Claim OwnershipThe Smart Buildings Academy Podcast | Teaching You Building Automation, Systems Integration, and Information Technology
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Welcome to the Smart Buildings Academy Podcast, the world's largest podcast dedicated to the building automation industry!
Join our expert instructors every week as they break down the latest trends, technologies, and best practices in smart buildings. No matter your position in the industry and whether you're a beginner or expert, this podcast delivers the knowledge and strategies you need to learn and stay ahead in the industry.
With expert insights, special guest interviews, and real-world training, our episodes are designed to inform, educate, and empower. Many companies even use our podcast as a free training resource for their teams.
Subscribe now!
Visit us at www.smartbuildingsacademy.com to check out the numerous FREE training resources we offer.
Join our expert instructors every week as they break down the latest trends, technologies, and best practices in smart buildings. No matter your position in the industry and whether you're a beginner or expert, this podcast delivers the knowledge and strategies you need to learn and stay ahead in the industry.
With expert insights, special guest interviews, and real-world training, our episodes are designed to inform, educate, and empower. Many companies even use our podcast as a free training resource for their teams.
Subscribe now!
Visit us at www.smartbuildingsacademy.com to check out the numerous FREE training resources we offer.
533 Episodes
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BACnet over SC is starting to show up in specs, submittals, and IT conversations more often. If you touch BAS networks, this episode helps you understand what is changing and what stays the same, so you can walk into the next project with confidence. You'll hear why legacy BACnet/IP assumptions are colliding with modern IT expectations, how Secure Connect shifts communication patterns, and what that means for troubleshooting when things stop talking. It also puts clear boundaries around the difference between a true standard and vendor marketing language, so you can ask better questions before deployment. Topics Covered Why BACnet over SC was created, and what it fixes compared to BACnet/IP The security gaps in plain-text, unauthenticated BAS traffic How hubs change communication flow and discovery across routed networks Certificates, trust stores, and what technicians will need to manage Where BACnet over SC fits today and what tradeoffs to expect If you want to be ready for the next Division 25-driven job or the next IT security review, this is the one to queue up.
How solid is your MSTP wiring strategy? MSTP communication issues can derail even the most well-planned BAS projects. If you've ever chased phantom controller failures or been burned by wiring mistakes, this episode is built for you. This week, you'll learn how to build MSTP networks that are boringly reliable. Not flashy, but rock-solid. It's about clean installs, predictable behavior, and avoiding time-wasting troubleshooting in the field. Topics Covered Cable topology that works every time Choosing and terminating cables for consistent performance Field-proven troubleshooting steps to isolate MSTP issues When and how to use repeaters or resegment networks The top three MSTP wiring mistakes to avoid at all costs Start eliminating preventable MSTP failures from your BAS work.
IP addressing issues are one of the top causes of system downtime, failed discovery, and data loss in building automation systems. In this episode of the Smart Buildings Academy Podcast, we take a practical look at IP addressing; no IT jargon, just what you need to install, troubleshoot, and prevent costly mistakes in the field. Whether you're dealing with HVAC, lighting, or energy systems, your success depends on how well you understand IP fundamentals. Topics Covered The real reason your controllers may disappear after a reboot What subnets actually do and why they matter in BAS Common IP addressing pitfalls that waste hours on job sites How to spot and prevent duplicate IPs The importance of gateways in remote connectivity This episode is a must-listen if you're tired of chasing invisible controllers or unexplained network failures.
What's really causing your building automation issues? In episode 530, we dig deep into the fundamentals of electricity and how they impact everything from your BAS panels to your network communications. If you're only focusing on software, you're missing half the picture. Poor grounding, loose terminations, and undersized transformers; these silent failures lead to big problems. Understanding the electrical layer isn't optional. It's essential if you want to troubleshoot faster, extend equipment life, and keep your BAS running smoothly. Topics Covered Why a strong electrical foundation is critical to BAS performance Voltage, current, and resistance in real-world BAS circuits AC vs. DC power and how each behaves in controllers and sensors How grounding, transformers, and power supplies can make or break your system Avoiding common pitfalls when using multimeters and verifying outputs Get ahead of these issues before they take your system offline.
A single missed point in a BAS checkout can snowball into expensive callbacks, downtime, and frustrated clients. In this episode, you'll walk away with a deeper understanding of point-to-point checkout techniques and how they set the foundation for long-term system reliability and technician credibility. This one's for any tech who's ever faced tight timelines and tough handoffs and still wants to do it right. Topics Covered The true role of point-to-point checkouts in system reliability What gets missed when we rush or skip this step Why documentation is your most powerful troubleshooting tool The ripple effect of checkouts on callbacks and client trust Professional credibility built through consistency and detail When you do it right once, you don't have to redo it. Tune in and learn how to build better habits from the start.
