Episode Description: Join Phil Zito in Episode 460 of the Smart Buildings Academy Podcast as he continues the technician onboarding series, focusing on Building Automation System (BAS) input types. Following a general introduction to BAS, Phil delves into the specifics of input types, output types, and the various tiers of BAS architecture. This episode is essential for new technicians and those looking to deepen their understanding of how building automation systems monitor and control...

Episode Description: Dive into the intricacies of Building Automation System (BAS) operational structures with Phil Zito in Episode 459 of the Smart Buildings Academy Podcast. This episode is a crucial part of our ongoing business series focused on the management side of BAS, designed for P&L holders, business owners, and anyone involved in the operational aspect of building automation. Phil breaks down common team structures within the BAS industry, including construction, service, and...

Episode Description: In this foundational episode of the Smart Buildings Academy Podcast, Phil Zito launches a vital series dedicated to teaching building automation from the ground up, perfect for new entrants to the field. Episode 458 serves as the gateway, introducing the very basics of Building Automation Systems (BAS), the architecture of such systems, and the crucial components that make up a BAS. Through detailed explanations and visual aids, this episode aims to demystify the core...

Episode Description: Join Phil Zito in Episode 457 of the Smart Buildings Academy Podcast as he delves into the critical role of mentoring in developing Building Automation System (BAS) employees. This episode is a part of our ongoing series on BAS management, focusing on cultivating soft skills, understanding finance, and enhancing sales through mentoring. Phil, leveraging his extensive experience in mentoring and running a successful training business, offers a fresh perspective on...

Join Phil Zito in Episode 456 of the Smart Buildings Academy Podcast for an enlightening deep dive into T1L, an emerging Ethernet standard poised to revolutionize building automation systems. As we explore the technicalities and applications of T1L, this episode serves as a comprehensive guide for professionals eager to understand and implement this technology in their projects. From explaining the basics of T1L to discussing practical implementation steps, Phil provides valuable insights...

Explore the journey of BAS management and ownership with Phil Zito in Episode 455 of the Smart Buildings Academy Podcast. This episode kicks off a series focused on crucial skills for building automation leaders, spanning topics from financial acumen to operational prowess. Whether you're a manager, owner, or interested in comprehensive management practices, this series sheds light on navigating the building automation industry's complexities. Episode Highlights: Introduction to BAS...

Join Phil Zito in Episode 454 of the Smart Buildings Academy Podcast as we delve into the intricacies of Building Automation System (BAS) Project Management. Unlike traditional construction project management, BAS project management brings its own set of challenges and skills. This episode not only highlights the differences but also categorizes BAS project management into four distinct buckets: new construction under a subcontractor, new construction owner-direct, and retrofit owner-direct,...

Dive into the complexities of BACnet IP with Phil Zito in Episode 453 of the Smart Buildings Academy Podcast. This episode provides a thorough examination of BACnet IP, including BBMDS (BACnet Broadcast Management Devices), Bdts (BACnet Distribution Tables), and the use of Wireshark for network analysis. Designed for those with a foundational understanding of IT concepts, this session covers the essentials of BACnet IP communications, the functionality of virtual links, and practical insights...

Unravel the mysteries of IT for Building Automation Systems (BAS) with Phil Zito in Episode 452 of the Smart Buildings Academy Podcast. Geared towards the non-technical audience in the BAS field, this episode serves as a comprehensive guide, introducing key IT concepts essential for BAS professionals. Whether you're a building owner, MEP spec designer, salesperson, or operations manager, this episode aims to equip you with a foundational understanding of computers, RAM, storage, networking,...

Uncover the essentials of BACnet integration in Episode 451 of the Smart Buildings Academy Podcast with Phil Zito. This episode is an invaluable resource for professionals embarking on BACnet integration projects, offering a comprehensive overview of BACnet protocols, communication methodologies, and practical integration strategies. Whether you're tackling a retrofit or adding new components to your building automation system, Phil's expert insights will guide you through the complexities of...

In Episode 450 of the Smart Buildings Academy Podcast, Phil Zito dives deep into the process of conducting site audits for building automation systems. This episode is a comprehensive guide aimed at both professionals looking to retrofit existing systems and building owners seeking to upgrade their building automation systems. Phil emphasizes that this audit focuses on assessing the system rather than energy usage, aiming to gather critical information for making informed decisions about...

Dive into the world of Building Automation System (BAS) point objects with Phil Zito in Episode 449 of the Smart Buildings Academy Podcast. This episode is dedicated to demystifying BAS point objects, a fundamental concept for professionals in the building automation industry. Whether you're new to BAS or looking to refresh your knowledge, this episode provides valuable insights into different types of point objects, their applications, and how they interact within a BAS environment. Episode...

