Building System Design Gives You An Intelligent Structure

Posted on February 15, 2012 by BSD Solutions

You probably know that when a building goes up, many different designers and contractors have a finger in the pie. There’s plumbing. Heating and air conditioning. Security systems like closed circuit TV and access control. Electrical. Computer and Internet cabling. Each of these systems plays an important role in the day-to-day functioning of the structure.

And while each of these systems is effectively separate from the others in the building, the process of integrating them is what creates an intelligent building. One that provides a comfortable and safe environment for people who go inside each day. One that conserves key energy resources, like water and electricity. One that gives occupants control over their surroundings.

That’s what building system design is all about. It’s the process of building automation and systems integration, with the goal of giving you easy access to and control of every system in that building.

Imagine sitting in your office and without leaving your chair, raising and lowering temperature levels, adjusting lighting, repositioning the blinds on your windows, viewing security cameras, even checking on electrical outages.

Building system design lets you do all of those things. Even when the controls for different parts of the structure speak different languages or operate using different protocols. A good building systems design contractor knows the ins and outs of every control system on the market and will help optimize yours for the best possible results.

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Monitor and Control Systems With Building Automation

Posted on February 8, 2012 by BSD Solutions

Building automation or what’s known as a building automation system is often compared to a human’s central nervous system. And since the job of the central nervous system is to take information from every part of the body and to coordinate and integrate that during daily activities, it’s an apt comparison.

Buildings, large and small, include many systems that must be interwoven to keep the structure running efficiently, safely, and comfortably for the people who come inside every day and night. Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems. Alarms. Electrical systems. Closed-circuit television cameras. Lighting. Even plumbing.

So, while each system created for a structure is designed and optimized individually, there is often no move to ensure that all parts mesh together to produce an entire building that runs effectively, day after day.

That’s where building automation comes in. Specially designed devices are deployed throughout the structure to monitor and control electronic and mechanical systems and keep them working in concert.

And building automation goals like the following are accomplished:

(1) Holding the building climate within a specified temperature range.
(2) Providing lighting based on a given occupancy schedule.
(3) Constant monitoring of system performance, including device failures when they happen.
(4) Immediate notifications to engineering or maintenance staff, regarding critical problems within building systems.

Building automation gives building owners and managers constant feedback on the state of electronic and mechanical systems in the structure. That means more ways to save on operation and energy costs while still keeping everyone inside happy.

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Speaking the Same Language With Building System Integration

Posted on February 3, 2012 by BSD Solutions

Have you ever watched footage of what happens on the floor of a major stock exchange? Hundreds of traders are shouting out requests, buying, selling, and making deals. But to an outsider, the communication process seems ineffective. And it’s similar to what can happen when you have building systems using several different languages or protocols.

BACNet. LON. Modbus. N2. Building systems operate using the rules set down by these different data communication protocols. These rules cover requests within the system such as defining a fan operating system, sending a pump status alarm, or asking for the value of a temperature at any given time.

But if there’s no common connection, communication can be limited or even cut off all together. And when different building systems can’t talk to each other, the owners and managers won’t get the performance information and feedback needed to keep everything running at a high level.

Since you may not be able to choose which protocols are used by the components you select, you need a way to ensure that each system can communicate with the others, and provide data in a timely fashion. That’s why building system integration is so important.

Building system integration ensures that every system, from the largest to the smallest, connects and exchanges important data seamlessly. Starting on the very first day of operation.

So regardless of the different components you choose, there’s a building system integration solution that will keep the lines of communication open. And your structure running efficiently and effectively from top to bottom.

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Where to get Accredited in Manitoba

Posted on February 2, 2012 by BSD Solutions

Manitoba offers several postsecondary opportunities for students to study applied sciences and engineering technology. Accreditation is important because it ensures
that the academic program meets a national standard for the material taught within the program. It is important for students to ensure the program they matriculate to be fully accredited by a nationally recognized accreditation agency.

The following organizations are located in Manitoba and offer fully accredited programs within the applied science and engineering fields.

  • Assiniboine Community College
  • Manitoba Hydro
  • Red River College
  • University College of the North
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Working towards Accreditation

Posted on January 31, 2012 by BSD Solutions

Working towards Accreditation – National Accreditation – CCTC – Canadian Technology Accreditation Board (CTAB) – Benefits

National accreditation is conferred to higher education organizations provided they meet rigorous curriculum and programmatic standards set by the accrediting agency.
Agencies that undergo the accreditation process include postsecondary organizations such as private and public colleges, universities, and career and technical training
schools.

National accreditation is conducted by a third party entity, entirely separate from the educational institution. Organizations undergo the highly rigorous and intrusive
accreditation process periodically in order to keep their accreditation up to date. The process of includes curriculum review, interviews, data mining, and research done over a period of days and weeks.

Students interested in studying applied science and engineering technology should ensure that the program they matriculate to is fully accredited. While most schools are
accredited, it is not a requirement. Students that attend a program or school not fully accredited may end up earning a degree that is not valid.

Accreditation has many benefits for students and prospective employers. It ensures that the coursework meets a national standard in terms of content so that the student will have enough knowledge and skill to be competent on the job.

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Electrical and Electronics Engineering Technologists and Technicians

Posted on January 25, 2012 by BSD Solutions

Electrical and electronics technologists and technicians provide technical expertise and support services in the form of design, testing, operation and development
of electronic systems and equipment. These highly technical professionals work across various sectors including government, manufacturing, transportation, IT, and
telecommunications.

