SBA 485: BAS News Roundtable
Release Date: 03/06/2025
SBA 527: Beyond Alarms - How to Use Your BAS Data to Prevent Failures
The Smart Buildings Academy Podcast | Teaching You Building Automation, Systems Integration, and Information Technology
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...
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SBA 526: From Lead to Loyalty - The BAS Sales Cycle Explained
The Smart Buildings Academy Podcast | Teaching You Building Automation, Systems Integration, and Information Technology
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...
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SBA 525: Optimizing Operator Workflows - Daily BAS Tasks that Drive Facility Performance
The Smart Buildings Academy Podcast | Teaching You Building Automation, Systems Integration, and Information Technology
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...
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SBA 524: Commissioning Like a Pro - Field-Tested Strategies for Reliable BAS Startups
The Smart Buildings Academy Podcast | Teaching You Building Automation, Systems Integration, and Information Technology
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...
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SBA 523: Spec Smarts - What Every BAS Salesperson Should Know About Project Specs and Submittals
The Smart Buildings Academy Podcast | Teaching You Building Automation, Systems Integration, and Information Technology
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...
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SBA 522: Troubleshooting Common HVAC Control Failures
The Smart Buildings Academy Podcast | Teaching You Building Automation, Systems Integration, and Information Technology
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...
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SBA 521: Top 5 strategies to improve your facility operations today using building automation systems
The Smart Buildings Academy Podcast | Teaching You Building Automation, Systems Integration, and Information Technology
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...
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SBA 520: How to Line Out Your Electrical Subs
The Smart Buildings Academy Podcast | Teaching You Building Automation, Systems Integration, and Information Technology
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...
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SBA 519: How to Correctly Perform Point to Point Checkouts
The Smart Buildings Academy Podcast | Teaching You Building Automation, Systems Integration, and Information Technology
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...
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SBA 518: How to Create Career Plans to Grow and Retain Your Employees
The Smart Buildings Academy Podcast | Teaching You Building Automation, Systems Integration, and Information Technology
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...
info_outlineA Roundtable Discussion on the Future of Building Automation
In this episode of the Smart Buildings Academy Podcast, we’re shaking things up. Join Phil Zito and all of the instructors, Matt Scott, Joe Hulsey, and Michael Roper, for a lively roundtable discussion on some of the hottest topics in building automation today.
This episode isn’t just about theories and trends - it’s about how these changes will impact you, the building automation professional. Whether you're a contractor, engineer, or technician, understanding the evolving landscape of IAQ, predictive maintenance, AI, and IP controls can give you an edge.
But here’s the catch, we’re not just here to tell you what’s happening. We’re debating it, questioning it, and breaking it down so you can stay ahead.
Key Topics Covered:
- The real story behind indoor air quality solutions - what works, what doesn’t, and what’s just a sales gimmick.
- The future of predictive maintenance - is it really ready to replace reactive service calls?
- AI and automation in buildings - how close are we to a world where software writes the programs and robots handle HVAC maintenance?
- The shift to IP controls - what every tech needs to know to stay relevant as networks become the backbone of building automation.
- The workforce of the future - how today’s techs are learning differently and what companies must do to train and retain them.
This episode will challenge the way you think about the industry, and you might just walk away with insights that could change your approach to building automation.