Tracking Building Automation System (BAS/EMS) & Interval Data in Backpack on the Operations Page
About BAS & Interval Data
The operations page, if activated, can display point data from your building automation system (BAS/EMS) and interval data from your electric utility provider.
Building Automation System (BAS/EMS) Data
If selected during the contracting process, Backpack can connect to you BAS/EMS and bring point data right into the Backpack. Companies may elect to connect the Backpack to this data for two main reasons:
- Often Backpack can store more historical data than a typical BAS/EMS system allowing for more data to analyze when something goes wrong (or right!)
- The building would like to utilize the Backpack visualization tool to overlay BAS Data, weather data & interval data.
Want to know more or want to add BAS/EMS data to your Backpack? Reach out to your Customer Success Manager or email success@backpacknetworks.com
What is interval data?
Interval data is detailed electric consumption information about your building that is captured in intervals throughout the day/month and communicated from your utility provider to Backpack. These snapshots represent the total kWh consumption of an electric meter for that 15-minute time period.
All providers are different & the data can take many forms but, typically, providers have data every 15-minutes, 24 hours a day, seven days a week & provide the data in three ways: real time, end of day or end of month. Certain providers have limitations on the availability of this data. In some cases, the data is just not available at all.
The Interval Data tracker on the Operations page will only appear if a connection has been established to the utility provider.
Reach out to support@backpacknetworks.com if you have certain questions about your provider or want to learn more!
How does BAS/EMS & interval data get into Backpack?
The Backpack connects with the data provider via two ways:
- BAS/EMS Data - our gateway is connected the the network where the BAS runs & it sends the data to us. This is a READ ONLY connection, our device can't write/overwrite anything on your system. This gateway needs an network connection & a plug to function.
- Interval data comes to Backpack via an API connection with the utility provider.
What can BAS/EMS data be used for?
BAS/EMS Data can be used to analyze equipment data via the Backpack visualization tool to troubleshoot issues or review performance over a long period of time.
What can interval data be used for?
Interval data is a key piece of information that can be useful in helping to identify unusually high energy consumption before the utility bill arrives. Because the data is closer to real-time it can show an problem that can be corrected well before the bill arrives.
Is interval data useful if my building doesn't have a building automation system (BAS)?
Yes, interval data without BAS data provides a holistic view of the energy usage for the building. Abnormal highs/lows might be captured in interval data and can give teams the information they need to dig deeper and potentially avoid over consumption/over spend. Note: Without BAS data in Backpack, physical inspection of equipment & deeper analysis by the property team may be needed to confirm/identify a performance issue.