TAC Satchwell launches advanced BMS web server

Building controls specialist introduces fully scaleable web solutions for existing and new installations.

Ninety per cent of businesses believe there would be a better uptake of building management systems (BMS) if the technology was more user-friendly and cost effective, according to a survey carried out by TAC Satchwell.

The research showed that cost is proving a major barrier to many smaller businesses and organisations taking on building control technology, while the technology itself is perceived to be too specialised and inaccessible.

The survey was carried out as TAC Satchwell announced the introduction of the Xenta 555 embedded web server for its MicroNet and legacy Satchnet ranges that allows full scalability: Plugging the gap at the entry level of the building controls market by providing across the board web-browser access to MicroNet and Satchnet users, while also allowing full functionality for more complex applications.

TAC Satchwell's survey also revealed that 20 per cent of businesses believed there was not enough buy-in for building controls at a boardroom level.

Simon Ward from TAC Satchwell, said that this could change following the publication of the Government-commissioned Stern Report, which claims that global warming could cost the world economy $9trillion over the next 25 years.

Ward believes the product will allow small and medium sized businesses, as well as small-scale public sector construction projects, to make the most of the long-term cost savings that BMS can bring.

He said: "Building controls have arguably always been about economies of scale.

It makes perfect sense to use BMS on larger projects, where the cost of installing the technology can be offset quickly by substantial energy savings.

"The case is less obvious when dealing with smaller buildings.

Smaller organisations have neither had the financial clout nor the specialised skills to take building controls and facilities management seriously.

The Xenta 555 will help overcome these barriers by setting new standards of accessibility and presentation.

"Xenta 555 is a user-friendly web-based graphical interface.

It makes the information held in the BMS controllers, such as alarms, time schedules and metering data accessible via a browser, at any time and from anywhere.

It represents a major enhancement to the MicroNet system, which is one of the UK's leading building management systems for small and medium size installations.

Xenta 555 also provides an exciting upgrade path for TAC Satchwell's legacy Satchnet system." Xenta 555 is the second major product upgrade to MicroNet this year - following the launch in May of the MN50 Series of new controllers.

Ward added: "We have tailored the offering to smaller buildings, and to office managers who will want to make the most of a simplified, web-based front end for energy management.

This opens the door to reductions in utility bills for all businesses, not just those with large premises and hefty budgets.

"When it comes to saving energy, it is also vital to ensure that any schemes have the full support of everyone in the organisation.

The crucial long-term implications of saving energy are now becoming clearer than ever and now boardrooms throughout the UK should be sitting up and taking notice." Xenta 555 info:.

* The Xenta 555 server acts as a window to, and a presentation tool for the information held in the site controllers such as air and water temperatures, energy usage, status of boilers, pumps, fans and motors.

* Access is possible from any web browser for authorised users and is tailored to the individual user's needs.

* The Xenta 555 serves up standard or fully customised web pages which deliver the information in graphical form in real time with values updating dynamically.

* Alarms and incidents at the site are logged automatically and new ones can be emailed out.

* Xenta 555 benefits from exceptionally high levels of security.

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