KNX: Embracing change to assure the future
JFK’s words encouraged us to not stay in the past with the methods that we have always used; instead we should look to the future and the developments that can offer new opportunities.
Some people involved in the automation industry prefer to stay with the comfortable existence of what they know and what they are used to. In doing this they can miss the opportunities and excitement of new developments.
Many integrators and contractors embrace new technology for their customers; however, this can create challenges in needing to maintain familiarity of a variety of systems. As a new technology or product emerges, or an existing product platform is superseded by a supplier, those working with these systems are compelled to update their knowledge base.
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New developments are healthy for the industry. Without development we would stagnate and become lost in the void of the past. To the integrator operating his business, and the owner of the building where the automation is applied, maintaining ongoing familiarity with the system is an issue that must be addressed. The integrator/installer may decide to specialise on certain brands or platforms to benefit their business. If the technology becomes outdated then the business must reinvent itself with a new technology.
The European market recognised this dilemma as far back as 1990. After a great deal of discussion between manufacturers and industry groups, the concept of KNX was born. KNX became the common protocol agreed by industry associations and manufacturers to allow various disciplines to exist on the same communication platform. To ensure the system was solid and effectively future proof, KNX was defined as a European Norm Standard (EN) and then adopted as an International Standard (IEC).
Why was this important? The benefit that the International Standard provided was to ensure devices from different manufacturers and across multiple disciplines will operate seamlessly together. The standard also ensures that as technology develops on individual products, they will still always maintain the ability to exist on the same system.
Have we challenged JFK’s ideal that we should embrace change? Certainly not!
The philosophy of KNX and the International Standard allows for and encourages this change. Very few systems in the world can provide this benefit. Manufacturers are heartened by the fact they can develop products that will fit into an existing system and enhance an application without the need to reinvent a protocol or topology. This reduces the development cost and allows lower priced products into the market.
Integrators and installers can see the benefit that they are not bound to a single supplier and also restricted to the features of a product offered by that supplier. The lower cost of product development can mean the integrator has a more competitive bid through economic product costs. Finally, the consumer can benefit from the increased choice of various manufacturers and the final project cost.
And in the future? The standard ensures that ongoing changes to an installation are not troubled by a technology that is out of date. New products with additional features can be simply installed onto the existing system to allow a wealth of extra applications.
So back to JFK’s quote… The fundamentals of the KNX system ensures that everyone involved in the automation industry do not “miss the future.”
Ian Richardson
Chairman
KNX National Group Australia
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