The Smart Buildings Academy Podcast | Teaching You Building Automation, Systems Integration, and Information Technology

SBA 505: 10 Things Building Operators Can Do Right Now To Optimize Their BAS

This episode is for building automation professionals ready to improve performance without waiting for a capital project. It focuses on direct, practical actions you can take to increase efficiency, reduce energy waste, and streamline operations using your current BAS tools. You'll walk away with a checklist of tasks that can be implemented immediately, helping you reduce noise in your system, sharpen team performance, and identify problems before they escalate. Key areas covered in this episode: Auditing your system to spot performance gaps Fine-tuning schedules and setpoints to reflect real usage Cleaning up point databases for better system response Using trends and alarms to find hidden inefficiencies Strengthening internal skills and vendor relationships Every building can run better. Start with these changes today.

SBA 504: What Every Manager Should Know in 2025

Facility managers are expected to do more than ever. Your role now includes managing complex systems, reducing risk, and making decisions that impact the entire organization. This episode outlines what you need to understand to stay effective and relevant. Building automation systems are evolving. They are no longer just tools for comfort control. They are critical assets for energy management, compliance, cybersecurity, and long-term planning. If your approach hasn't changed, it's time to catch up. Key topics in this episode: How building automation systems have become strategic assets   Common vulnerabilities that expose BAS to cybersecurity threats The growing use of cloud-based systems and what to evaluate before adoption Risks of vendor lock-in and how to maintain system flexibility Using analytics to support planning, upgrades, and performance tracking This episode is for professionals who want to lead building performance, not just maintain it.

SBA 503: From Reactive to Strategic Building the Future Ready Facilities Team

If you're tired of constant alarms, short-term fixes, and feeling like you're always behind, this episode is for you. This conversation focuses on helping building automation professionals step out of reactive mode and into a forward-thinking strategy that positions your facilities team as a critical part of business success. You’ll hear how teams can stop being viewed as a cost burden and start being seen as a strategic asset. This episode challenges how you approach maintenance, documentation, and performance. It offers a roadmap to help your team work smarter, reduce waste, and align with organizational outcomes. In this episode, we’ll explore: Why reactive maintenance drains time, money, and morale What separates strategic teams from reactive ones How data, analytics, and planning transform operations The impact of leadership on team performance What it takes to build a future-ready facilities team Listen now to learn what’s holding your team back and how to take the next step.

SBA 502: The Art & Science of BAS Estimating Part 2

Estimating in building automation is not just about pricing. It's about influencing how a project performs, how it's delivered, and whether it turns a profit. If you're involved in estimating, bidding, or scoping BAS work, this episode is built for you. Michael Roper expands on the fundamentals from a previous episode and takes a deeper look at how to approach estimating with accuracy and control. The focus is on precision, awareness, and building estimates that hold up in the field. In this episode, you'll explore: How strategic thinking affects estimating outcomes Where complexity hides in pricing and scope Why certain risks get missed during takeoff What separates accurate estimates from guesswork Which tools and internal knowledge help improve margin control If you’ve ever dealt with missed labor, vague specs, or post-award surprises, this episode helps you tighten up the process and build confidence in your numbers

SBA 501: How BAS Contractors Can Win Back Owners

Facility owners are not waiting anymore. Across healthcare, higher education, government, and critical infrastructure, a growing number are building internal teams to self-perform automation work. This shift is not driven by cost, but by frustration, urgency, and the need for consistent, reliable service. In this episode, you'll hear exactly why this trend is accelerating and what it means for your business. Owners are not trying to compete with contractors, but they no longer trust the current model to support their operations. If you're in the contracting or OEM space, this episode is a must-listen. Topics covered include: ·       The sharp rise in owner-led training and self-performance initiatives ·       How inconsistent technician assignments are damaging service relationships ·       Why vague service agreements are no longer acceptable to facility managers ·       The operational risks driving owners to bypass traditional contractors ·       A practical framework to rebuild trust and maintain long-term service relationships If you're ready to understand what owners really need and how to stay ahead of this shift, this episode will point you in the right direction.