How to Streamline Tasks for KNX System Integration …

Correct design, a structured approach and well-organised project management are very important.

– KNX Association

KNX project design guidelines and planning for KNX installations and KNX smarthome installersAs stated in the official KNX Project Design Guidelines from the KNX Association, how you design, plan, structure and manage your KNX system installations are all important aspects to guarantee a successful outcome.

According to the recommendations from the KNX association, you need to have a reliable, systematic and streamlined approach — starting from the very first interaction you have with your customers during the initial design and planning of KNX systems — all the way through to programming KNX systems with ETS and providing all necessary documentation needed during the final handover at the completion of each project.

Do You Have a Structured and Streamlined Approach for Your KNX System Installations?

knx systems - BEMI

First, lets establish what ‘streamlining’ and ‘structuring’ is and why you need to streamline and structure the workflows, processes, tasks and activities needed for your KNX installations.

Streamlining or structuring activities is a process (or system) you can use to help simplify, organize and manage all work-related tasks and documentation for your KNX installations.

It is used by successful businesses and organizations (from all industries) all over the world to help improve productivity and profitability for everything they do — and to also make sure all aspects of an operation run as smoothly as possible.

Streamlining and structuring workflows, processes, tasks and activities require the usage of modernized techniques, technology and other possible approaches to produce a desired outcome.

How Will Streamlining and Structuring KNX Project Workflows Help?

An efficient and proven streamlined/structured process always results in fewer errors, less delays and higher profit margins for any type of project or business. And can be easily replicated and relied upon to produce similar results in the future.

Being able to streamline and structure all of the important tasks needed for any type of KNX system integration (whether big, small, commercial or residential) from start to finish is absolutely essential if you want to hand over a properly functioning KNX system to your customer which is on-time, on-budget, profitable and fully documented to protect your work.

 

How Effective and Cost-Efficient is Your Current Method for KNX Design and Planning?

KNX project management guide

If you are an experienced KNX installer/integrator, you probably already have a checklist of tasks or a set of processes you go through every time you start work on a new KNX project.

For example, you may use the same software, tools or steps each time when you:

  • contact a new potential customer

  • sell KNX to your customer

  • design and structure KNX systems

  • keep track of time and KNX products needed for a project

  • generate reports and documents

  • resolve customer issues

  • etc.

And you’ve likely come up with and established these processes based on your own idea of what works best for you and your business.

But are your current processes for your KNX installations as effective as they could be?

Are you using the latest strategies, technology and tools available to help you achieve better, faster and more profitable results for your KNX installations?

Inefficient workflows and processes can lead to much more than just poor results for one single KNX installation.

It ultimately leads to:

  • Continuously missing deadlines

  • Increased costs and time to get things done

  • Over budget

  • Unhappy customers

  • A bad reputation as a KNX installer

  • Reduced productivity

  • Reduced profit margins

  • More stress

  • Etc.

That’s why it’s so important to invest time into analyzing, improving, streamlining and structuring ‘how you do things’ if you want your KNX projects to run smoothly each and every time.

When you implement better design and planning processes for your KNX installations, you will undoubtedly see better results in the form of:

✔️ A proven, time-saving system you can replicate and rely on to produce high quality results and positive outcomes as expected.

✔️ Increased productivity and profitability for every KNX project.

✔️ Happier customers.

✔️ More positive reviews about your business.

✔️ More job referrals.

 

Try the only ALL-IN-ONE KNX Design and Planning Tool to Help You Streamline and Structure All Aspects of a KNX Project from Start-to-Finish.

 

The KNX Design and Planning Tool by BEMI is built specifically for the KNX industry and has proven to help KNX installers save time, money and effort with all stages of a KNX project — from the initial design, planning and development stages, through to programming KNX installations using ETS and final project reporting.

 

Design, Plan and Customize Personalized KNX Systems in Minutes with Drag and Drop

 

How to design KNX systems

The time efficient and easy-to-use drag & drop drawing board of the KNX Design and Planning Tool allows you to design a wide range of fully customized KNX systems in minutes for your customers.

You can create a diverse range of different types of Building structures for your KNX projects — then start adding individual devices to each room, area or space by simply dragging the device over to the drawing board.

Help Your Customers Visualize The Possibilities and Benefits of a Fully Customized KNX System

The Design and Planning tool provides a unique and professional way for you to inspire and motivate more customers (and building planners) to install KNX systems — by helping them visualize and understand how KNX technology will be best for them.

The KNX design and Planning Tool automatically generates easy-to-understand documents which contain detailed function descriptions (and images) of a KNX system — which explains how the system will work and benefit them.

