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The working list of action items for GNU remotecontrol is posted in the TODO.txt file. This file is located in the /PATH-TO-YOUR-SVN/remotecontrol/doc/ directory. These action items are specific changes we decide to accomplish and release in future versions. Each action item is loaded as either a Bug or Task into our GNU Savannah section. The GNU remotecontrol Road Map is planned for and limited by the following boundaries.
The Future of GNU remotecontrol is a commitment to international standards and protocols for Information Technology to provide availability, relevance, transparency, and maintenance of the GNU remotecontrol framework. The BACnet XML Working Group is an excellent example of these attributes.
OEM’s now often have the feature of IP enablement. The benefits for OEM’s to add IP enablement to their thermostat device product offering far outweigh any hindrance from remaining a standalone device. Examples of these benefits include interoperability, furthered Energy Management strategies, and increased customer satisfaction from the new capability of remote access to their thermostat device.
AEM’s have added the feature of IP enablement in the past with limited success. This is mostly due to the dependency on another piece of proprietary technology to handle translation of some proprietary technology to the data network for the thermostat device. The proprietary aspect of the technology will often bottleneck the success of this technology. The success of the thermostat device as a complimentary good is well-proven. There are hundreds of different programmable thermostat devices for sale at both the local home supply stores and globally. Proper selection of any aftermarket product or service is critical to the success of the primary product being supplemented. A simple example of this scenario is selecting the different parts to enhance an engine for an automobile, or a boat, or a snow mobile, et cetera. Aftermarket Equipment Manufacturers must demonstrate they have in their offering the capability to not damage the existing primary product. Specifically, a heating and cooling system. There must also be solid proof their offering enhances system performance by adding additional feature or benefit combinations. Finally, their offering must be constructed to meet manufacturing directives, such as RoHS.
The outcome of your Cost Benefit Analysis will help you see your Return on Investment (ROI). This will probably be the bottom line to the success of GNU remotecontrol for you. Additionally, consider your Return on Assets (ROA) as you consider your cost and benefits.
The Retro Commission (RCx) of any facility, small or large, is best evaluated by.....is it worth it? Even Testing-Adjusting-Balancing a system is well worth the time and effort, to make sure your system is setup as suitable for your needs and wants. The answer to this ROI question mandates completing several different calculations to make this determination. The answer to this ROA question mandates defining how your investment is considered an asset.
New construction does not require as many calculations to understand costs, but often mandates different aspects to be evaluated and then calculated. Don’t forget to add in the costs and savings of Information Technology. This list includes system design, capital expenditures, and system operation. This is identified as IT Cost Transparency. Then, don’t forget to add in your End User costs and savings for training and system operation. This is identified as Human Resource Accounting.
Not every facility must have a complete set of calculations to know what you need to do for your Energy Management strategy. Consider simple advice on best practices offered by your qualified Decision Makers to help you select what is best for you. Regardless of what you choose for your Energy Management strategy, have a plan.....work the plan.....review and revise your plan, as appropriate.
The cost to implement GNU remotecontrol, in comparison with a lesser Energy Management strategy for any HVAC system, justifies the completion of a Cost Benefit Analysis to determine if GNU remotecontrol is appropriate for your circumstances. Most likely, it is.
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