Johnson Controls introduces its Panoptix solution, a new approach to building efficiency that makes it easier and more affordable for owners and operators of any size facility to achieve better building performance, the company says.

The Panoptix solution includes four key components: 

• An open technology platform that makes it easy to collect and manage data from disparate building systems and other data sources, such as meter and weather data.

• A suite of cloud-hosted building efficiency applications that work with any building management system, including Metasys® by Johnson Controls.

• On-line and by-phone Live Guide™ support, as well as on-site building and energy  services to help customers implement operational improvements and energy-savings measures.

• An online Panoptix connected community of peers and experts committed to sharing best practices, news and resources.

“Johnson Controls is known for innovations that improve energy efficiency, sustainability and asset performance,” said Dave Myers, president, Building Efficiency, Johnson Controls. “What’s exciting about Panoptix is how we can now deliver these outcomes. An intuitive user experience and a subscription-based business model mean that sophisticated building management is now as accessible to a single building owner as it is to managers of global property portfolios.”

Addressing Barriers to Smart Building Technology Implementation

According to the 2011 International Data Corporation (IDC) Energy Insights Smart Building Investment Survey, 64 percent of respondents including building management decision makers cite cost as the number one hurdle to implementing smart building technology. Panoptix addresses this by expanding on existing building management systems, as well as eliminating the need for large initial capital investment with a Software as a Service (SaaS) subscription offering. Customers can further manage their investment by configuring their system to focus on their most critical priorities, such as energy usage and equipment performance, by choosing only the applications they require.

In addition to cost barriers, the IDC Energy Insights study also revealed that skill-set gaps made it difficult for facility managers to install and use smart building technology.  Panoptix applications address this by presenting critical energy and performance information through an easy-to-use interface. The applications are built from advanced analytics and patented technology so customers benefit from the knowledge and experience of Johnson Controls Building Efficiency engineers. 

“While there is a growing urgency in making buildings more energy efficient, building owners continue to tell us that cost  and skill-set gaps are the key barriers to taking significant action,” said Myers.  “Panoptix addresses these barriers through the combination of new technology and proven expertise of Johnson Controls.”

The initial applications include: 

• Continuous Diagnostics Advisor: Detects abnormal energy consumption and identifies equipment faults

• Carbon and Energy Reporter: Tracks energy usage and carbon emissions across an enterprise

• Measurement and Verification Monitor:  Creates energy baseline models and tracks savings from energy efficiency projects

• Custom Analyzer: Provides flexible trend analysis to compare facilities, diagnose problems and report performance 

The Panoptix suite of applications will continue to expand, with both Johnson Controls and partner- developed applications.  A software developer’s kit will be available in 2012.  

Online Support and Service 

Panoptix offers Live GuideTM support to help managers optimize their use of the applications. Live Guide support is complemented by a portfolio of building and energy services from Johnson Controls to help customers implement the operational improvements and energy-savings measures identified with the Panoptix applications. Additionally, the Panoptix Connected Community provides online connections to subject matter experts, industry thought leaders and colleagues to share best practices, news and tips on achieving building efficiency.  

“Panoptix is a comprehensive approach to help customers achieve optimal building efficiency,” said Myers. “Today’s offerings are just the beginning of a new generation of solutions with a focus on accessibility, affordability and ease of use.”  

For more information: www.johnsoncontrols.com/panoptix