This lets you produce detailed and visually appealing KNX proposals for your customers that will help you sell a more diverse range of projects as a KNX installer.

Get instant printouts which contain a full and comprehensive overview of the features, functionality, capabilities and limitations of their customized KNX system without any confusion.

KNX installtions ETS programming and debugging

 

Make Sure End-Users Know How to Use and Operate Their Personalized KNX System with Professional Labels

KNX label printer - KNX Tool

Have you ever experienced the following problem as a KNX system integrator when it comes to KNX push-buttons?

Someone has trouble using and controlling the functions or features of their KNX installation because they have forgotten (or do not understand) how to use the push-buttons correctly?

This typically requires additional work needed on your part just to keep the customer happy and can sometimes result with the customer being dissatisfied with your work — even though it was not your fault.

Now you can avoid any end-user confusion and disappointment with professional KNX labeling for push-buttons, switches, sockets, RCDs and more.

The convenient in-built labeling feature allows you to create professional looking labels for all switches, sockets, push-button sensors, RCDs, etc. which can include your company logo and a combination of symbols and text for easy identification by users.

Group address KNX ETS programming

 

 

Save Time, Money and Hassle with Instant Printouts of KNX Documentation Automatically Generated by the KNX Tool

 

KNX documentation tool - KNX design and planning

Now you can instantly produce a wide variety of professional documents for all KNX projects which can be used for project budgeting, product ordering, installation guides, etc.

No more out-dated, time consuming and amateur looking methods such as the use of excel spreadsheets or basic word documents. Now you can gain instant access to all KNX documentation needed for your KNX projects with a click of a button.

Instantly print easy-to-follow manuals (with images) which can be used for seamless KNX installations — and to show end-users how to control and manage all automated features and functions of their KNX system.

You can also create required documents for such things as E-reports and building inspections — as well as all necessary documentation and labeling needed for future adaptions and further additions to the KNX system.

These important KNX documents are automatically generated and updated by the KNX Design and Planning Tool when you are creating, setting up and customizing your projects.

 

 

 

Ensure Faster and More Reliable KNX Programming in ETS

KNX ETS group address

A well designed KNX Group Address structure with proper naming is essential for trouble-free programming and debugging when using ETS.

The specialized KNX Group Address feature gives you the ability to plan and design your entire KNX system — then have all KNX group addresses (with all relevant channel text, ID’s, Tags etc.) ready to be imported into ETS when its time for programming and commissioning your KNX system.

After device configuration has been customized and completed using the KNX Design and Planning Tool, all you need to do is simply download the KNX Group Address structure file that is created and updated automatically for you — then import the XML file into ETS for final programming.

Overview of How the KNX Design and Planning Tool Works

 

✅ EASY-TO-USE DRAG AND DROP DRAWING BOARD TO DESIGN KNX PROJECTS

✅ SPECIALIZED KNX GROUP ADDRESS FEATURE READY TO IMPORT DETAILS INTO ETS

✅ INSTANT REPORTING AND PRINT-OUTS OF ALL NECESSARY KNX DOCUMENTS

✅ COMPANY BRANDED LABELS FOR KNX PUSH-BUTTONS

✅ PLUS A WHOLE LOT MORE!

 

 

 

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KNX is internationally recognized as the worldwide STANDARD for all applications in smart home automation and building control — including lighting, blinds & shutters, security systems, heating, ventilation, air conditioning, monitoring, alarms, water control, energy management, smart metering, household appliances, audio/video and more.

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ganized.

What is a KNX Smart Home or Building: A Complete G …

 

KNX is the internationally recognized and worldwide standard for smart home automation and building control.

All About KNX Smart Home and Smart Building Automation

KNX is technology which controls the automation of integral functions of any residential, commercial or industrial building such as  HVAC, lighting systems, multimedia, security, energy management and more.

In this article you will learn everything you need to know about KNX technology, how KNX works and why you should definitely consider integrating KNX systems either in existing buildings or during construction for your next building project.

What is KNX?

In order to transfer control data to all building management components (or smart home devices/functions), a system is required that avoids the problem of having isolated devices speaking ‘different languages’.

KNX devices can manage lighting, blinds and shutters, HVAC, security systems, energy management, audio video, white goods, displays, remote control, etc

KNX is also the world’s only open standard for home and building control and is compliant to EN 50090, EN 13321-1 and ISO/ IEC 14543, and has been submitted for Australian standards approval.

Unlike proprietary protocols (which only the manufacturer supports), KNX is an open worldwide standard with over 300 different manufacturers producing products that all inter-work and operate together seamlessly.

KNX works by ensuring all components, devices, features and functions of any building (or outdoor space) communicate via one common language instantly and remotely.