The role of a BAS tech is changing. Are you ready? The future of building automation is not coming; it's already unfolding. With less manual intervention, more analytics, and tighter integration with IT, BAS professionals are facing a major shift. This episode explores how to stay ahead of that shift and what skills are becoming essential for tomorrow's success. Topics Covered Why smarter buildings are changing the role of the technician The growing importance of analytics and system visibility How to approach continuous learning in a shifting industry Key fundamentals that must be mastered now The critical IT knowledge every BAS professional should gain Tune in and start preparing for what's next.
You know the alerts. The flashing messages. The alarms that go off after the damage is already done. But what if you could see the failure before it becomes a crisis? In this week's episode, we explore how building operators and BAS professionals can move from reactive to proactive maintenance using the data already in their systems. It's not about more alarms, it's about better insight. Topics Covered Why traditional alarms fail to prevent equipment breakdowns How to spot failure patterns in BAS data before alarms go off Reading trends like a technician to catch hidden mechanical issues Turning raw data into actionable maintenance work orders Using BAS evidence to support preventative strategies Stop chasing failures. Start preventing them.
Selling to owners is different and more powerful. In episode 526 of the Smart Buildings Academy Podcast, we dive deep into the owner-direct BAS sales process, from targeting your ideal accounts to closing deals and supporting long-term relationships. This episode is for sales professionals ready to move beyond quoting and toward real consultative selling. If you're ready to increase margins, influence scope, and create lasting customer impact, this is your blueprint. Topics Covered Building a qualified owner-direct pipeline Identifying and equipping internal champions Navigating stakeholder complexity in facility teams Structuring first meetings for credibility and trust Following through post-sale to earn future work Master the process. Win more than just the project.
Daily decisions can make or break facility performance. In this episode of the Smart Buildings Academy Podcast, we take a deep dive into the BAS operator's role and how structured daily tasks create long-term gains in energy efficiency, equipment life, and tenant satisfaction. This isn't about chasing alarms or reacting to complaints. It's about creating a system of proactive habits that give you control over comfort, cost, and system longevity. Topics Covered Establishing consistent workflows to support BAS operations Prioritizing critical systems through alarm management Unlocking performance insights from schedule and trend log reviews Aligning BAS tasks with broader facility goals Leveraging BAS tools to streamline operator efficiency This episode is for those ready to stop firefighting and start optimizing.
Commissioning can make or break the success of your BAS projects. But it's more than just a checklist. This episode challenges how you approach commissioning, offering practical insight and proven tactics to ensure reliable startups every time. If you're dealing with rushed schedules, inconsistent installs, or unclear field communication, this episode is for you. Topics Covered The true role of commissioning in building automation A repeatable BAS startup workflow Field pitfalls that cost time and money Troubleshooting tactics that work in the real world Strategies that build long-term reliability Get the guidance you need to simplify your startups and boost system performance.
Spec Smarts: What Every BAS Salesperson Should Know If you're in BAS sales, your relationship with specifications and submittals can make or break your projects. Too often, opportunities are missed, or risks overlooked, simply because specs weren't fully understood or questioned. This episode helps you build that essential spec literacy. You'll learn how to approach project specs and submittals with clarity and confidence, so you can better support your customers, reduce risks, and win more work. Topics Covered How to decode and leverage Division 23, 25, and 26 specifications Navigating ambiguities and gray areas in project specs Building credible and accurate submittals Coordinating scope and responsibilities across trades Using specification knowledge as a competitive sales edge Don't quote blindly. Know the spec, win the project, and protect your margin.
When comfort complaints roll in, it's easy to assume mechanical failure. But the real culprit? Controls. In this episode, we walk through how to identify and fix the most common HVAC control failures, fast. If you're tasked with maintaining comfort and efficiency, you need a system to diagnose issues quickly and confidently. This episode gives you exactly that: a repeatable 30-minute troubleshooting process and real-world scenarios to sharpen your approach. Topics Covered A proven 30-minute HVAC troubleshooting framework How to spot sensor, actuator, and VAV box failures Diagnosing sequence and logic issues without being a programmer Common BAS network pitfalls and how to catch them Real-world examples of HVAC control problems in action Master the art of pinpointing control failures and reduce troubleshooting time without cutting corners.
Facility operations teams face growing pressure to improve performance and reduce costs. But too often, the building automation system is underutilized. In this episode, you'll explore how to turn your BAS into a strategic tool, not just for monitoring, but for elevating your entire operations program. Whether you're mid-fiscal year and trying to course-correct or you're looking to build stronger maintenance workflows, this episode breaks down real, actionable habits that can shift the trajectory of your facility's performance. Topics Covered Building a living inventory of your HVAC and control systems How to approach preventive maintenance with real impact Using work order systems for accountability and insight Setting up alarms, trends, and reports that matter Why cross-training across trades boosts operational agility These aren't silver bullets. They are foundational habits that drive sustainable success. Ready to rethink how you use your BAS?
