Benefits of Illumination Control (And How to Get It)

Find out how illumination control can benefit your commercial building

Are you still waiting to add illumination control to your commercial building? Illumination control delivers valuable advantages for commercial building owners. These advantages include lowered operation costs, improved energy efficiency, and enhanced security, plus other benefits that make commercial buildings more attractive to tenants. Best of all, illumination control can easily be added to new or existing structures without extensive renovations. Yet many structures still lack these essential building control systems. If you haven’t added lighting control to your building yet, read on to learn more about the benefits of illumination control and how you can get it for your building.

In larger facilities, building lighting control systems combine a building automation system with motion detectors, RFID scanners, access card readers, and other occupancy sensors. This encompasses all of the facility’s lighting circuits to provide a fully automatic lighting control system. Stand-alone lighting control systems can be created for outdoor lights in parking lots, garages, walkways, and signs. These systems include light level sensors as well as motion detectors to provide illumination when daylight fades. Illumination control delivers valuable benefits for building owners including:

#1: Less wasted energy

As much as 3o percent of the energy used in commercial buildings is wasted on lighting and air control in unoccupied areas. Building lighting control systems combine building automation systems with RFID readers, motion detectors, and other occupancy controls that register when areas are empty. The automated system turns lights on or off according to actual occupancy needs, preventing energy from being wasted illuminating empty areas.

#2: Lower operating costs

Lighting typically accounts for as much as 40 percent of the energy costs associated with commercial buildings, making it one of the highest operating costs that building owners face. With illumination control, building owners can use scheduling along with time and zone controls to turn off lighting and on as needed rather than relying on human memory. Eliminating the human element in lighting control can result in significantly lower operating costs.

#3: Enhanced security

Commercial lighting control is a popular loss prevention measure for businesses today. Low installation costs and minimal maintenance requirements make it one of the most affordable physical security systems, accessible to businesses of all sizes.  Motion detectors and light level sensors register when an individual or object approaches the protected area and the system responds, flooding the area with illumination and turning on alarms to repel intruders.

#4: Remote activation

With the latest illumination control systems, you don’t even need to be onsite to control lighting options in your facility! Building owners can perform all major actions remotely using a smartphone, tablet, laptop, or desktop. Adjust scheduling, dimming, occupancy controls, and more instantly from anywhere with an Internet connection.

#5: Tenant Override

Buildings with multiple tenants can employ tenant override technology. This technology helps to attract tenants with atypical schedules, as it allows them to use their smartphones or other mobile devices to override set scheduling features and turn on lights and HVAC controls as needed.

How to get illumination control in your building

Illumination control can easily incorporated into new and existing structures, or added as a stand-alone application. A wide range of Illumination control options are available to provide the exact degree of functionality that is needed.  In smaller buildings, a basic lighting control system can take over lighting and equipment switching chores. This is effective where time of day control is managed from a time clock.

If you are ready to enjoy the benefits of illumination control in your new or existing building, Advanced Control Corporation can help. Our lighting technicians have reduced the operating costs of thousands of facilities of all sizes, from small, single building systems to networked facilities in multiple locations.

Contact Advanced Control Corporation today at 954-491-6660 to find out how easy it is to start enjoying the benefits of illumination control in your building today!

Ways to Make Your Office More Energy Efficient

Looking for ways to make your business energy efficient? We’ve got a few smart ideas!

There are many ways to make your business energy efficient when you install a building automation system. You can improve the comfort and safety level of building occupants, reduce energy usage and waste, lower operating costs, and enhance the performance of all your building’s systems. Advanced Control Corporation is an industry leader in Florida that integrates energy, environmental, security and safety systems into one easily managed operation. We can design, install and support your building’s automation system to provide multiple ways to make your business energy efficient.

A building automation system is a vital part of your operation and can be managed from one convenient location. Managers will be able to access and control all your building systems through one easy interface. We can upgrade or replace systems, or integrate new systems into existing ones. We can customize a building automation system that meets your business requirements and budget. You can have cost-effective, energy saving features when you have a building automation system working for you. Installing a building automation system is how to reduce energy consumption in business because it manages all building systems, such as:

1. Lighting control features include scheduling days and times for lighting to be turned on or shut down in specific areas or zones, such as parking garages, loading docks and building walkways and entrances. The utilization of sensors allows lighting to go on when an area is occupied and to shut off when an area is unoccupied. Lighting control motion sensors serve as a security measure when intruders enter no-access areas by flooding the areas with light. Alerts and alarms can also be installed as a part of this security measure. Your lighting control system will significantly lower your operating costs by removing unnecessary energy usage.