In Episode 448 of the Smart Buildings Academy Podcast as he delves into the essential strategies for developing self-sufficient technicians in the building automation industry. Discover a comprehensive framework designed to minimize repeat support calls by addressing common gaps in technician training and knowledge. Episode Highlights: Introduction to Self-Sufficiency: Phil outlines what it means to be a self-sufficient technician, emphasizing the ability to execute job roles efficiently,...

Episode Description: Dive into the intricacies of building automation programming with Phil Zito in Episode 447 of the Smart Buildings Academy Podcast. This technical episode takes a deep dive into the art and science of writing effective building automation programs, focusing on sequences of operations, design patterns, and translating complex sequences into graphical programming interfaces. Episode Highlights: Introduction to Building Automation Programming: Phil sets the stage for a...

Welcome back to the Smart Buildings Academy Podcast with your host, Phil Zito, in Episode 446. After a brief hiatus, Phil dives back into the world of smart buildings, sharing his recent experiences, insights from industry trade shows, and addressing the critical issue of workforce development in building automation. This episode takes listeners on a journey through the whirlwind of trade shows like AHR, Honeywell Momentum, Niagara Summit, and Controls-Con, offering firsthand observations on...

In this insightful episode of the Smart Buildings Academy podcast, Chief Talent Officer Rachel Zito sits down with the Academy's visionary founder and CEO, Phil Zito, for a deep dive into his entrepreneurial journey and the evolution of the Smart Buildings Academy (SBA). Episode Highlights: Kick off: The Journey Unveiled - Phil shares his motivations behind opening up about his journey and what he hopes listeners will gain from this episode. SBA History: From Concept to Reality -...

In this enlightening episode of the Smart Buildings Academy podcast, we were joined by Phil Zito, CEO of Smart Buildings Academy. Together, we explored the critical aspects of creating effective training programs in the building automation industry. Episode Highlights: Insider Insights: Phil shares his valuable experience and knowledge on developing impactful training programs. The Hidden Costs: Unveil the often unseen expenses involved in creating comprehensive training materials. Quality...

In this insightful episode of SBA 443, we dive deep into the intricacies of building and managing a Remote Operations Center (ROC) specifically designed for building automation teams. Our discussion is grounded in the practical experiences and successes of SBA in this field, offering listeners a blend of theoretical knowledge and real-world application. We begin by defining what a Remote Operations Center is and its significance in the realm of building automation. The episode highlights the...

🎧 Dive into the dynamic world of building automation with Phil Zito in our latest podcast episode "SBA 442: Ask Me Anything"! Phil, an acclaimed expert in the field, opens the floor to listeners, answering questions on a wide array of topics. Whether you're new to the industry or a seasoned professional, this episode is packed with valuable insights. In This Episode, You'll Discover: Sales Strategies: Uncover effective techniques to enhance your building automation sales. Project...

In episode SBA 441, we're joined by Derek Wright from D&L Controls, who offers an intimate look into the journey of his organization. From its humble beginnings to the present, and aspirations for the next two years, Derek gives listeners a roadmap of D&L's evolution. Hiring practices take center stage as he reveals what qualities stand out in potential candidates, followed by an engaging discussion on preserving company culture amidst rapid growth. The episode doesn't shy away from...

In this episode of SBA440, delve deep into the intricacies of talent management in the building automation industry. From understanding the profound impact of organizational culture to navigating the challenges of corporate-imposed pay constraints, we'll explore innovative strategies to reengage disengaged staff and dissect a real-world case study of ThermoTech Automation Solutions. Discover actionable insights to elevate employee engagement and retention in a rapidly evolving sector. Tune...

Dive into the world of energy management with Nathan Miller, the driving force behind UHAT's facility initiatives. In this episode, we journey through Nathan's personal career evolution and uncover valuable insights from his transition into the owner space. Discover how UHAT is setting facility standards, the synergy between IT and Building Automation Systems (BAS), and the thought process behind their preventative maintenance program.  With a keen eye on the future, Nathan also reveals his...

Are you frustrated with the revolving door of talent in the building automation sector? Ever trained an employee only to watch them be lured away by a competitor? If these scenarios sound familiar, our latest podcast episode is for you. Why Employee Retention Matters In the rapidly advancing world of building automation, maintaining a skilled and dedicated workforce isn't just an HR concern—it's a core business imperative. The cost of replacing a trained technician can range from 50% to...

Employee and leadership challenges are some of the most difficult issues business owners and managers face. Often times you advance in your career because of your skills in a specific area. Your team or business grows and now you have people. People are awesome, they bring life to a team and business. But they are also complicated. In this episode of the Smart Buildings Academy Podcast, our co-owner Rachel Zito and I discuss her efforts in leading our talent and culture initiatives at SBA.