19 min read
SBA 466: How to Find, Develop, and Retain Your Building Operators
Episode Description:
Episode 466 addresses one of the most pressing challenges in the building automation industry...
We at Smart Buildings Academy are committed to you becoming the best darn Smart Buildings professional you can be. Even if you never purchase a single training program from us! To help you achieve that we regularly release BAS minicourses, webinars, guides, and blog posts to help advance you in your building automation career.
Unlike traditional marketing fluff, these are full minicourses and intensive guides that will leave you educated on the material. These free building automation training programs come with a workbook that will guide you through the lessons.
Thanks for being here!
-Phil Zito, President and CEO, Smart Buildings Academy
In this course, you'll learn the fundamentals of building automation systems by gaining expertise in the supervisory layer and its core components. You'll become proficient in field controllers, learning how to control HVAC, power, lighting, and security systems with precision. Additionally, you'll acquire a deep understanding of the input and output layers, ensuring optimal integration and performance. Finally, you'll explore the server layer, discovering the essential features of servers and the distinctions between 4-tier and 3-tier controller architectures to elevate your technical expertise.
START THE COURSE
In this course, you'll gain a solid understanding of the essentials of HVAC systems. You will learn how to optimize Variable Air Volume (VAV) boxes and Fan Coil Units for efficient airflow and temperature control, navigate the complexities of air handlers and cooling systems, and understand the fundamentals of chilled and heating water systems. Additionally, you'll explore the intricacies of air-cooled and water-cooled chillers to ensure optimal cooling performance.
Start the course
In this course, you'll gain essential IT concepts crucial for BAS success. You'll learn about the role of computers and IT in managing building automation systems, including servers, network topologies, and security. Additionally, you'll navigate the functions of routers, switches, and firewalls, ensuring seamless BAS network connectivity. You'll also dive into computing devices, hardware, and IP addressing, equipping you with the knowledge to maintain efficient and secure BAS networks.
In this course, you'll gain expertise in the essential types of BAS documentation—manufacturer, project submittal, and O&M—to streamline project management and ensure reliable system records. You'll also learn to manage BAS overrides effectively, maintaining system integrity and operational efficiency. Additionally, you'll excel in alarm management, improving system responsiveness for quick issue resolution. Finally, you'll gain a comprehensive understanding of the key systems within a BAS, enabling you to optimize building operations from a central location.
Become A Better Manager
Learn the essentials of management in just 4 days (or less) with Smart Buildings Academy's Manager's Workshop. In this recorded series, we discuss what you need to know to become a better manager—trust us, you don't want to miss out!
This series is self-paced; here's the breakdown:
Session 1: Cashflow & Sales
Session 2: Team Structure & Role Tasking
Session 3: Forecasting & Backlog Management
Session 4: Talent Development & Management
.png?width=300&name=STRUCTURING%20YOUR%20BAS%20TEAM%20FOR%20SUCCESS%20(1).png)
.png?width=300&name=CONTROL%20ENGINEERING%20(1).png)
.png?width=300&name=BUILDING%20AUTOMATION%20CAREERS%20101%20(1).png)
In BAS Bootcamp you will find a list of videos that you can use to get up to speed on building automation.
