Answers to Frequently Asked Questions 

Which is better: BACnet or LON? 

The answer is specific to your application. LON is a powerful, device-oriented networking protocol while BACnet was built from the ground up as a Building Automation and Control protocol. In applications with many stand-alone dissimilar devices, LON is an effective way to monitor, control and analyze the information from these devices. In applications that require multi-building or campus coordination of sub-networks, BACnet may be your best solution. In all cases, OpenTech exists to help design professionals and building owners make these important, long-term decisions.

How can I interface my existing proprietary system to a new, open system? 

Your first step is to commit to an open protocol infrastructure. With this new platform as a basis, your options become many. You will be able to determine the economics of a wholesale change-out of your existing proprietary components versus implementing one of many open protocol interfaces to your existing proprietary system. Ultimately, your choices eliminate the need to remain locked into your existing proprietary system.

Are the new building control systems hard to learn? 

OpenTech is anxious to teach you as much as you are willing to learn. As an open systems provider, we treat knowledge the same as we treat technology: the more open, the better. Between the ease of use of the new systems and OpenTech’s training center—staffed with experienced control system experts—you will find open systems much more user-friendly.

Are open systems real? Can you really do that? 

Yes, we really can. Open systems have come a long way since their debut in the early 1990s. Today, OpenTech installs only open systems—whether they are required or not. We have found that they are more cost effective for the owner and the contractor, and subsequently provide the owner a trustworthy, future proof system. There is no longer any reason to install a proprietary control system in a new construction or retrofit project.