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A Few Words From FMC'S Brian Crafts and Joe Preble
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FMC Technologies, Inc. has responded to an increasing trend towards Building Automation and Building Security integration.
We realize that the operations of a facility are sometimes much easier to manage with a central system. Towards that end, FMC
is pleased to formally introduce our Security Division. This new division will focus primarily on Access Control and Closed
Circuit Video Systems. The Security Division will work closely with the Building Automation Division in order to provide a
comprehensive offering for our customers. FMC Technologies ultimate goal is to simplify building management by becoming
single provider of automation and security services.
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Why Security?
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Is your facility as safe as it could be? Whether it is external theft, internal
theft, or workplace violence, an Access Control System and a Closed Circuit Video
system is your first line of defense.
Building owners, property managers, and business owners all need to be proactive
in order to protect themselves against these threats:
Workplace Violence: It is estimated
that over 2 million people each year are the victims of workplace violence.
Internal Theft: More than 40% of internal
theft is done by an employee of the company. More than $50 billion is lost annually
due to white-collar crime and pilferage.
External Theft: Over 100,000 commercial
buildings are broken into every year.
According to a survey published by Pinkerton Consulting and Investigations,
workplace violence is viewed as the greatest security concern to businesses.
This leads to almost $40 billion annually in associated costs!
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Benefits of Access Control
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With an Access Control System, a company can manage who can enter a building
and which sensitive zones are accessible. Doors can be programmed to lock
and unlock at certain times, allowing for unrestricted access into a space. When an
employee is terminated, their card can immediately be deleted from the system,
preventing unauthorized future access. All types of transactions can be logged and
viewed on detailed daily reports. Access control systems can save companies money by
eliminating the expense of changing or re-keying existing locks. |
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Benefits of Closed Circuit Video
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With a Closed Circuit Video System, companies can better manage their facilities.
Live and archived video can be made accessible with remote viewing via a digital video
recorder. The ease of operation of these units will allow appropriate responses to be
made much quicker. Images can be stored for viewing at a later date if necessary or can
be used for evidence immediately. Depending on the size of the digital video recorders
hard drive, images can be stored for days or months. |
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Industry News...
Convergence
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Energy Update
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For years, direct digital control building automation
systems (BAS) have controlled heat, ventilating, air
conditioning, lighting and other building systems.
Typically, they have operated on their own independent
communications network (RS-485) and separate from
other low voltage building systems. This is rapidly
changing! Emerging standards are enabling data sharing
between all building systems as well as with other business
applications, improving efficiency and real-time control
over building operating costs. Currently, building
automation systems are beginning to utilize the existing
building IT network, particularly for its high speed peer to
peer communications between master controllers.
Facilities managers are driving the change by demanding
more-open systems. They're pushing BAS manufacturers
to transform today's closed technologies into Web-enabled
applications running over industry-standard IP networks.
Facility managers are more likely to work closely with their
IT department, as the management of the BAS
communication sometimes falls to them.
Open standards are still evolving and will someday offer plug and play communication between building systems
ranging from physical security to elevator controls. This
data will likely to be shared with other business
applications such as the accounting system, over the high
speed IT network. This will allow for more-efficient
buildings and integrated business systems for the building
owner/property manager.
The above information was summarized from an article by Robert L.
Mitchell of Computerworld. For a copy of the article, please email
info@fmc-technologies.com. |
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We are sure you are aware that as of March 1, 2005 the
standard offer from the major utility companies is no
longer available. Unless you have agreed to purchase
power from another supplier, you are most likely on a
default service rate. The default rate will fluctuate,
every three months, and is based on the open market
cost of energy to the utility company. We recommend
that everyone study their utility bills, review your options,
and make the best arrangements for purchasing
electricity for your situation.
Regardless of where you purchase electricity, remember
that the cheapest kWh is the one you do not have to buy.
That's where we can help. We are experts at using
technology to reduce energy usage while improving
the indoor environment in a facility.
KeySpan, National Grid (Massachusetts Electric) and
NStar are still offering great incentives for implementing
energy efficient technologies. FMC works closely
with these utilities to help our customer receive the best
incentives possible, which dramatically lower the
simple payback of their investment. |
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Thank you to all of you who took the time and completed our Customer Survey.
We appreciate your responses and your comments. The recipient of our drawing for a
$100 gift certificate went to Dave Osmond of Ralph S. Osmond Company. Thanks again to all!
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Spring Edition 2004
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FMC Technologies, Inc.
Suite 104 / 17 Bridge St
Billerica, MA 01821
Phone: 978-528-4630
Fax: 978-528-4634
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