Lining Out Electrical Subcontractors: Why It's Critical for BAS Success Ever had a BAS project go sideways due to wiring issues, unclear expectations, or finger-pointing between trades? Episode 520 of the Smart Buildings Academy Podcast is your guide to avoiding those problems. If you're responsible for delivering successful BAS installs, you'll want to understand the real cost of skipping the subcontractor line-out process. From scheduling and leading effective meetings to practical tools that help avoid miscommunication, this episode provides clarity on a process that often gets overlooked until it's too late. Topics Covered When and how to line out electrical subs for maximum project impact Key standards to communicate for wiring, labeling, and termination Documentation practices that can prevent disputes and rework Common pitfalls that derail BAS installs and how to sidestep them Real-world mistakes that cost thousands and the simple fixes This isn't about theory. It's about protecting your time, your budget, and your reputation.
Performing a point-to-point checkout may seem routine, but it's the difference between a reliable BAS and one that fails under pressure. In this week's episode of the Smart Buildings Academy Podcast, we dive into the real purpose behind point-to-point checkouts and why rushing through them can derail your entire project. If you're in the field or leading a team, you'll want to ensure these checkouts are done right, because your commissioning team is counting on you. Topics Covered Preparing the right tools and documentation before you ever touch a point Following a repeatable process for accuracy and consistency Preventing the most common errors field techs encounter Habits that lead to cleaner logs and better team coordination Pro tips for leveraging mobile tech and real-time communication Start tightening up your checkout game.
Struggling to retain your building automation talent? In this episode of the Smart Buildings Academy Podcast, we dive into how building automation companies can create effective career plans to improve retention, grow employee capabilities, and strengthen operational performance. Your people are your most valuable asset, but how often do you give them a clear, structured path forward? Most companies don't and the best talent leaves. This episode explores how you can change that. Topics Covered Building a career architecture that aligns with technical roles Creating a measurable competency matrix for skill development Structuring 12-24 month individual development plans Linking training, mentoring, and shadowing to business KPIs Aligning pay bands and promotions with skills, not politics Tune in to learn how to build a workforce strategy that supports your employees and your bottom line.
Rejected submittals delay projects, damage credibility, and create extra work for every stakeholder involved. This episode of the Smart Buildings Academy Podcast outlines how to build submittals that meet expectations from the start. Learn how to improve your documentation, streamline reviews, and strengthen relationships with engineers and owners. Topics Covered The role of submittals in BAS and HVAC projects Cost and impact of rejected submittals Common causes of rejection and how to avoid them Steps to create clear and compliant submittals Tools and communication strategies that support approvals Strengthen your process and submit with confidence.
PM programs aren't just about checking boxes—they're the backbone of operational efficiency, cost control, and asset longevity. In this latest episode, we explore the essential steps to building a preventative maintenance schedule that works. Whether you're starting from scratch or refining what you already have, this is your roadmap to reducing downtime and maximizing system performance. Topics Covered How to evaluate your facility's critical systems and equipment Building a task list aligned with OEM guidance and real-world conditions Choosing the right task frequency and balancing your annual workload Documentation, accountability, and leveraging digital tools like CMMS Common pitfalls to avoid that can derail even the best-laid plans Start building your PM strategy today—it's never too early to drive long-term results.
A strong network design isn't just a technical detail—it's the foundation for long-term performance, stability, and scalability in your BAS deployments. This week, we're diving deep into how to design BACnet over IP systems that avoid congestion, play well with IT networks, and remain easy to maintain years after installation. If you're tasked with designing or troubleshooting BAS networks, this episode is for you. Topics Covered Key concepts every BAS pro should know about BACnet/IP Structuring networks for performance and future scalability Common pitfalls with addressing, BBMDs, and subnetting Aligning with IT departments without compromising control The documentation practices that support long-term reliability If you're building smart systems that need to last, this episode is packed with the design insights that matter.
Are you justifying the cost of training or watching it drain from your bottom line? When budgets tighten, training is often the first to go. But for those leading in building automation, that is a costly mistake. Our latest episode explores how to make a compelling business case for training. From direct costs to hidden efficiency losses, you'll hear how to frame training as an investment with measurable ROI, not an overhead line item. Topics Covered: Why undertrained technicians lead to slippage, burnout, and rework How to calculate the payback period on training investments The true cost of travel and practical alternatives Aligning training with your project backlog for maximum impact How training directly influences efficiency and retention Make your workforce your competitive edge. This episode gives you the framework to start.
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