2. Energy saving tips at work should always include a utility monitoring and power usage system. Your utility monitoring system is managed through the use of metering, sub-metering and monitoring dashboards that allow access to real time data for analysis, and to identify and correct inefficiencies. You will be able to scale down energy usage, eliminate waste, improve performance and increase the lifetime of your systems by managing every aspect of energy utilization. Your building will operate at its peak level of performance when your systems are streamlined and managed correctly.

3. HVAC systems control air quality and safety by removing pollutants, offensive odors and harmful gases through an innovative ventilation system. Air comfort levels, humidity, heating and air conditioning are also controlled through the HVAC system, and your system also includes tenant override features. Your air quality control system is also able to identify and remove CO, CO2 and NO2 gases in buildings and parking garages to ensure the safety of occupants.

4. Water recycling is another of our energy saving tips at work. Grey water can be collected, treated and re-routed to use for toilet flushing, cooling towers and outdoor surface irrigation. Storm and rain water can also be collected to use for the same purposes.

Your building automation system can be accessed and managed from anywhere by incorporating web and cloud-based technology. You and your managers can use browser-based software on their tablet or smart phone to access your building automation system. Having a building automation system is how to reduce energy consumption in business. Estimates from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency report that about one-third of energy consumed by commercial buildings is wasted. Unnecessary and inefficient lighting, heating and cooling systems account for unnecessary energy consumption in unoccupied areas alone. Upgrading one system will not prove to be viable; the entire system must be integrated to work as a whole to gather all information and manage each system accordingly.

These are energy saving tips at work that will improve efficiency, eliminate waste and advance overall system performance. Advanced Control Corporation knows how to reduce energy consumption in business, and we can help you improve all your building’s system and save money too. To learn more ways to make your business energy efficient contact Advanced Control Corporation today at: 954-491-6660.

Intelligent Building Systems in Miami

Create intelligent building systems in Miami with the help of Advanced Control Corporation

New properties, or even existing ones, can be designed to include the latest innovations in intelligent building systems in Miami. Your property can be upgraded to include the benefits of more efficient energy management, integrated systems, access control and CCTV solutions. Advanced Control Corporation is an industry leader in intelligent building systems in Florida, and we have been a vital part of creating some of the most respected building projects in the State.

Advanced Control Corporation can provide your business with a variety of system solutions to help you manage and monitor every facet of your building’s operation. Intelligent building examples that we provide are closed-circuit television networks, and elevator and building access control. Some of the many other intelligent building examples that we offer include:

• Cost-effective energy management
• Integrated building management systems
• Building analytics
• Enterprise solutions
• Building automation
• Energy conservation projects
• LEEDS certification
• Service solutions

For those of you who are not familiar with the intelligent building systems jargon, which can be a little intimidating until it is explained, let us be clear: the intelligent building definition, as stated in the Intelligent Building Dictionary, is a building that integrates technology and process to create a facility that is more productive, more secure, and more operationally efficient. Advanced technology that is combined with design, construction and operations improvements can provide a better indoor environment that offers improved temperature control, air quality, safety, and comfort while reducing energy consumption and operations personnel.

Well-managed intelligent buildings are designed to be physically and digitally integrated through infrastructures that provide the highest level of cost-effective and sustainable services. They provide improved asset reliability and performance while minimizing waste and energy consumption. Intelligent building definitions may vary based on the ever-evolving nature of the industry, but there is always a starting point from which to proceed from. Advanced Control helps to educate and train your management personnel, offering on-line and on-site instruction in understanding and managing your intelligent building systems. Your building’s operation will be streamlined, energy efficient and cost-productive when you upgrade to intelligent building solutions.

If you are interested in utilizing intelligent building solutions in your property to help eliminate waste, minimize energy usage, recycle resources, save on operating costs and create a safer, more effective environment for you and building occupants, then Advanced Control Corporation can help you. We can improve your building management system with metering and monitoring systems that are integrated into one management interface. We can help you find hidden costs and inefficiencies, improve building data, optimize operational performance, reduce energy costs, and create a high-performance environmentally friendly building.

Our experience in intelligent building systems in Miami can maximize your property’s potential and eliminate inefficiencies. Some of our many services include:

• Thermal energy storage
• Water conservation
• HVAC optimization
• Lighting control
• Video surveillance systems
• Electrical usage
• Elevator access monitoring
• CO monitoring for parking garages
• Tenant override
• Identify and card management systems
• Integrated access control system

We can improve your building’s efficiency and performance while saving on gas, electric and water costs. We provide a comprehensive assortment of: technical maintenance and operational support, monitoring capabilities, operational modifications, scheduling engagement, maintenance and service programs and much more. The range of our services includes:

• systems applications support
• on-line support and client on-site training
• scheduled inspections
• repair and replacement services
• energy conservation consulting
• software/database archiving and storage

Another one of our intelligent building examples is our surveillance and security systems, which utilizes the latest technologies to secure your property, assets, inhabitants and IT data. Your system will provide protection against employee theft, tampering and break-ins of IT data. Building security controls include digital video surveillance, access control and intrusion detection. Video analytics identify and record activity in all areas of your property including security sensitive areas.

