Johnson Controls' Metasys 14.1: Cutting-edge BAS

An upgrade to the Johnson Controls flagship building automation system (BAS), Metasys 14.1 offers a suite of new and enhanced features that answers the need for more comprehensive energy management.

The BAS, which combines HVAC, fire, security and lighting systems into one, seamless platform, allows facility managers, IT teams and decision makers to optimise operations, fortify cybersecurity, advance energy and emissions goals, boost productivity and strategically modernise facilities.

Building automation system

“Metasys is the pioneering-edge building automation system in the industry for many reasons. With 14.1, we’ve continued our innovation of the Metasys User Interface to focus on spaces and equipment with an emphasis on data visualisation that gives users a direct line of sight into energy management."

"The enhancements to BACnet Advanced Workstation, as well as expanded architectural flexibility, sets Metasys apart by meeting the global market demand for a regulatory-compliant BAS that delivers enhanced building management together with operational efficiency,” said Kaishi Zhang, Vice President of Global Product Management, Building Automation Systems and Controls at Johnson Controls.

Energy management capabilities

Metasys 14.1 significantly improves energy control abilities with a growth of the renowned Metasys UI

Metasys 14.1 significantly improves energy management capabilities with an expansion of the renowned Metasys User Interface (UI). Energy Dashboard and Reporting (EDR), which replaces Energy Essentials, visualises and contextualises energy usage as it relates to equipment and spaces.

EDR supports a broader range of energy types, including electricity, natural gas, steam and chilled and heated water, and makes it easier to track usage and consumption for actionable insights.  

Metasys UI enhancements

Additional Metasys UI enhancements include:

• Mean kinetic temperature (MKT) calculation and reporting to maintain optimal product quality and ensure compliance in temperature-sensitive environments
• Spaces Manager for Metasys UI allows users to adapt to changes with capability to easily add/edit/delete spaces via browser
• Electric demand monitoring (EDM), visible in Metasys UI, monitors and forecasts demand, helping execute contracts with electric companies

Advanced capabilities of Metasys

Ghelamco, an international real estate investor and developer responsible for The Wings, a triple-certified, state-of-the-art and first-of-its-kind modern office complex praised for its sustainable design and energy-neutral status, utilises Metasys. 

“Together with Johnson Controls and our contractor SPIE, we are enabling an excellent, vibrant and versatile working environment and enhanced wellbeing for our tenants at all times. Leveraging the advanced capabilities of Metasys, including its robust EDR functionality and built-in cybersecurity features, we are able to achieve this while reducing energy usage and keeping emissions to an absolute minimum,” said Tim Van de Voorde, Project Manager at Ghelamco. 

Performance on ADS systems

With system and architectural flexibility, Metasys 14.1 has grown deployment options to suit various active needs

With system and architectural flexibility, Metasys 14.1 has expanded deployment options to suit various operational needs. This version allows for both Microsoft and Linux operating systems to help process data quickly, improving performance on ADS systems with multiple users and giving users more visibility into the Linux OS. 

Metasys 14.1 is the first version to exclusively use Metasys UI, since the legacy Site Management Portal (SMP) has officially been discontinued. Legacy GGT and UGT graphics continue to function in Metasys UI. 

Enhancements of Metasys 14.1 

Metasys 14.1 has earned BACnet Advanced Operator Workstation (B-AWS), the highest level among BACnet operator workstation certifications. This enhancement provides: 

• Comprehensive system configuration and commissioning: Discover and integrate all BACnet devices while simplifying configuration and commissioning 
• Support for a wide range of BACnet objects: View and modify all standard BACnet properties in most general-purpose BACnet objects for comprehensive oversight. Electric demand monitoring (EDM), visible in Metasys UI, monitors and forecasts demand, helping execute contracts with electric companies
• Enhanced alarms and events management: View, manage and adjust BACnet alarms and events as well as access detailed summaries for proactive management
• Advanced scheduling and trending capabilities: Access complex scheduling and trending for precise control over building systems and in-depth analysis of performance over time
• Extensive device and network management: Manage devices and networks more comprehensively 

Like Metasys 14, this version harmonises capabilities with the Metasys engine at the server level. This allows users to seamlessly integrate devices over various IP protocols with the Metasys server, making expansion easier and more cost-effective.