New iPad app ready for prime time

Siemens’ versatile application connects users to APOGEE BAS control and monitoring functions via wireless network connectivity. The application directly interacts with BACnet/IP and Siemens APOGEE P2 field panels.

By By BD+C Staff | January 24, 2012

Siemens Building Technologies Division announced today the launch of its Facility Prime native Apple iOS application for the APOGEE Building Automation System (BAS). Through customized screens, Facility Prime enables fast, convenient, mobile interaction with a multitude of facility conditions.

Facility Prime goes beyond accessing data and provides two-way interaction between users and the building automation systems they manage. Siemens’ versatile application connects users to APOGEE BAS control and monitoring functions via wireless network connectivity. The application directly interacts with BACnet/IP and Siemens APOGEE P2 field panels.

Users can develop their own customized interface graphics using Facility Prime Editor or, if desired, have their local Siemens representative create a dynamic interface to suit their facility management needs. After accessing the network, users can view environmental conditions via this custom-tailored interface. Users can also connect to their facility’s BAS via the enterprise’s virtual private network if available. After proper access credentials are authenticated, users can command points and equipment. Commands made from Facility Prime are logged in the APOGEE Insight System Activity Log.

Facility Prime delivers a variety of convenient, but powerful facility systems management features to the dynamic iPad platform including:

The “Graphics” view, which allows Facility Prime users to monitor in real-time building environmental conditions and HVAC equipment;
A “Report” function that captures current conditions and either saves the GUI image as a file or embeds it in an email;
A patent-pending “Scan” function which opens a scanning feature employing Quick Response (QR) barcodes to trigger actions such as navigating to graphics;
A “List” view providing a quick, non-graphical status check of important data points with Green / Red color bar status;
A “Charts” function that provides key static or dynamic graphs for analysis of facility data, and
A “Tools” view providing Editor function users the ability to browse and command selected facility data objects.

Facility Prime becomes available in February. BD+C

After a century of service, use, and countless modifications which eroded the historical character of the building and grounds, the restoration brought the 200,000-sf building back to its former grandeur by restoring historical elements, preserving existing materials, and rehabilitating spaces for contemporary uses.

| Jan 12, 2012

Stellar earns construction industry's most prestigious safety award

Now widely accepted as the construction industry's standard measure of safety performance, the STEP awards were established in 1989 to evaluate and improve safety practices and recognize outstanding safety efforts.

| Jan 12, 2012

Building independence: New take on female power

Memoir explores historic engineering project, women's empowerment era.

| Jan 12, 2012

3M takes part in Better Buildings Challenge

As a partner in the challenge, 3M has committed to reduce energy use by 25% in 78 of its plants, encompassing nearly 38 million-sf of building space.

| Jan 11, 2012

DOE announces guide for 50% more energy efficient retail buildings

The 50% AEDG series provides a practical approach for designers and builders of retail stores, and other major commercial building types, to achieve 50% energy savings compared to the building energy code used in many parts of the nation.

| Jan 11, 2012

Mortenson starts construction of Rim Rock Wind Project

Renewable energy contractor to build 189-megawatt wind project in Sunburst, Mont.

| Jan 9, 2012

FGM Architects acquires SRBL Architects

The firm reviewed gaps in each of the markets and identified a need in the municipal market for stronger police facility design expertise as well as additional project management and design expertise for this market.

| Jan 9, 2012

Shawmut appoints Les Hiscoe COO and EVP

In his new role, Hiscoe will focus on developing the Company’s field services divisions; national business in retail, hospitality, gaming, and sports venues; Tri-State business in academic and healthcare; sales and marketing; and human resources