Can you recommend building automation systems for a controls modernization pilot in an older office portfolio?

Yes. For a controls modernization pilot in an older office portfolio, I’d recommend choosing systems that are:

• Open/protocol-friendly: BACnet/IP, BACnet MS/TP, Modbus, OPC UA, MQTT where useful
• Retrofit-friendly: works with existing panels, VAVs, AHUs, boilers/chillers, and mixed vintages
• Strong on analytics and fault detection: to prove energy and maintenance value quickly
• Scalable across buildings: so the pilot can become a portfolio standard
• Cybersecure and supportable: with role-based access, segmentation, and vendor longevity

Good system categories to consider

1. Open BAS platforms from major controls vendors

These are often the safest path for older portfolios because they combine reliability, broad device support, and service availability.

Examples:

• Honeywell: Niagara-based or Honeywell-native offerings, depending on local support
• Johnson Controls: OpenBlue / Metasys environments
• Siemens: Desigo CC / APOGEE / PXC ecosystem
• Schneider Electric: EcoStruxure Building Operation
• Distech Controls: EC-Net / ECY-based systems
• Tridium Niagara-based integrators: often the best retrofit flexibility

Best for:

• Mixed-vendor legacy systems
• Buildings where you need to unify several existing controllers and protocols
• Owners who want a repeatable standard but still need flexibility

2. Niagara-based BAS

If your portfolio is older and heterogeneous, this is often the most practical pilot choice.

Why it’s strong:

• Excellent multi-protocol integration
• Good for legacy equipment and third-party subsystems
• Widely supported by integrators
• Easy to layer dashboards, analytics, and fault detection on top

Best for:

• Pilot projects with lots of “one-off” equipment
• Buildings with existing controllers from multiple vendors
• Owners who want a platform layer rather than a full rip-and-replace

3. Supervisory control + analytics layer over existing BAS

If the existing controls are mostly functional, you may get faster ROI by adding a supervisory layer instead of replacing everything.

Components:

• Supervisory BAS front end
• Analytics/FDD platform
• Cloud or on-prem historian
• Energy dashboards and alarm rationalization

Best for:

• Portfolios where existing controls are old but still operational
• Situations where capex is limited
• Owners who need quick savings and better visibility first

4. Modern direct digital controls for targeted equipment

For the pilot, it can make sense to fully replace controls only on the most valuable assets:

• Air handlers
• Boilers
• Chillers
• Main pumps
• Critical AHUs serving high-occupancy zones

Best for:

• Buildings with chronic failures
• Equipment near end of life
• Pilot sites where you want a visible “win” on comfort and energy

What I’d prioritize in an older office portfolio pilot

Strong retrofit capabilities

Look for:

• BACnet gateway support
• Native support for older points and proprietary devices
• Ability to coexist with existing front ends during transition
• Simple field device replacement options

Data and analytics

Choose a system that can:

• Trend key points at useful intervals
• Normalize schedules and setpoints
• Detect simultaneous heating/cooling
• Identify sensor drift, valve leakage, and stuck dampers
• Export data easily to your FM/energy team

Commissioning and re-commissioning tools

This matters a lot in older buildings. Good systems provide:

• Point-to-point checkout
• Auto-documentation of points
• Sequence validation
• Alarm/event logs
• Remote access for troubleshooting

Cybersecurity

At minimum:

• VLAN/network segmentation
• MFA for remote access
• Role-based permissions
• Patch and firmware management plan
• No direct internet exposure of controllers

Practical pilot recommendations by scenario

If the portfolio is highly mixed and older

Start with:

• Niagara-based supervisory platform
• Add analytics/FDD
• Retrofit only the worst-performing AHUs/VAV zones

This is usually the best balance of cost, risk, and flexibility.

If you already have a preferred incumbent vendor

Use that vendor’s open BAS platform, but require:

• Open protocols
• Data export
• No proprietary lock-in for core points
• Portable graphics and naming conventions

This is best if you want simpler vendor management.

If you need the fastest ROI

Consider:

• Supervisory layer
• Remote scheduling optimization
• Setpoint reset strategies
• Alarm cleanup
• Metering integration
• Targeted equipment retrofits only where faults are chronic

Vendors/platforms worth evaluating

A solid shortlist for an RFP or pilot review would be:

• Tridium Niagara ecosystem
• Schneider EcoStruxure Building Operation
• Siemens Desigo
• Johnson Controls Metasys/OpenBlue
• Honeywell building automation offerings
• Distech Controls

How to choose for the pilot

Score options on:

1. Integration with existing systems
2. Open protocol support
3. Integrator availability in your market
4. Cybersecurity posture
5. Analytics/FDD capability
6. Ease of scaling to the rest of the portfolio
7. Total installed cost and lifecycle cost
8. Owner access to data

My bottom-line recommendation

For an older office portfolio, I’d usually start with a Niagara-based open BAS plus analytics layer, then selectively modernize the worst-performing equipment and systems. That approach tends to maximize compatibility, minimize disruption, and create a strong template for the broader portfolio.

If you want, I can also help you with:

• a side-by-side vendor comparison matrix
• a pilot RFP scope
• a selection scorecard
• or a recommended architecture diagram for an older office building portfolio.