How Does KNX Work?

The KNX bus line is the main central nervous system for all automatons. It is a green cable which is installed in addition to the conventional mains supply during a new build or renovation project.

All of the various building technology elements are then connected to one another vis the main KNX bus line in accordance with the KNX standard for building automation.

The cable system is then managed by such things as sensors, detectors, parameters, etc. — which can then be conveniently controlled by end users with a laptop, smart phone or tablet device.

The KNX bus is routed in parallel to the electrical power supply to all devices and systems on the network linking:

  • Sensors (e.g. push buttons, thermostats, anemometers, movement) gather information and send it on the bus as a data telegram.
  • Actuators (dimming units, heating valves, displays) receive data telegrams which are then converted into actions; and
    Controllers and other logic functions (room temperature controllers, shutter controllers and other)
  • System devices and components (e.g. line couplers, backbone couplers).

NOTE: Classifying devices as either “sensor” or “actuator” is actually outdated and simplistic.

Many actuators also include controller functionality, as well as sensor functionality (e.g. for measuring operating hours, number of switch cycles, current, electrical power consumption, and more).

Application software, cmobined with system topology and commissioning software, is loaded onto the devices via a system interface component.

Installed KNX systems can be accessed via LAN, point to point links, or phone networks for central or distributed control of the system via computers, tablets and touch screens, and smartphones.

Some of the key features of the architecture for KNX systems are:

  • Interworking and distributed application models for the building automation various tasks.
  • Schemes for configuration and management of resources on the network, and to permit the binding of parts of a distributed application in different nodes.
  • A communication system with a message protocol and models for the communication stack in each node (capable of hosting distributed applications (KNX Common Kernel).
  • Models for the realization of these elements when developing actual devices to be mounted and linked in an installation.

What Building Features/Functions/Devices/Appliances can KNX Control and Manage?

Around the home, KNX solutions make life simpler with reliable, intelligent and user-friendly automations that control and manage functions such as lights, blinds, HVAC, security systems, multimedia, smart devices and more.

In a commercial building, KNX helps optimize building operational efficiency by allowing for smart automation of integral building functions such as lights, blinds, HVAC, security systems, energy management and more.

Any product labeled with the official KNX trademark is based on conformity testing carried out by KNX accredited third party test labs.

During the testing stages for KNX compatible products, the device is checked that is able to support the KNX protocol and useful data is coded according to the global KNX standardized Data types.

 

How is KNX Energy Efficient and How will it Lower Energy Costs?

KNX systems for smart homes and commercial buildings not only offer better control and more convenience — KNX also simultaneously significantly reduces energy costs by constantly monitoring and adjusting operational settings for any device connected to the KNX bus.

KNX systems provide effective energy management through Peak Demand Monitoring, Current Detection, Network Monitoring, Load Shedding, Smart Metering, Energy Pulse Counting, Data Logging and Visualisation.

 

What Type of Buildings Can a KNX System Be Installed In?

KNX infrastructure and KNX smart building systems can be used in almost any building or outdoor space — from a small house to a large shopping mall or industrial complex.

  • Private homes
  • Residential accommodation (apartments, retirement homes, town houses, etc.)
  • Offices
  • Plazas
  • Schools
  • Casinos
  • Hospitals
  • Shopping Malls
  • Public buildings and outdoor spaces (government buildings, libraries, council land, etc).
  • Industrial plants and factories
  • + MORE.

Can KNX Systems be Retrofitted in Existing Building Structures and is KNX Technology Future-Proof?

The KNX system is a versatile smart-home (or smart-building) option and can be retrofitted or installed in existing building structures with relative ease.

The KNX system is also an expandable system with a future-proof standard. This means any KNX system can be expanded or reprogrammed with ease when upgrades to the system are needed or wanted.

Once a KNX system has been installed, the system then adapts to individual requirements whenever lifestyles, preferences or working conditions change.

KNX technology offers the perfect long-term solution for a variety of different residential, commercial and industrial building projects as the entire system can be easily modified as the technology quickly develops and new KNX compatible products are introduced into the marketplace.

 

What are the Main Benefits of Using KNX Technology Besides Energy Savings?

The KNX technology is the result of extensive knowledge and experience gained over the last 15 years with the predecessor technologies to KNX (i.e. the European Installation Bus (EIB), the European Home System (EHS) and BatiBUS).

Below are 10 main Benefits of using KNX systems for smart-home and smart-building automation.

1. KNX is the International Standard for smart home automation and building control — therefore future proof.

ISO/IEC Approved the KNX technology as the International Standard ISO/IEC 14543-3 in 2006.