Advanced Control can help you create an intelligent building system to effectively manage your building operations, and reduce costs. We also provide energy conservation project implementation that offers valuable features such as reducing waste by recycling valuable resources. Your building will operate at its highest level of performance when you integrate intelligent building systems in Miami. To learn more about our great company, products and services contact Advanced Control Corporation today at: 954-491-6660.

How a Building Managment System

Learn how a building management system works and how it can help your business succeed

One of the best resources your company can have is a fully integrated building management system. And once you understand how a building management system works you will understand why it is so vital to the success of your business. Advanced Control Corporation can offer your company a variety of building management solutions to help you effectively monitor and manage every area of your business operation so that you are in control and nothing is left to chance.

Your business can operate at its peak performance level and increase productivity when you install an integrated building automation system. Your system provides cost-effective solutions and services that are controlled only by authorized personnel. A building management system incorporates many separate functions within your building, such as:

1. The interconnection of all systems networked to distribute and exchange data through a single interface that is quick, easy, transparent and effective. Good communication connectivity of all your systems is integrated into one building management system for easy, interactive control. Advanced Control can integrate any system that is operating outside of the network so that all systems and operators are connected. We work with an adjustable design so that future expansion and realignment of any system can be easily adapted.

2. Your building management system allows you to monitor and control each electrical and mechanical component in your operation, and is built in compliance with building requirements and government regulations. Your system provides green technology for energy conservation and environmental sustainability. We also build LEEDS certified systems for companies who are environmentally conscious.

3. Temperature control is a primary concern of any building for a number of reasons. Your building management system is cost-effective to reduce waste and save money by controlling energy consumption in different areas throughout the building. It also keeps the indoor air quality comfortable and safe from humidity, mold, dust, gases and other toxins. Your system provides data that receives, stores and analyzes energy usage so that operators can pinpoint problem areas and offer solutions.

4. Smoke evacuation systems are vital to the safety of your employees and other visitors in your building. This system is required for atrium-covered shopping malls, high-rise buildings and other specified properties by local and State fire codes and laws. A smoke evacuation system identifies where the smoke originates from and controls the movement of the smoke so it does not reach exit areas and other safe zones within the building. Your system is designed to alert building inhabitants and save lives.

5. Utility monitoring is also controlled by building management systems by providing access and control through metering, sub-metering and dashboards. Advanced Control offers you and your staff education and tech support to understand and use all of your utility monitoring systems.

6. A building security system should be integrated within your building automation system. You can manage one or multiple building sites on your property at the same time. You will be able to secure IT data and equipment from hackers, employee tampering or theft, break-ins and others criminal activity. Your security system will manage access control, intrusion detection and digital video surveillance. Security measures include elevator access control, monitoring visitor activity and preventing secure areas from being breached. Closed circuit television (CCTV) and recording solutions are also a part of your security package in your building management system.

Advanced Control Corporation will help you control every facet of your business. We work within your budget and devise strategies that meet your specific needs and goals. To learn more about how a building management system works contact Advanced Control Corporation today at 954-491-6660.

Smoke Evacuation System

In a commercial building with an active kitchen, such as a casino, hotel, conference center, or other hospitality facility, even the most robust fire alarm and containment system will not be enough to keep guests safe. When a fire breaks out in a commercial building, the alarm system alerts guests while the sprinklers or fire containment method goes to work putting out the flames. While that protects the structure from burning down, it fails to address another aspect of the fire that is even more deadly than the flames: the smoke and toxic fumes created by burning materials. To protect occupants from the dangers of burning fumes and smoke, commercial buildings should have a fully integrated smoke evacuation system in place to remove dangerous fumes before they impact the health of occupants.

A fully integrated smoke evacuation system is the safest choice for commercial facilities with kitchens

The need for a fully integrated smoke evacuation system for buildings that have active kitchens cannot be overstated.  Smoke and fumes can spread from the kitchen to every level of a casino, hotel, or other commercial building in a flash.  This creates a significant hazard, since majority of fire-related fatalities are actually caused by breathing in the deadly fumes and gasses created by the fire, not by burns from the flames.  The smoke created by heated and burning materials from a building fire contains a deadly mixture of invisible chemicals and gasses including carbon monoxide and hydrogen cyanide. Breathing in these fumes can inflict catastrophic damage to lungs and the respiratory system of victims, making it difficult for them to get sufficient oxygen.  Blurred vision, confusion, and other unconsciousness can follow, leaving victims unable to get themselves to safety. Even when victims survive, the deleterious effects of these fumes and smoke can linger for years, damaging their health and harming their quality of life.

