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Aims and tasks of the BIG-EU
Promoting the development of the BACnet standard, enabling open data exchange and ensuring interoperability of different building automation components - these are the objectives of the BIG-EU. It is because systems that communicate with each other in a single language are far superior to isolated solutions, that we demand the prevalence of the BACnet standard in Europe. We represent European interests in the development of the norm and coordinate the European BACnet activities. Our tasks are:
Best practice
The BIG-EU promotes the spread of best practice solutions. Reference projects
are published in the BACnet Europe Journal and the Internet. Experts share
their experiences at the BACnet Forum, on joint stands at exhibitions, in
the Marketing and Technology Work Groups and at the members' General Meeting.
European Coordination
The BIG-EU coordinates the European BACnet activities and globally represents
the interests of the European members and countries in close co-operation
with the ASHRAE, BACnet International (BI) and all existing and prospective
BACnet Interest Groups. The co-operation prevents the emergence of a European
BACnet dialect.
Interoperability
Interoperability is the ability of different systems to work together. This
is usually achieved by conforming to common standards. By promoting compliance
with the BACnet standard, the BIG-EU promotes interoperability in building
automation. Annual BIG-EU plugfests are held to confirm interoperability of
devices from various manufacturers. The manufacturers meet in pairing and
plenary sessions. The BIG-EU plugfests are open to members and non-members.
Conformity
In Europe there is a growing demand for proof of a product's conformity. In
agreement with BACnet International, the BIG-EU has developed a procedure
for certifying conformance according to the BACnet standard ISO 16484-5. The
BIG-EU has developed an automated testing procedure. Manufacturers of successfully
tested products receive permission for their products to carry the BTL trade
mark and/or gain the BACnet Certificate that is granted by the European certification
body. The BIG-EU provides the listing of certified products. A PICS document
(Protocol Implementation Conformance Statement) obliges manufacturers to label
their products with information on the device profiles, the supported functions,
objects, and data link options.
Marketing
The market expects unbiased news about users, profitability and applications
of the BACnet protocol. The BIG-EU informs investors, planners and BACnet
users via the "BACnet Journals", which is issued in several European
editions, in Latin-America, China and Middle East. Press releases, the BACnet
Forum, exhibitions, institutional/joint booths and the BIG-EU homepage present
updates of the BACnet application in Europe. The BIG-EU coordinates European
and global marketing activities and represents members' interests in the market.
Guidelines
The BIG-EU is represented by two voting members in the permanent BACnet committee
SSPC 135 of ASHRAE that controls the requirements of the conformity tests
and the use of the BACnet trade mark.
Standardization
The BACnet protocol can always be extended. When developing the standard,
the BIG-EU respects the interests of its members. It represents European interests
in the SSPC 135 and informs members of the results.
Training
The use of the BACnet protocol presupposes specialist knowledge. The BIG-EU
cares for the BACnet Academy Europe and the training courses of the VDI-Wissensforum.
The trainings focus on fundamentals and methodology of planning, implementation
and operation.