Question 1

Aquant

Accepted Answer

Helping Comfort Systems USA know what Comfort Systems USA knows

Question 2

Atlas/Convex

Accepted Answer

Easy-to-use software combined with powerful data to help commercial service businesses win

Convex utilizes data captured from municipalities, licensing processes and other data streams to create searchable profiles for buildings.  This allows sales persons to select criteria that applies to their sales efforts and identify potential candidates.

Pro's
Data driven search approach.  Variable data base query capabilities

Con's
Per user cost is expensive.  Data is only as accurate as the input from the data sources, primarily municipalities and local government sources

Utilization within CSUSA
Colonial Webb and MTech tested.  Region 3 implemented to test for an enterprise test.  Adoption has been minimal.  Any advanced features created additional costs and accuracy of data was suspect.

Advice
Can be an effective prospecting tool.  Will require dedication and management to utilize and achieve a return on the licensing investment.

Question 3

Zoom Info

Accepted Answer

"It's out business to grow your business."

Zoominfo utilizes multiple data sources to create building and contact information for prospecting.  Data comes from municipality, media, and social media to compile information.  While it does not create asset lists, it can be searched by basic building data to create target lists for sales prospecting.

Pro's
Relatively easy to use.  Database queries are user friendly.  Accuracy of persons and contact information are above average.

Con's
We do not have an enterprise agreement.  Also, none of the data is integrated into any of our estimating platforms or other sales systems.

Advice
An effective tool/platform for prospecting and reasonably cost effective.  Utilized by several of our operating companies.  Specific best practices can be obtained via your RSSVP.

Question 4

75F

Accepted Answer

THE WORLD’S MOST ADVANCED IOT-BASED BUILDING MANAGEMENT SYSTEM
We deliver unparalleled indoor air quality and industry-leading energy efficiency, right out of the box.

75F provides low code building monitoring and controls via the installation of smart controllers and thermastat's.  Operating companies that do not have a full blown controls department can still get into the smart building game by utilizing this platform.  While 75F does have the ability to provide advanced features, the target building is 50,000-250,000 sq/ft with older thermastat control and no building automation installed.

Pro's
Relatively easy and cost effective installation.  Will not require a controls specialist and central programming functions.  Installations do require knowledge and experience with bluetooth/WiFi experience.  Platform has the ability to also apply sensors for IAQ, system scheduling, and central  gateway communications.

Con's
Packaged systems are always easiest.  Split systems will require some additional install if advanced features are utilized i.e. filter monitoring, IAQ, economizer utilization, etc.  Claims of savings can be overstated.  While they say savings upwards of 50% are possible, documented third party monitoring indicates 20% is a more likely outcome.

Advice
Southwest has one system installed and is showing good results.  They have quotes out for other installations.  75F has approached Comfort Systems USA as an installation partner for some of their ESCO endeavors.  Overall, it appears to be a straightforward platform that can help get your operating company into the smart building business with out building out and entire controls department.

Question 5

Clockworks Analytics  (Formerly knows as KGS Systems)

Accepted Answer

AUTOMATED ANALYTICS. SMARTER FACILITIES.

Clockworks is a analytics platforms that captures the data from numerous building systems including BAS, WO systems and maintenance programs.  It uses that data to create profiles of operation that can benchmark other buildings and also provide predictive tendencies and observations.

Pro's
Multiple data streams provide holistic views of building operations and requirements.  Analytics are in-depth and vast.   Schneider Electric is the preferred platform for controls

Con's
Requires dedicated team to effectively use.  While CLOCKWORKS provides the analysis, a team has to be ready to receive the constant flow of data and act on the information appropriately.   Setup is also deemed 'easy', while the reality appears to be a little different.  One person commented that using CLOCKWORKS 'isn't for the faint of heart.'

Advice
A detailed and in-depth analytics platform that applies more to multi-site or campus types of building.  This is a building analysis, not just HVAC, controls or energy.  CLOCKWORKS is more likely suited for a building management department and less of a service and construction delivery model like our own.

Question 6

Answers Anywhere

Accepted Answer

Answers Anywhere provides a service the digitizes all of the manuals and knowledge based articles for an organization.  Once the initial effort is completed, they maintain and update/add/delete as required by the organization.

Pro's
Single source of truth for information.   Updates, additions and deletions are all maintained by the team at Answers Anywhere.  Information is delivered via and application interface.

Con's
Initial effort to obtain, sort and provide information for digitalization is significant, as is the initial cost.  Access to information is a per user fee.

Advice
While appealing, since we do not manufacture equipment, acquiring all of the manuals is tremendous effort.  We also have means of already capturing and accessing information via the FIX Support Center, XOi Technologies and Aquant.

Question 7

HVAC Buddy

Accepted Answer

A refrigerant charging and diagnosis application.  Available for IOS and Android devices.

Pro's
Inexpensive, one-time cost of $5.99.  Straightforward and easy to use.  Basically does the math for you when charging or trouble shooting refrigerant systems.

Con's
Doesn't provide any commentary on analysis so it won't help anyone learn.  Also, the application hasn't been updated in a year, so not sure how accurate the refrigerant list is at this time.

Advice
Ok tool.  Another application to use on your phone.  Probably more useful to residential technicians than to commercial technicians.

Comfort Systems USA

Service Resource Hub

Emergency Technologies

Aquant

Atlas/Convex

Zoom Info

75F

Clockworks Analytics (Formerly knows as KGS Systems)

Answers Anywhere

HVAC Buddy