Value lies in having the capacity to change and in deciding to do so in support of defined operating strategies. If networked software allows a company with multiple locations to gather energy usage data based on operating history and weather patterns, then make adjustments that reduce total corporate energy spending by two percent, that adds value. If networked software helps a company aggregate electric usage and demand patterns across many facilities, then negotiate more favorable utility rates and tariffs for the entire company, that adds value. If networked software helps a company refine environmental control practices for building comfort, then document gains in worker productivity and declines in absences, that adds value. Management and control strategy and process knowledge are more valuable than the physical processes they act upon.
Software is the critical tool that helps acquire knowledge and implement strategy.
Today, software contributes about 30 percent of the installed value of a building automation system. By 2010, it is expected to contribute 75 percent. The power of unified control strategy can be constrained by multiple network infrastructures. Multiple networks are accidents of evolution. They grew up side by side, at different times, with different technologies and different cost structures.