In the current landscape of building automation, there is a crucial first decision to make for facility managers: opt for open or closed solutions.
Building automation is essential to create more efficient, sustainable, safe and comfortable spaces, while reducing costs and optimizing resource management.
The choice of solutions to implement directly impacts the efficiency, flexibility and long-term costs of smart buildings, whether industrial, office or service sector.
Differences between open and closed solutions
Open automation solutions are characterised by their compatibility with components from multiple manufacturers, offering greater freedom in choosing, expanding and modifying systems.
On the other hand, closed solutions are tied to a single manufacturer, which can limit future options but also provide smoother integration between components.
Energy efficiency: the cornerstone
Energy efficiency is a critical factor in building automation, being able to reduce consumption by up to 30%.
Both open and closed solutions offer tools to optimise energy use, but they differ in their approach:
Open solutions: allow the integration of the best energy-efficient components from different manufacturers, adapting to the specific needs of the building.
Closed solutions: offer pre-integrated systems that may be easier to implement, but could limit optimisation options.
Safety and comfort: non-negotiable priorities
The safety and comfort of occupants are fundamental aspects in any smart building.
Automation systems improve these aspects by mediating:
Intelligent integration of fire detection and alarm systems.
Precise control of ventilation, lighting and temperature.
Open solutions allow for more detailed customization of these systems, while closed solutions can offer more packaged integration, but with less flexibility.
Cost reduction: a long-term perspective
The choice between open and closed systems has significant cost implications:
Upfront costs: Closed solutions may have a lower initial cost due to their pre-integrated nature and policies to attract new customers who will be locked in some way for future expenses on extensions, replacements, repairs.
Long-term costs: Open solutions, although potentially more expensive up front, offer greater freedom for future upgrades and expansions, which can result in significant savings in the long term.
Information management: the power of data
The ability to collect, analyze and act on building data is crucial. Integrated information systems act as the “brain” of the building, integrating various subsystems.
- Open solutions: offer greater flexibility in integrating different data sources and analysis tools.
- Closed solutions: can provide a simpler experience, but potentially limited to manufacturer tools.
Future trends: towards greater integration
The future of building automation points towards greater integration with emerging technologies:
Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning: for behaviour prediction and automatic optimisation.
IoT and “Digital Twins”: for a complete virtual representation of the building.
These trends favour open solutions, which can be more easily adapted to new technologies.
EVSA Group’s role in the choice and implementation
EVSA Group, with its extensive experience in the industrial and tertiary sector, is ideally positioned to advise on the choice between open and closed solutions.
Our experience includes:
More than 1,200 projects completed in 7 countries since 1959.
Experience in demanding sectors such as the tertiary, industrial, automotive, chemical and pharmaceutical sectors.
Our approach is focused on improving competitiveness and productivity without compromising sustainability.
We are able to work with both models, offering advice based on extensive knowledge of the market and all existing solutions.
The importance of an informed decision
The choice between open and closed solutions is not trivial and depends on multiple factors specific to each project.
Open solutions offer greater flexibility and potential for future adaptation, while closed solutions can provide more immediate and potentially less complex integration.
At EVSA we understand that every project is unique. Our goal is to provide advice to make a decision that optimizes energy efficiency, improves safety and comfort, reduces long-term costs and prepares the building for the technologies of the future.
Building automation is more than just a trend; it is a necessity to stay competitive in an increasingly digitalized and energy-conscious world.
Whether you opt for an open or closed solution, EVSA Group will guide you every step of the way to a smarter, more efficient and future-proof building.
For more information about our building automation services and how we can help improve your organization's productivity, contact our technicians.
