FAQ

General & Scope

1. What exactly is "Division 25"?

Division 25 (Integrated Automation) is the section of the master construction specification that governs Building Management Systems (BMS), controls, and network integration. While Division 23 handles mechanical equipment (HVAC) and Division 26 handles electrical, Division 25 is the "brain" that connects them. We specialize in producing the engineering drawings and specifications for this specific division to ensure systems actually talk to each other.

2. We already have a Mechanical Engineer. Why do we need a Division 25 specialist?

Mechanical engineers are experts in thermodynamics, pipe sizing, and load calculations. However, modern controls involve complex networking, IT security, and protocol integration (BACnet, Modbus, API). We bridge the gap between the mechanical design intent and the technical reality of control networks, preventing the common "scope gaps" that lead to change orders later.

3. Do you sell or install the control hardware?

No. SynergiON is a consulting and engineering firm, not a product vendor or installing contractor. We remain vendor-agnostic. Our role is to design the architecture and write the specifications so that any qualified controls contractor (Siemens, JCI, Distech, etc.) can bid accurately and execute the project without ambiguity.

4. Is your service only for new construction?

Not at all. A significant portion of our work involves deep energy retrofits and BAS upgrades. In existing buildings, we audit the legacy systems, define what can be reused versus what must be replaced, and create a clear migration path to minimize downtime during the upgrade.

Value & ROI

5. How does a Division 25 package save the project money?

The savings come from risk reduction. The most expensive problems in automation are "soft" costs: RFIs (Requests for Information), delay claims, and change orders due to missing scope (e.g., "I thought the electrical contractor was providing that gateway"). By defining every point, wire, and interface before tender, we drastically reduce these mid-project costs.

6. What do you mean by "Contractor-Executable" deliverables?

Many engineering specs are "performance-based," meaning they just say "System shall work." We go further. We provide specific I/O schedules, network topology diagrams, and detailed integration maps. When a contractor picks up our package, they don't just know what to achieve; they have the technical data to build the panel and pull the wire without guessing.

7. Can you help reduce the "Performance Gap" in energy models?

Yes. Buildings often use more energy than modeled because the control sequences (SOO) are never properly programmed or tuned. We write hard-coded, testable sequences that align with SB-10 and OBC requirements—including specific setpoints, deadbands, and reset strategies—so the building operates as efficiently as it was designed.

Technical & Integration

8. How do you handle BACnet integration and interoperability?

We treat BACnet as a strict standard, not a buzzword. Our specifications define the required "Interoperability Building Blocks" (BIBBs), object naming conventions, and device discovery rules. This ensures that a chiller from Vendor A and a thermostat from Vendor B actually communicate correctly without custom "black box" gateways.

9. Do you handle IT and cybersecurity for the BAS?

Yes. Modern OT (Operational Technology) lives on IP networks. We design the network architecture, including VLAN requirements, IP addressing schemes, and remote access security boundaries. We speak the language of the client’s IT department to ensure the BAS network is secure and approved by IT policy.

10. What is your approach to Third-Party integration (e.g., Lighting, VRF, Generators)?

We create an "Integration Responsibility Matrix." This document clearly defines who provides the gateway, who maps the points, and who verifies the data. We ensure that proprietary protocols (like VRF comms or generator Modbus maps) are translated into standard BACnet objects usable by the central BAS.

11. Do you produce the graphics for the front-end?

We do not create the final graphics (that is the contractor's job), but we define the standard for them. We specify how graphics should look, how navigation should work, and what data must be visualized, ensuring the facilities team gets a user-friendly interface rather than a cluttered screen.

Process & Commissioning

12. How does your work support the Commissioning Agent (CxA)?

We make the CxA’s life much easier. Because our Points Lists and Sequences of Operations are detailed and structured, the CxA can easily create functional test scripts. We essentially provide the "answer key" that the CxA uses to grade the contractor’s work, speeding up the functional testing phase.

13. At what stage of the project should we engage SynergiON?

Ideally, during the Design Development (DD) or early Construction Documents (CD) phase. Engaging us early allows us to catch coordination issues (e.g., "this valve doesn't fit the sequence") before the drawings are issued for tender. However, we can also be brought in post-tender to help scope a messy project.

14. Do you help with LEED or WELL certification?

Yes. Both certifications have heavy requirements for monitoring, metering, and thermal comfort control. We ensure the control system is designed with the necessary sensors and data trending capabilities to meet these credit requirements for documentation.

15. What areas do you serve?

We are based in Toronto, Ontario, and our primary focus is the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) and Southern Ontario. However, because our deliverables are digital engineering packages, we can and do consult on projects across Canada, provided we have access to the necessary mechanical and architectural documentation.