Specifying interoperability

The era of interoperable direct digital control (DDC) systems has begun, an d the future holds the promise of more full-featured and competitively pric ed offerings:This critical time for our industry is challenging for owners, consultants and suppliers. Standards are being set, new products are in de velopment and the industry is learning the advantages and disadvantages of this new technology. Consulting and specifying engineers are facing the cha llenge of determining what an owner needs from an interoperable system, and then writing a competitive specification to achieve those needs.