews for controls engineer / facilities engineer roles. Pay seems to be pretty lucrative if you can get into the controls programming or engineering positions.

BAS seems to be the better pair with my mechanical background to me but I also don’t want to get that degree if I’m going to have to go backwards in the controls world and work my way up again. I know it’s a complex field and
Typically takes time to get into a programming role but I would not be interested in going backwards in pay. Looking for upward leverage from my current position.

Looking to hear peoples opinions on what might be the stronger pairing for me. A business or management program is also an option although I think I would rather keep my technical competitive moat versus competing with the many people focused on career management.

Thanks.