Technologists and technicians typically matriculate to postsecondary institutions to receive specific training. Most programs confer two-year degrees upon completion.
Programs vary slightly in rigor and scope. Common subject matter taught in courses includes:

Electrical codes and safety
Instrumentation
Computer systems
Quality control and testing
Electrical design

Individuals considering pursuing a career as an electrical/electronic technologist or technician should possess a natural aptitude for mathematics and science. They should
also enjoy analytical processes and problem solving.

Technologists and technicians typically work in an office environment, but also spend time out in the field in production facilities and plants. The job can be very hazardous due to exposure to electrical hazards. They commonly work normal office hours, but may work more during peak times or emergency situations.

Salaries vary greatly by region, years of experience, education and employer. Most employers require graduation from a accredited postsecondary training program
in engineering technology or a related field as well as certification by a provincial association. Many technicians start out working under the supervision of a technologist
before moving on to higher positions such as technologists and project managers.

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Who is BSD and What Do They Do?

Posted on January 23, 2012 by BSD Solutions

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Foreign Trained Architectural and Building Technicians and Technologists

Posted on January 18, 2012 by BSD Solutions

Canada does not regulate technician and technologist careers, but it is common practice by industry employers to require or prefer architectural and building technicians
to be certified. Full membership in a provincial association is required for foreign and domestically trained personnel to work under the following titles:

  • Certified Engineering Technologist
  • Applied Science Technologist
  • Professional Technologist
  • Certified Technician

This requirement can serve as a barrier to employment for foreign trained architecture and building technicians and technologists, but there is recourse for foreign trained
personnel to become certified.

The Canadian Technology Accreditation Board is the accrediting body responsible for scrutinizing postsecondary programs in the applied sciences and engineering. The
board is made up of industry professionals that represent various associations and societies related to applied science and engineering careers.

Foreign trained architectural and building technicians need to contact the Canadian Council of Technicians and Technologists (CCTT) for assistance in verifying and
evaluating their credentials.

The CCTT will assist in the assessment of the likelihood that the foreign trained professional’s training and postsecondary program meets the standards of rigor and
relevance to be accepted fully into a provincial association.

It is important to note that since non-regulated occupations such as those stated above it is ultimately up to the employer’s discretion on deciding if the applicant meets the standards for the job. As mentioned earlier, most employers require as a condition of employment that the professional be an eligible member in a relevant association or society.

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Interested in a career as a Certified Engineering Technologists

Posted on January 6, 2012 by BSD Solutions

Certified Engineering Technologists, also referred to as Applied Science Technicians are specialized engineering professionals that undergo rigorous training in applied sciences, mathematics, and engineering in order to solve problems, create systems, produce products, and improve designs across various sectors of the economy.

Certified Engineering Technologists (CETs)/Applied Science Technicians (ASTs) engage in complex work within specialty fields. Most CETs and ASTs must be certified in their area of specialization. Common areas of specialization include:

· Design
· Research & Development (R&D)
· Procurement
· Quality Control
· Process Improvement
· Operations
CETs and ASTs can find career opportunities in a variety of industries. While their training is specialized; their skills apply in industries such as telecommunications, aerospace, government, manufacturing, business, engineering, and information technology.

Core Job Functions

ASTs and CETs typically have a comprehensive knowledge base of the sector they work within. This allows them to correctly apply math, engineering, and scientific principles to the phases of a project they are responsible for. Some ASTs and CETs serve in a project management/consultative role, while others work more in the trenches performing specific functions. Some typical job duties include:

· Designing equipment
· Drafting technical documents and drawings
· Developing prototypes of systems or products
· Analyzing data
· Trouble shooting equipment
· Project management
· Training personnel

Certification

ASTs and CETs can apply for industry certification provided they have at least two years of applicable industry experience and meet specific academic benchmarks. Upon successful completion, the individual may register as a Certified Engineering Technician or Certified Applied Science Technician.

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What is a Certified Engineering/Applied Science Technologist?

Posted on December 23, 2011 by BSD Solutions

Certified engineering/applied science technologists are highly trained professionals that test, design, analyze, and problem-solve using an integrated toolkit of applied science and engineering skills. These technologists work across the spectrum of the economy from government, education, manufacturing, and telecom. Some common job functions of Certified Engineer Technologists and Applied Science Technologists include:

· Designing systems and equipment
· Preparing and interpreting technical documents and drawings
· Developing and beta-testing prototypes of systems or products

Career Preparation

A Certified Engineering Technologist (CET) or Applied Science Technologist (AST) undergo rigorous specialized academic training in order to learn how to apply engineering, applied science, and mathematical principles to the work environment. Individuals interested in becoming a CET or AST should have a propensity for technical material such as mathematics and science.

Academic courses preparing students for these two careers typically include:

· Differential equations
· Linear algebra
· Trigonometry
· Statistics
· Analytical geometry
Such high level mathematics requires sound mathematical fundamentals by the incoming student. Along with math courses, students undergo robust engineering and applied science academic training. Students learn in a lecture based environment augmented by real-world laboratory training.

Path to Certification

Those interested in pursuing a career as an AST or CET have three options:

· Graduate from an accredited CET or AST program
· Successfully passes certification exams of a provincial association
· Meet or exceed the academic standards enforced by the certifying organization

It should be noted that certification through any of these career paths can only be achieved provided the individual has two years of relevant experience. Upon successful completion of certification requirements, the CET or AST may register as a Certified Engineering Technologist or Certified Applied Technician.

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