FAQ

No, we do all our own work in house at our office in Ankeny, IA

Almost all quotes will be turned around within a day.

Large campuses may take 2-3 days.

For floor plans: We will require a drawing of the floor(s) for the project and we will need to know what template and package you’re wanting quoted

For 3d Equipment: We will require a PDF submittal of the unit showing both the exterior and interior of the unit. Detailed 3D CAD files (.STEP, .IGES, etc.) can also help result in a more detailed rendering.

For Graphic outsourcing: We will require control drawings and floor plan files or database backup with existing graphics

Once we have the project secured it is turned over to our project manager. The project lives in our project management software. All parties involved are included in the communication throughout the project.

We invoice once the project is awarded, payment is not due until the project is delivered or we have a payment schedule agreed to.

Symbol Libraries and 3D equipment are not delivered until payment has been received.

The acronyms BAS (Building Automation System) and BMS (Building Management System) are often used interchangeably, but they have subtle differences:

1. BAS (Building Automation System):
   • A BAS refers specifically to the control system that automates and controls various building systems, such as HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning), lighting, and sometimes security systems. It focuses on the automation of individual systems within a building to enhance energy efficiency, comfort, and system operation.
   • Typically, BAS is more focused on the technical side of controlling and monitoring mechanical and electrical systems.
2. BMS (Building Management System):
   • A BMS is a broader term that encompasses the monitoring, control, and management of a building’s entire infrastructure. This includes not only the automation of mechanical systems (like in BAS) but also energy management, fire safety, access control, and overall building performance monitoring.
   • A BMS often integrates multiple systems, providing an overview of the building’s entire operation, from energy use to security.

In summary, BAS focuses on the automation of specific building systems, while BMS is a more comprehensive system that manages and integrates multiple building functions, including those automated by BAS.

Whatever you have available works for us. We have the ability to update and use existing graphics, image files, pdfs of both architecture and mechanical layouts, Autocad and Revit files.

We generally set a standard with our customer after they have ordered their floor plan graphics so that it is consistent throughout their projects.  Our typical standard is 1280 x 720 pixels, but we can make this truly customizable, even going up to 4K.

Yes, we can provide as many layers as you need.  For example, if you were to order a floor plan with ductwork we provide a floorplan + ductwork combined image, a floor plan image, and a ductwork image. They all  have a transparent background so they can be easily overlaid in whatever platform you are using.

Yes, we will do our very best to match existing graphics so that you have a seamless project.

Yes, we can break it down into smaller areas as requested. Either we can determine these areas for you or your team can mark them up for the desired area.

Tridium

• Both AX and N4, ax license still valid but we’ve not got one in a long while

Schneider Ecostruxure

JCI Metasys/MUI

• SCT14/15/16

• Fully supported in tridium with module, works like default tridium libraries
• Fully supported in Ecostruxure, library built out with animations set up
• Assets can work in MUI but requires more work to get set up

• Fully supported in tridium with module, works like default tridium libraries
• Anything else that supports .svg however animations will need to be set up

• Database backup or .dbexport and what version it is
• Drawings or existing graphics for reference to create equipment
• Drawings to show where any floor units serve and are identifiable with naming in database

• Station backup or access to live station
• Drawings or existing graphics for reference to create equipment
• Drawings to show where any floor units serve and are identifiable with naming in database

• Database backup or access to live station
• Drawings or existing graphics for reference to create equipment
• Drawings to show where any floor units serve and are identifiable with naming in database

Can be as little as just backgrounds/assets or a ready to use set of graphics with all graphics points mapped in, floor plans zoned and mapped, and navigation all set up.

You can choose from existing styles/templates we have put together or we’ll work with you setting up a new standard style you want to use for your company

Vector graphics are a versatile and powerful way to display images on the web. Unlike raster images, which are made up of individual pixels, vector graphics are based on mathematical equations that define shapes, lines, and colors. This fundamental difference provides several advantages, especially in web design. You can learn more about vector graphics here.