38 IT & communications Priva load shedding software now available in the UK Frequently, the maximum electrical peak consumption of a company determines the type of utility supply contract; preventing consumption peaks can result in considerable savings. Load shedding software from PRIVA Building Intelligence is the answer to ensuring electrical consumption remains within agreed limits - and it is now available in the UK. The load shedding control software, compatible with PRIVA’s Compri HX controllers, ensures that the expected peaks remain within limits. The synchronisation pulse of the energy supply company defines the measurement periods, while the control software records consumption during those measurement periods. Based on New mobile solutions for facilities managers FMgo! is a suite of userfriendlyfacilities management applications designed to run on mobile devices based on Microsoft Pocket PC and Windows Mobile operating systems. The new software, available exclusively from I2 Mobile Solutions, comprises asset tracking, appliance testing and condition surveying modules. The PC-based back-end of FMgo! is used by the manager to set up applications, for instance entering mobile operative identities and location data such as buildings/floors/rooms, which can be common to all of the modules. To speed data entry, bar codes can be applied to these properties. The software’s modular architecture agreed consumption levels and the recorded demand during the measurement periods (including any excess consumption), a calculation is made which will predict if a peak will occur. Following the user’s specification, the load shedding control software will decide what plant and equipment can be shut down without affecting operation. This is achieved through the use of sophisticated switching algorithms based on years of practical experience within a range of building types. Unavoidable peaks can be managed using self-generated electricity with the load shedding control software managing the back-up generators. provides an upgrade path for users and allows for rapid bespoke modification around the kernel. Once the applications have been completed on the host PC, they can be downloaded to the mobile device and deployed immediately. Field operatives can add, modify and delete locations on the fly. Data communications between the mobile device and the host can be instigated by the field operative via standard wired or wireless networking, GSM dial-up or GPRS. FM routines can be scheduled via FMgo!’s back-end to conform with the user’s safety/quality standards. Ian Quint, managing director of I2 Mobile Solutions, comments: “FMgo! is designed to be an entrylevel product that automates key tasks, reducing the time they take and increasing accuracy. Additionally, for organisations with more challenging FM requirements, I2 Mobile Solutions can build on this platform to deliver truly sophisticated custom solutions.” To complete the solution, the company also supplies associated hardware such as rugged hand-held computers and bar code label printers. Reader Reply No.: 85085 A fundamental principle when switching off plant and equipment is to ensure that processes, such as room temperature, experience minimum disruption. Constant monitoring can eliminate building performance degradation by reprioritizing the operation of plant and equipment. Furthermore, the load shedding control software can be fully integrated into a building management system via Compri HX controllers. Even when operating in a stand alone mode, the Compri HX controller can be programmed with the load shedding control software. The Compri HX is a modular controller with extensive equipment connections via inputs and outputs. In addition, universal connections allow the Compri HX to interface with other manufacturers’ building management systems employing open protocols such as BACnet, Modbus or M-bus. As a result, meter connection is easily achieved whether using networked bus connections or counting pulses via digital inputs. Compri HX functionality is enhanced with the introduction of the load shedding control software. For example, measurement data, alarms and other operational information are recorded in the controller and, with the addition of PRIVA TO History, permanently recorded; this is indispensable for energy monitoring. Such data can be accessed using standard internet or intranet networks. Caption: PRIVA load shedding software guards against costly power peaks. Reader Reply No.: 85132 LCC Support Service Managers have control in their hands The management and senior customer relations staff at [CC Support Services have the control of its business in the palm of their hands - quite literally. Effective in October, all fifteen senior personnel with client relations/service management have transferred all client business monitoring and management systems onto specially programmed hand held Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs). The development has major benefits for a multi-site contract because the client at each location can sign off the report on the PDA on site as it is completed. This eliminates the need to type up and post reports for signature. LCC Client Services Director Christine Wilson said: “This move is one of the most important service developments made by us in many years. It streamlines our business, strips paperwork out of the system and enables us to complete all Quality Analysis (QA) reports on site. We then download the information at the help desk each evening. Clients can see both indi- vidual site data and an overall picture each day on LCC’s client website. We previously carried four client files to each site. Now we have one PDA with everything stored on it - everyone wins.” The installation of the QA system on the PDA has reduced paperwork at LCC by 10,000 pieces a month across its two largest clients. Over a twelve month period the environmental benefit of this move is substantial. Reader Reply No.: 85064 www.practicalfm.co.uk
RR: 85080
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