In order to safely contain and eliminate the smoke and fumes from a kitchen or other fire, casino and hospitality facilities need a smoke evacuation system that can utilize the full resources of their building management system. Advanced Control Corporation can install a building smoke evacuation system that seamlessly integrates with your building management system. In the case of a fire, your building smoke evacuation system will respond instantly, putting your building’s HVAC and ventilation system to work to confine and channel smoke away from occupied areas.

Once the smoke evacuation system detects the presence of smoke, it activates fans and dampers to control air pressure and channel the smoke away from occupied areas of your facility. Exhaust can be used to keep doors and dampers closed so that zone barriers remain intact. Fire partitions, fire barriers, fire doors, and other passive containment measures can be incorporated into your facility to further limit the spread of smoke in the case of a fire.

Protect the guests at your casino or hospitality facility with a complete building smoke evacuation system from Advanced Control Corporation. As the industry leader in building automation in South Florida for more than 25 years, Advanced Control has improved the safety, security, and energy efficiency of thousands of buildings by installing innovative building solutions that integrate lighting control, HVAC control, CCTV, access control, and energy management systems with smoke evacuation systems. Contact Advanced Control Corporation today at 954.491.6660 to discover the relief that comes from having a truly safe building environment!

Commercial Security Systems

Essential features that all commercial security systems should have

Does your commercial security system have what it takes to keep your facility and tenants safe? If you haven’t updated your system to incorporate the latest surveillance technology, the answer may be a resounding “No”! Commercial security systems are continually evolving, as cameras, computer systems, and security software are updated and improved. Criminals are updating their tools at a similar rate. That means that commercial security systems that were state of the art only a few short years ago may be so hopelessly outdated now that they practically invite criminals to take advantage. If you are wondering if the security measures in your commercial building need to be updated, the following checklist for commercial security systems will help you identify any problem areas that exist. 

Commercial Surveillance Systems

CCTV (closed circuit television) security systems are cost-effective solutions that allow even small commercial facilities to keep their tenants and premises safe. Once a network of CCTV cameras is in place, one guard can monitor an entire facility from a single location. The latest rechargeable wireless cameras can be placed in locations around facilities anywhere they are desired and synced through Wi-Fi, without having to worry about proximity to outlets or internet access. The most effective CCTV security systems for business utilize a variety of cameras to blanket the facility in protection. Available cameras include:

• Network (IP) Cameras – These cameras use internet protocol to transmit images and data over a high-speed Ethernet link, allowing users to view images in real-time from remote locations
• Fixed Position Cameras -Ideal for indoor and outdoor uses, these cameras can be mounted on walls or ceilings using telescopic mounts with adjustable swivel heads
• Pan/Tilt/Zoom Cameras – These versatile cameras virtually eliminate security system blind spots, as they allow users to adjust their positions remotely to view up-and-down, side-to-side, or zoom in for a closer look
• Thermal Imaging Cameras – Can capture footage in complete darkness and in all weather conditions by detecting temperature differences
• License Plate Capture Cameras – Keep track of vehicles in garages and parking lots optical character recognition allows these cameras to “read” the license plate numbers of vehicles

Commercial CCTV Recording Solutions

CCTV cameras work hand in hand with CCTV recording solutions that compile and save the images the cameras record.

• Digital Video Recorders (DVR) – Records video feed onto a disk drive or other memory medium in digital format, which can then be accessed remotely over the Internet
• Network Video Recorders (NVR) – Receives your facility’s video signals via your existing Network infrastructure, allows footage to be viewed on your integrated Workstation, or via the Web.
• Hybrid Video Recorders (HVR)– Provides full HD video output from the combined use of analog/IP cameras

Commercial Building Access Control SystemsAccess control is an essential part of commercial security systems.  Occupancy sensors, RFID scanners, and card readers are synced into building automation systems to provide an automated way to monitor, control, and restrict admission to the various areas within the facility. Your building access control system should be upgraded if it does not provide the following protections:

• Clear Audit Trail – Every attempted and accomplished opening of each door and area should be recorded, including the identity of individuals involved.
• Time and Day Restrictions – Owners should be able to monitor and restrict access to building areas according to specific designated times, days, and conditions.
• Security Risk Control – Owners should be able to terminate access rights of personnel at any time so security risks are eliminated as soon as they are identified.

Advanced Control Corporation can update your commercial security system or install a comprehensive security automation solution to ensure your facility and tenants are protected with the latest access control, CCTV digital video surveillance, and intrusion detection technology available. Since 1987, the security experts at Advanced Control Corporation have helped thousands of local building owners protect their facilities with customized commercial security automation solutions. Contact Advanced Control at 954-491-6660 to discover the peace of mind that comes from having one of our comprehensive commercial security systems protecting your premises and tenants from harm!