CENELEC Approved the KNX technology as the European Standard EN 50090 in 2003.

CEN Approved the KNX technology as EN 13321-1 (as a mere reference to EN 50090) and EN1332-2 (KNXnet/IP) in 2006.

SAC Approved the KNX technology as the Chinese Standard GB/T 20965 in 2007.

ANSI/ASHRAE Approved the KNX technology as the US Standard ANSI/ASHRAE 135 in 2005.

2. KNX guarantees Interoperability & Interworking of products with official KNX product certification.

The KNX certification process ensures that different products of different manufacturers operate and communicate with each other seamlessly.

This ensures a high degree of flexibility in the extension and the modification of KNX installations.

KNX product compliance is checked at neutral laboratories (by third parties).

KNX is the only home-automation and building control standard running global certification schemes for products, training centres (vocational and private institutions) and for individual persons (electrical contractors, building designers).

3. KNX stands for high product quality.

The KNX Association requires a high level of production and quality control during all stages of a KNX product’s life.

Therefore all KNX manufacturing members have to show compliance to ISO 9001 before they even can apply for a KNX product certification.

Besides the manufacturer compliance to ISO 9001, KNX  products also have to comply with the requirements of the European as well as International standard for Home and Building Electronic Systems.

In any case of doubt, the KNX Association is entitled to have certified products re-tested or can require additional manufacturer test reports underlying the declaration of hardware conformity.

4. A unique manufacturer independent Engineering Tool Software ETS®.

The PC software tool ETS allows the planning, engineering and configuration of all KNX certified products.

The tool is manufacturer independent, meaning the system integrator is able to combine products of different manufacturers to one installation.

5. KNX can be used for all applications in smart home and building automation control.

KNX can be used for all possible functions / applications in home and building control ranging from lighting, shutter control to security, heating, ventilation, air conditioning, monitoring, alarming, water control, energy management, metering as well as household appliances, audio and lots more.

KNX improves comfort and security and contributes heavily to energy savings and climate protection (up to 50% for lighting control and the same amount for heating applications).

6. KNX can be used in a a variety of residential, commercial, industrial and outdoor settings.

KNX can also be used and integrated in both new and existing building structures.

KNX installations can therefore be easily extended and adapted to new needs/requirements, with minimal time and financial investment (e.g. when new tenants move into a commercial building).

KNX can be installed in both small-size single family houses as well as large buildings (office, hotel, conference centres, hospitals, schools, department stores, warehouses, airports, etc).

7. KNX supports a variety of different configuration modes.

KNX offers different step-in levels for the realization of KNX projects.

Via KNX E-Mode, non-KNX qualified electrical contractors are addressed.

Via S-Mode, KNX trained contractors/integrators are able to realize sophisticated installations.

The different modes are:

Easy installation (E-Mode): Configuration is done without the help of a PC but with a central controller, code wheels or push buttons. E-Mode compatible products normally have limited functionality and are intended for medium size installations.

System installation (S-Mode): Planning of the installation and configuration is done via a PC with the installed ETS Software, whereby the manufacturers’ product data is contained in the ETS database. S-mode is intended for KNX certified planners and contractors and for large size installations.

8. KNX supports several forms of communication media.

Each communication medium can be used in combination with one or more configuration modes.

This allows for each manufacturer to choose the right combination for the targeted market segment and application.

Twisted pair (KNX TP): KNX is transmitted across a separate bus cable, hierarchically structure in lines and areas.
Power Line (KNX PL): KNX is transmitted on the existing mains network.
Radio frequency (KNX RF): KNX is transmitted via radio signals. Devices can be uni- or bidirectional.
IP/Ethernet (KNXnet/IP): This widespread communication medium can be used in conjunction with the KNXnet/IP Specifications, which allow the tunnelling or routing of KNX frames encapsulated in IP frames.

9. KNX can be coupled with other systems.

Several KNX manufacturers offer gateways to other networks )i.e. to other building automation systems, telephone networks, multimedia networks, IP networks, etc).

KNX systems can be mapped to BACnet objects (as documented in the international standard ISO 16484-5) or offers the possibility to interface with the DALI technology.

10. KNX is independent from any hardware or software technology.

KNX can be realized on any microprocessor platform.

KNX can be implemented from scratch. However, for easy market entrance, KNX manufacturers can also take recourse to providers of KNX system components.

For certified KNX members, it is completely FREE of additional royalty fees.

 

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KNX is internationally recognized as the worldwide STANDARD for all applications in smart home automation and building control — including lighting, blinds & shutters, security systems, heating, ventilation, air conditioning, monitoring, alarms, water control, energy management, smart metering, household appliances, audio/video and more.

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