High Investments to Commission BAS Controls in Retail Facility Deters Potential End Users

When retail stores decide to integrate the basic systems in a building such as security, fire, and heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC), they prefer simple and easy-to-operate controllers that are both cost- and user-friendly. However, building automation system (BAS) controls are expensive and require high initial investments, making the task of convincing the retail facility manager or owner to invest a challenging one. Most of the potential benefits of BAS controls are ‘soft’ and therefore hard to quantify, such as greater productivity or more satisfied tenants due to more comfortable building environments. Hard costs such as savings in energy and labor as well as material and operating expenses are more tangible, but can only be realized much after the initial investment. The impact of this challenge is likely to be high in the short term but expected to decrease over the forecast period. This is due to the trend of building owners and managers getting replaced by real estate investment trusts and other financially strong corporate entities that realize the importance of investing in BAS controls to manage information optimally and achieve targets.

This Frost & Sullivan research service examines the potential of BAS controls in retail buildings in North America. As this is an emerging market, the study provides detailed information on the various types of retail buildings based on floor size and merchandise sold, which can help participants understand the particular needs of different retail building types. It also analyses the main challenges facing the market and the key factors anticipated to drive future growth.

Shift in Manufacturers’ Focus toward Better Customer Service with Long-term Support Capabilities Drives Market

Current trends in the North American BAS controls market for retail buildings indicate that manufacturers are focusing on improving their product portfolios, to provide complete solutions to their customers. Several companies have already started building up their solutions and services business to help customers enhance productivity and competitiveness by improving the overall retail building facility performance. Companies such as Honeywell and Johnson Controls are working on providing comprehensive solutions that meet all possible needs of retail chains through their retail based solution business that comprises a vast range of systems and services.

"Thus, as customers increasingly look for long-term relationships with manufacturers, companies’ ability to forge fluid relationships that can attach and detach from project to project as needed is becoming critical for survival," notes the analyst of this research service. In such a scenario, it is hardly surprising that manufacturers are fast revamping their system offerings to keep pace with continuous changes in technology and customer expectations.

Replacing Legacy Systems with Cutting-edge Technology is a Key Goal

Typically, the task of integrating and monitoring multiple parameters in a retail building such as HVAC, lighting and humidity is undertaken by the facility manager or qualified technicians. However, open interoperability in BAS controls can enable the retail facility manager or the owner to monitor all these parameters from virtually anywhere in the country using the Internet. Interoperability also empowers the owner to make adjustments as required in specific parameters deriving from environmental conditions such as humidity or temperature.

"However, the lack of awareness among end users about these options along with the method to realize them in their facilities could limit the growth potential of the BAS controls market for retail buildings," says the analyst. "Educating end users about these options and inducing them to shift from legacy systems to advanced technology remains a major goal for BAS controls manufacturers."